Overview
The Certificate of Achievement in Performance Practice offers a course of study for Eastman students with foundational instruction in historical performance practices (emphasizing Baroque and early Classical music) with practical training on a period instrument or voice.
The importance of historically informed performance in the music profession is widely recognized in the field and supported by an expanding body of scholarship, a growing number of early music ensembles and course offerings in schools of music, and increasing interest from music students and professionals. The Certificate of Achievement in Performance Practice will provide students with a working knowledge of performance practice, as well as practical training on historical instruments in both solo and ensemble settings. It is a program current students may choose to add to the degree in which they are already enrolled to enrich their curriculum and professional qualifications.
In addition to informing students’ study and performance of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, the Certificate of Achievement in Performance Practice will prepare instrumentalists and vocalists for graduate study in this field, as well as providing the background needed to apply to high-level workshops such as the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Amherst Early Music Baroque Academy, Oregon Bach Festival Berwick Academy and the American Bach Soloists Academy. The program will also prepare students for participation in early-music festivals such as the Boston Early Music Festival, Berkeley Early Music Festival, Bloomington Early Music Festival, Madison Early Music Festival and Rochester Early Music Festival, as well as European events such as the Utrecht Early Music Festival and Urbino Early Music Festival. It will also prepare students for early music competitions such as the National Centre for Early Music competitions, Innsbruck Cesti Competition, Bruges Early Music Competition, the International Biber Competition, the Madison Handel Aria Competition, Indianapolis International Baroque Competition, and the International Bach Competition in Leipzig. Early music plays an increasingly more important role in modern concert life and in recordings as presenters seek to broaden the repertoire beyond the canon of the common-practice period. This program will benefit the students by deepening their musical experience and ultimately preparing them for professional life as more effective performers and teachers.
What are the Requirements?
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE PRACTICE (10-12 credits)
Applied Lessons: at least 4 credits
| Course | Credits |
| Applied Study Undergraduate level secondary lessons or independent study on a historical instrument. May be repeated for credit. |
1-2 credits |
Performance Practice: two courses chosen from the following courses
| Course | Credits |
| MHS 441: Baroque Performance Practice I | 2 credits |
| MHS 443: Baroque Performance Practice II (Prerequisite: MHS 441) | 2 credits |
| MHS 281: 19th-century Performance Practice | 3 credits |
Ensembles: 2-3 credits chosen from the following courses
| Description | Credits |
| OSH 443: Keyboard Continuo Realization | 1 credit |
| ENS 407: Collegium Musicum I* | 1 credit |
| ENS 408: Collegium Musicum II* | 1 credit |
| CHB 277: Baroque Chamber Music* | 1 credit |
* Keyboard players must have taken OSH 443: Keyboard Continuo Realization or have the permission of the instructor before enrolling in these ensembles
Capstone Project
| Description | Credits |
| ESM 211: Certificate in Performance Practice Lecture/Demonstration | 0 credits |
How Can I Apply?
Please submit this application form to Paul O’Dette. Admission to this program requires permission and a signature from the candidate’s current studio teacher, as well as an interview/audition with the teacher of the secondary instrument (harpsichord, lute, Baroque oboe, etc.). Admission into this program will be allowed only after completion of the sophomore jury, though exceptions may be made in extraordinary cases.
Questions?
Paul O’Dette
Professor of Lute
Program Director, Certificate of Achievement in Performance Practice
podette@esm.rochester.edu