Optional classes

Optional courses are organized collectively. At least five sessions are proposed during the academy, according to the schedule agreed between the trainees and the teacher during the first meeting.

Introduction to Jazz for pianists : Franck Avitabile

The aim of this option is to introduce improvisation to students who have never improvised :

• Improvisation out of tempo (generative) / in tempo (jazz)
• Chord Charts
• Work on ostinatos / oral learning
• Harmonization of jazz standards / Chord Voicings
• Setting up of a Walking Bass

The sessions are held with two students at the same time for the practice of ostinatos and last 45 minutes.

Possibility to have a combo practice,  depending on the availability of students, (for the previous years, they were : piano / cello, piano / voice, piano solo, 2 pianos or 4 hands).

 

Stage fright management: Alexandra Massei

The stage fright management sessions proposed during the Academy are based on sophrology. Their aim is to provide concrete tools for the management of the emotions when on stage

These workshops will help trainees to work on body consciousness, to learn to set aside unnecessary tension by freeing breathing. This contributes to achieving a better artistic expression by leading the trainee to a situation of well-being and self-confidence.

An 1:30 h discovery session is offered to all trainees on the 1st day of the academy. The option then includes 5 sessions of 1:45 h, in small groups. To achieve a convincing result, it is recommended to follow all the proposed sessions.

 

Piano First Sight Reading: Alain Jacquon

This option is intended for trainee pianists already registered for a piano session, who wish to improve their skills in the art of first Sight Reading. The mastery of this discipline has become essential given the evolution of the professional perspectives of young artists. The option is aimed at pianists of all skill levels. It is organized individually or in small groups of level. The huge library of the conservatory becomes Ali Baba’s cave where we draw all the resources necessary to offer lively and interactive content. Beyond the actual reading, this course offers a practical methodology allowing then to progress on solid theoretical bases: analysis of the scores, approach of the orchestral scores, of the basso continuo, playing modes adapted to transcriptions, technical automatisms and music suitable for reading without preparation.