Related Programs

Briggs

Pianists, instrumentalists, and singers are offered rich and varied opportunities to develop their musical skills through the Department of Music's Chamber Music Program, Piano Program, and Vocal Studies Program. These programs involve one-on-one coaching opportunities with program directors Svetlana Belsky and Patrice Michaels, respectively, as well as coaching and master class possibilities with members of the Department;s Ensembles-in-Residence ensembles and visiting guest artists.

Instrumentalists who wish to participate in Chamber Music should indicate their interest at the ensemble auditions at the beginning of the season. Musicians interested in participating in the Piano or Vocal Program should audition for the respective directors at the beginning of the season.

Chamber Music Program  •  The Spektral Quartet, Coaches and Coordinators

A wide-ranging and inclusive Chamber Music Program provides numerous performance opportunities for student musicians. Chamber music groups are set up at the beginning of the year, then guided in the selection of repertoire and coached regularly by Department staff member Svetlana Belsky. Periodic coaching opportunities with members of the Spektral Quartet and eighth blackbird are available as well.

Chamber music ensembles participate in quarterly Chamber Music Master Classes and perform on the Thursday Noontime Concert Series, or on the Chamber Music Showcase concerts that take place each year. Additional off-campus performance opportunities are also available, including regular events at Montgomery Place, a local retirement home.

All musicians interested in chamber music should sign up for an audition (i.e., either instrumental or piano) at the beginning of the academic year. Players are then assigned to chamber music groups with musicians of similar interests and abilities.
 

Piano Program  •  Svetlana Belsky, Director

Student pianists can enhance their musical skills and experience through master classes, quarterly Piano Showcase concerts, and numerous other opportunities offered by the Department’s Piano Program. Regular coaching sessions with Svetlana Belsky are available for pianists who are preparing performances of solo and/or chamber repertoire. Master classes with visiting guest artists or local professional pianists are offered several times a year. There are numerous concerts on and off campus, often focusing on a specific composer or period. 

Student pianists interested in taking advantage of coaching opportunities, playing in master classes, and performing in Department concerts must audition for the Piano Program in order to be included in these activities. Auditions are held at the beginning of the academic year. Coaching sign-ups are now online.

Piano Event Sign-Up Sheets:

Fall Quarter:

  • Friday, October 19, 3:30 pm, Fulton Hall
    Piano Masterclass with Francois Chaplin
  • Thursday, October 25, 12:15 pm, Fulton Hall
    Piano Showcase for New Students
  • Sunday, October 28, 3:00 pm
    Montgomery Place Showcase
  • Thursday, November 15, 12:15 pm, Fulton Hall
    Piano Showcase for Returning Students
  • Saturday, December 1, 4:00 pm, Fulton Hall
    Piano Masterclass with Jura Margulis

Winter Quarter:

  • Sunday, January 27, 3:00 pm
    Montgomery Place Showcase
  • Saturday, February 2, 4:00 pm, Fulton Hall
    Sebastian Huydts Masterclass
  • Thursday, February 21, 12:50 pm, Fulton Hall
    Piano Showcase
  • Saturday, February 23, 4:00 pm
    Well-Tempered Clavier Workshop with Jory Vinikour
  • Saturday, March 2, 3:00 pm
    Bach Project, Well-Tempered Clavier Book II (audio)

Spring Quarter:

Highlights of 2011-2012

 

Vocal Studies Program  •  Patrice Michaels, Director

In addition to the three choral ensembles sponsored by the Department of Music, the new Vocal Studies Program provides additional opportunities for singers’ involvement and musical growth. Under the direction of Patrice Michaels, this program encompasses both individual and group coaching opportunities as well as master classes and workshops on the singers’ art. Participants have the opportunity to perform on Thursday noontime concerts, on Vocal Music Showcase concerts, and in a variety of special programs on campus and in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Special projects may focus on a particular theme, a particular composer, or a particular genre or historical period. Singers also have the chance to work with instrumentalists involved in the Chamber Music Program or Piano Program, and to collaborate with Department composers on new works.

Spring 2013 Vocal Studies Program Events:

Sunday, April 14, 8pm  Fulton Hall

“Making A Scene: Opera, Operetta & Musical Theater for Small Ensembles”

Duets, trios and quartets from composers ranging Monteverdi to Bernstein, and shows Dido and Aeneas to Into the Woods, featuring University of Chicago students in lightly staged scenes with piano accompaniment.  Singing witches, cats, sailors, kings and birdcatchers--and lovers, of course.

No admission charge

Friday, April 26, 12:30 – 2:30pm  Fulton Hall


Vocal Master Class, Elizabeth Buccheri, pianist/coach

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s long-time assistant conductor, and founder of the Collaborative Piano program at Northwestern University, Ms. Buccheri will lead a master class with University students performing arias and songs.

No admission charge

Thursday, May 2, 12:15 pm  Fulton Hall

Vocal Showcase – Noontime Concert Series

Songs and arias from diverse genres featuring University of Chicago singers.

No admission charge

Thursday, May 9, 12:15pm  Fulton Hall

“unaccompanied.” - Noontime Concert Series

Celebrated recording artist and Director of Vocal Studies Patrice Michaels presents a dramatic concert of unaccompanied song by Robert Carl, Naji Hakim, Laurie Altman and others.

No admission charge