The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) for Collaborative Pianist is a continuing education program aimed at pianists interested in consolidating and developing professional skills in the key areas of collaborative practice: accompanying instrumental classes, performing as an orchestral pianist, and engaging in chamber music, particularly in duo formations (piano and another instrument). The course is designed to provide specialized training tailored to the needs of various educational and performance settings.
Application Deadline: July 31
Entrance Exams: September 27–28, 2025
This module focuses on the analysis and performance of orchestral reductions for piano of major solo concertos across different instrumental families, with particular attention to repertoire frequently required in orchestral auditions. The course also includes training in orchestral score reduction techniques, acquiring specific skills in reading and adapting orchestral parts for piano, and knowledge of traditional cuts commonly used in professional settings.
This module provides specific training in the orchestral repertoire for piano and celesta through the study, understanding, and performance of the most significant and frequently requested orchestral excerpts. Special emphasis is placed on the pianist's role within the orchestral context, with in-depth exploration of instrumentation, score writing, and the dynamics of interaction between sections. The course also includes basic principles of conducting, aimed at developing greater interpretative awareness and more effective collaboration with conductors and fellow musicians.
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of piano collaboration within duo sonatas, with a focus on sound balance between instruments. The course analyzes the timbral characteristics, textures, and specific techniques of each instrumental partner, aiming to develop musical awareness that supports effective and artistically coherent interaction. Training includes the study of attack techniques, phrasing, and musical breathing—essential elements for building an authentic and functional interpretative dialogue. A key objective is to elevate the role of the collaborative pianist, strengthening their professional identity within both academic training and performance practice.
The course lasts 1 year (2 semesters), running from October to June. It is structured into 8 sessions, generally held on Sundays and Monday mornings (see calendar below).
Each student is entitled to 20 hours per year with the main subject teachers; this includes 4 hours of internship as an accompanist in selected CSI classes under the supervision of the CAS course advisor for the specific class.
Breakdown of hours:
The 4-hour internship is included within these hours.
Students are also required to attend the seminar Introduction to the Orchestra, The Conductor’s Gestures, and participate as accompanists in the Mock Audition I seminar, according to arrangements made in the first semester.
The course awards a total of 20 ECTS credits, distributed as follows:
Standard repertoire for orchestral auditions: 6 ECTS
*These last two components take place in the second semester, after introductory sessions and preparation of the agreed repertoire. These experiences are designed to assess acquired skills and strengthen flexibility, responsiveness, and musical intuition. The supervised internship as a class accompanist provides a valuable lifelong learning opportunity, thanks to the artistic and pedagogical expertise of the faculty members involved.
A complete list of all repertoire to be covered will be provided at the beginning of the course. Instrumental partners will also be arranged for a substantial portion of the lessons, in case the piano student does not have a regular collaborator.
The examination will consist of a performance of a program lasting approximately 30 minutes, including movements from classical concertos and sonatas. The repertoire will be selected by the examination panel from a list of pieces previously agreed upon with the student.
The programme costs CHF 5’000, which correspond to the following fees:
To be admitted to the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) for Collaborative Pianist, applicants must:
The entrance exam will take place in person in Lugano on September 27–28, 2025 (upon invitation). The exam includes:
The payment of the admission exam fee, amounting to CHF 100.– (plus transaction costs), can be made in one of the following ways:
Online payment by credit card or PayPal account through the registration portal;
Payment via bank transfer. Once the payment has been made, a copy of the payment receipt must be uploaded to the registration portal. The necessary details for making a bank transfer can be found on the Fees and Payments page, in the section “Payment Instructions.”
1) Admission procedure - by July 31
1) Copy of ID or passport;
2) Copy of study qualifications;
3) Curriculum vitae;
4) Motivation letter;
Late applications can only be exceptionally accepted if places are available. Incomplete dossiers will not be taken into consideration. The University of Music may ask for further documents (e.g. translations or certificates), should it find any of the documents in the application dossier to be lacking in clarity or comprehensibility, with particular attention to the diplomas.
Access to the applications portal is possible in one of the following ways:
2) Enrolment
Candidates who successfully pass the admission exam will receive a letter of admission and a registration confirmation form by email. This form must be signed and returned both by email (to servizi.accademici@conservatorio.ch) and by post to the Segreteria didattica as instructed in the letter of admission.
Once the letter of confirmation of enrolment has been signed, the candidate is officially enrolled at the University of Music of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana for the first semester. Withdrawal from studies will only be possible from the second semester on.
Even in the case the student doesn’t attend any lesson at the Conservatorio, all fees for the first semester will have to be paid.
For the following autumn semester (1st semester of the second year), the withdrawal deadline is March 1.
3) Course start
Enroled students are requested to come to the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana at the beginning of September for:
- CAS in Contemporary Repertoire Conducting
Deadline: 30 June 2025
- CAS in Collaborative Pianist
Deadline: 31 July 2025
- CAS in Concert Improvisation
Dealine: 31 July 2025
- CAS in Marketing e Comunicazione
Deadline: 20 August 2025
