About the Program

Curriculum

The Frost Advanced Piano Program (FAPP) is the result of years of observations, studies, and consultations at some of the most authoritative schools in Europe and the United States. The program follows a ten-year-long curriculum, based on the old traditions of the classical Conservatory. FAPP students must enroll in Piano Lessons for the entire duration of the program and choose among required and elective courses. The curriculum is divided into 4 main levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Early Advanced, and Advanced. If qualified, students are allowed to skip one or more years by preparing for juries the repertoire required for a specific year. To obtain a certificate for each level, students must meet the following criteria:

Level Years Required Courses Elective Courses
Beginner 1-3
  • Piano Lessons (every semester) *
  • Music Theory I (2 semesters)
  • Piano Duo/Chamber Music
  • Sight-Reading
Intermediate 4-6
  • Piano Lessons (every semester) *
  • Music Theory II (2 semesters)
  • Piano Duo/ Chamber Music (1 semester)
  • Sight-Reading
Early Advanced 7-8
  • Piano Lessons (every semester) *
  • Music Theory III (2 semesters)
  • Piano Duo/ Chamber Music (1 semester)
  • Piano Literature I (1 semester)
  • Sight-Reading
Advanced 9-10
  • Piano Lessons (every semester) *
  • Music Theory IV (2 semesters)
  • Piano Duo/Chamber Music (1 semester)
  • Piano Literature II (1 semester)
  • Sight-Reading

* Each semester, students must pass all Piano Requirements in order to advance to the next level. See the paragraph below on Piano and Extra-Activities Requirements.

Piano and Extra-Activities Requirements

Each enrolled student is offered a one-hour private piano lesson weekly (15 per semester). Lessons are taught at the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables by the Frost Advanced Piano Program Faculty. For the Advanced Level (years 9 and 10) students may have the opportunity of taking piano lessons (10 per semester) with Frost School of Music Faculty of the Department of Keyboard Performance (upon acceptance and availability). If requested, more lessons can be added to the above packages.


Selected students will take part in masterclasses and public performances such as concerts, piano competitions, etc. In addition, they may receive up to 2 lessons per year with the Frost School of Music Piano Faculty, depending on the students’ standing in the program and Faculty’s availability. If in the Advanced Level (years 9 and 10) and already studying with one of the Faculty, students may be awarded those 2 additional lessons with other Faculty members.

Yearly requirements for enrolled students:

  • Complete the repertoire requirement (provided upon acceptance)
  • Pass midterm and final juries
  • Perform for Fall and Spring recitals
  • Attend at least two piano recitals (or chamber with piano recitals)
  • Attend all Advanced Piano Program studio classes
  • Attend at least one Piano Forum/Studio Class held by the Keyboard Department at the Frost School of Music

Course Offering

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  • Piano Private Lessons

    Type: Required for all Levels (years 1-10)
    Offered to: Only students enrolled in the FAPP
    Duration: All semesters of the program
    Teachers: FAPP Faculty; Frost School of Music Faculty for only Advanced Level (years 9-10)
    Cost per semester: $1,425
    Description: Weekly one-hour private piano lessons.

  • Music Theory I, II, III, and IV

    Type: Required for all Levels (years 1-10)
    Offered to: Only students enrolled in the FAPP
    Duration: Two semesters for each course (biweekly classes)
    Teacher: Dr. Benjamin Montgomery
    Cost per semester: $320
    Minimum Number of Students: 2
    Description: These courses explore music theory in every aspect, including musical and score analysis, a piece of essential knowledge for every musician who will be continuing academic studies in this field.

  • Piano Duo or Chamber Music

    Type: Elective for all Levels
    Offered to: Only students enrolled in the FAPP
    Duration: One semester (biweekly classes)
    Teacher: TBA
    Cost per semester: TBA
    Minimum Number of Students: TBA
    Description: Both courses are pivotal for learning how to collaborate with one or more partners and to be trained for future performances with an orchestra.

  • Piano Literature I (Baroque and Classical)

    Type: Elective for Early Advanced Level (years 7 and 8)
    Offered to: Everyone
    Duration: One semester (weekly classes)
    Teacher: Dr. Ana Ivanchenko
    Cost per semester: TBA
    Minimum Number of Students: TBA
    Description: The course will focus on a general recognition of the major works written for piano during the Baroque and Classical eras and will introduce the students to one of the courses that they will surely encounter in college.

  • Piano Literature II (Romantic and Modern)

    Type: Elective for Advanced Level (years 9 and 10)
    Offered to: Everyone
    Duration: One semester (weekly classes)
    Proposed Teacher: Dr. Ivanchenko
    Cost per semester: TBA
    Minimum Number of Students: TBA
    Description: The course will focus on a general recognition of the major works written for piano during the Romantic and Modern eras and will introduce the students to one of the courses that they will surely encounter in college.

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