Piano Ensemble

Arizona Musicfest Piano Ensemble Class (Multi-Level)

Dr. João Paulo Casarotti, instructor

Course Description

The Piano Ensemble course offers students the opportunity to collaborate in small groups, typically in settings such as 4-hands, 6-hands, and 8-hands ensembles. When appropriate, collaboration with other instruments may also be incorporated based on students’ goals and repertoire interests. A wide range of ensemble literature is available for this class, including both original works and multilevel arrangements for multiple pianos.

This course emphasizes the development of ensemble musicianship, interpretive awareness, and collaborative performance skills. Students will explore a varied selection of repertoire—from classical to contemporary styles—which may include pop, film, and video-game music in addition to traditional works. The class is suitable for late-beginner, intermediate, and advanced piano students.

During the first class, students will complete a brief assessment to determine their current skill level and musical interests. This will help the instructor assign appropriate repertoire and form balanced ensemble groups for the course.

Course Objectives

1. Ensemble Musicianship: Develop the ability to perform effectively with other pianists, with emphasis on timing, balance, communication, and overall cohesion.
2. Interpretive Development: Strengthen musical expression and stylistic understanding through the study of a variety of ensemble works.
3. Technical Growth: Improve ensemble-specific technical skills such as sight-reading, rhythmic accuracy, and dynamic control.
4. Repertoire Discovery: Become familiar with a broad selection of piano ensemble music, including duets, trios, quartets, multilevel ensembles, and larger group configurations.
5. Performance Preparation: Build confidence and stage presence through frequent in-class performance opportunities.

Course Structure

• Weekly Ensemble Rehearsals: Regularly scheduled sessions focused on developing ensemble precision, musicality, and teamwork.
• Sectional Coaching: Smaller breakout rehearsals where individual groups or parts receive targeted guidance.
• Individual Practice Expectations: Students are responsible for practicing their parts independently and are required to use Piano Marvel to reinforce accuracy, rhythmic fluency, and familiarity with the ensemble context.
• Listening & Analysis: Students will study recordings of their assigned works—both individual lines and full ensemble versions—through Piano Marvel to deepen understanding of texture, balance, and form.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will demonstrate stronger ensemble performance skills, increased familiarity with diverse piano ensemble literature, and enhanced ability to collaborate musically with peers.

Required Materials (Mandatory)

• • Active Piano Marvel account
  • Headphones suitable for practice and ensemble lab work

What You’ll Need:

To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel’s features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in “Book Mode”. There is a wide rage of pianos and keyboards available. If you don’t already have a piano keyboard, we recommend purchasing this keyboard bundle for your home use.

For class, it is recommended that you have an iPad (or a laptop, though this is less preferred) with the following specifications:

• iPad or iPhone: iOS 12 or later and 2 GB RAM
• PC: Windows 7 SP3 or later and 4 GB RAM
• Mac: OSX 10.8.5 or later and 4 GB RAM

If you are using a digital piano, a quality MIDI connection is important for the best learning experience. We recommend this USB cable to connect your keyboard to your device.

A good internet connection is highly recommended when using Piano Marvel. 1mbps connection or faster should be adequate for a smooth learning experience.