Piano improvisation - 2ème Cycle
Information
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Name
Piano improvisation
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Cycle
2nd Cycle
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Course's number of years
2 years
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Maximum duration
2 years
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ECTS
120
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Delivered diploma
Diplôme de2e cycle supérieur d'Improvisation au clavier confering the grade of Master
The grade of the2nd cycle diploma conferring the grade of Master is the grade obtained in the free recital of the second year of the2nd cycle.
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Course objectives and content
Objectifs et contenu du cycle d’études
The aims of this course are to :
- to give the instrumentalists concerned freedom in their playing, a capacity for invention and a grasp of extremely varied styles ;
- to complement studies in writing, accompaniment, conducting and composition with creative instrumental practice.
The Diplôme de2e cycle supérieur d'Improvisation au clavier conferring the grade of Master is awarded to the student when he or she has obtained all of the following awards :
ECTS the piano improvisation prize 80 a certificate or attestation in each of the following specific disciplines - historical approach and piano technique
1 - research methodology
3 - personal study work
9 - practical aspects of the profession 3
2 - practical aspects of the job 4
1 - introduction to teaching methods
4 - modern language
2 - work experience
6 an award (prize, certificate or attestation) in two of the following subjects : 12 - choreographic accompaniment
- piano accompaniment
- Gregorian chant
- 20th and 21st century composition
- fugues and forms
- harmony
- keyboard harmonization B
- introduction to basso continuo
- introduction to generative improvisation
- introduction to modal improvisation/Indian music
- introduction to jazz
- chamber music
- 15th - 17th century polyphony
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French language certificate
B2
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Number of complementary disciplines to validate
2
Disciplines
Entrance exam
Keyboard improvisation - Piano (master's degree)
Opening date for registration : 10 October 2026
Exam dates : entre le 8 et le 10 février 2027
Visa
Non-EU candidates should apply for a short-stay “competition” visa in order to take part in the entrance examinations. If successful, this visa will then allow you to apply for a student visa. We strongly advise you not to apply for a tourist visa. More information here
Eligibility for the Audition
This audition is open to candidates who hold, in the same discipline, a Diplôme national supérieur professionnel de musicien (DNSPM) in France, or an equivalent first-cycle higher education diploma abroad.
Candidates who will obtain the complete required diploma only at the end of the academic year may apply by including with their application a certificate of enrollment specifying their current status. If successful in the audition, final admission will be granted only upon submission of the complete required diploma, no later than September 30 of their first academic year. Otherwise, they will lose the benefit of their admission.
Preselection
After examination by an internal jury of a file including :
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Copy of the required diploma
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Curriculum vitae
Admission
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One work of the candidate’s choice from List A, set pieces announced December 10
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One work of the candidate’s choice from List B, set pieces announced December 10
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Harmonization at the piano of a Romantic-style theme, followed by two variations
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Improvisation of 5–8 minutes in a form and/or style imposed, chosen between two options
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Improvisation of three short pieces, total duration approximately 5 minutes, on a single imposed element
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Interview in French on the candidate’s motivations (approximately 15 minutes)
No. 3, 4, and 5 are preceded by a 30-minute preparation period without an instrument.
Students currently enrolled in piano, piano accompaniment, vocal accompaniment, or conducting curricula at the CNSMD of Paris or Lyon are exempt from no. 1 and 2.
Maximum age : 28