Collaborative Piano
Accompanying and Chamber Music
Butler is a place that cultivates the development of a
well-rounded musician. For pianists, this means not only learning
and performing solo repertoire, but also collaborating with both
singers and instrumentalists, gaining experience as an accompanist
and chamber musician. Butler University offers a myriad of
collaborative opportunities.
Accompanying
All piano majors take accompanying classes, which introduce them
to the fundamentals of collaborating with other musicians, with
special emphasis on vocal accompanying. As part of this class,
pianists are paired with other students and receive instruction
both individually and together.
Work-study accompanying is an option for those who demonstrate
the appropriate level of skill.
Piano majors also have the opportunity to accompany for the many
ensembles at Butler University.
Ensembles include:
- University Choir
- Jordan Jazz
- Lyric Theatre
- Wind ensemble
Two-Piano Ensemble
Two-Piano Ensemble is a course designed to explore literature
composed for two pianos or piano duet.
Chamber Music
Piano majors at Butler also participate in the chamber music
program. Students form groups with other instrumentalists and
receive coaching from music faculty. Each semester of chamber music
culminates in a public performance of the works prepared over the
course of the semester.
Additionally, all music majors take a seminar called
"Fundamentals of Chamber Music" in which students discuss the
details of chamber music, covering topics ranging from repertoire
to the art of listening.