Music, MM Concentration
Collaborative Piano
Welcome to the home of the sociable pianists.
Program Overview
The MM in Collaborative Piano is designed for highly accomplished pianists who thrive on musical connection, whether that’s performing chamber music, coaching singers, or collaborating with instrumentalists.
This program develops the technical mastery, interpretive flexibility, and stylistic awareness required to succeed in the professional world of collaborative performance. You’ll build a substantial repertoire in both instrumental and vocal literature, engage in meaningful partnerships, and take on real-world opportunities such as opera rehearsal work, coaching, and chamber concerts.
Whether your goals lie in professional performance, coaching, or academic teaching, our collaborative piano program equips you with the skills, experience, and versatility to excel.
Why study Collaborative Piano?
The program places a strong emphasis on pianistic integrity while encouraging students to grow in versatility and repertoire breadth.
- One-on-one instruction with faculty mentors dedicated to the art of collaboration
- Performance opportunities with UT Opera Theatre, large and small ensembles, and guest artists
- Customized study plans tailored to your specific interests in vocal, instrumental, or opera literature
- Courses in diction, coaching, score preparation, and accompanying
- A tight-knit community of musicians who value partnership, adaptability, and musical storytelling
What can you do with a Collaborative Piano concentration after graduation?
Graduates with this concentration pursue a variety of paths, including:
- Opera and vocal coaches
- Staff pianists or repetiteurs
- Chamber musicians
- Collaborative artists at music festivals or academic institutions
- Piano faculty with a focus on collaborative work
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s MM concentration. Visit our Graduate Degree Requirements for more information.
MUSC 510 Critical Studies in Research Methods and Music Scholarship
Reinforces key research and writing skills for graduate students in music. Engages critically with how knowledge about music is constructed. Introduces research methods, reviews the formatting requirements of the APA and CMOS style manuals, and explores issues of representation that emerge from scholarly discourse and musical practice.
MUPF 551 Accompanying and Coaching
Introduces pianists to the essential skills of collaborative performance, including rehearsal techniques, musical interpretation, and stylistic awareness. Develop techniques for working with vocalists and instrumentalists, focusing on listening, flexibility, and communication in a chamber or studio setting.
Meet the Faculty
Our collaborative piano faculty are accomplished performers, educators, and mentors who specialize in the art of musical partnership. With extensive experience working alongside instrumentalists, vocalists, and opera companies, they bring a wealth of real-world insight to the classroom and studio.
Staff Pianists
- Erin Cullman
- Emi Kagawa, DMA
- Dustin Lin
- Wei-Chu Bernadette Lo, DMA
- Kate Wogoman
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an advanced music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
There is a Collaborative Piano Graduate Teaching Assistantship open for 2026-2027. Click the link to learn more.
