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Graduate of EAMT conducting studies Ayaka Ueda was among 14 candidates who were chosen to the prestigious Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting.

In the preselection round participated 331 candidates from 49 countries. Ayaka studied orchestral conducting in EAMT with Jüri Alperten and prof. Arvo Volmer.

Many congratulations!

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Estonian Institute and Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will celebrate the 30th anniversary of concluding diplomatic relations between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Korea with a concert.

On 17 October at 12 pm (noon) the Great Hall of the Estonian Music and Theatre Academy will be filled with music by Estonian and Korean composers. The concert featuring the students of the Academy plays tribute to the friendly relations of our two countries and celebrates the strengthening cultural cooperation.

Performers: Hyewon Chung (piano), Yena Choi (soprano), Ilana Lode (piano), EAMT Choir (conductor Hyonah Song), Ensemble Auftakt: Miina Laanesaar (violin), Soo-Young Lee (clarinet), Maila Laidna (piano). Works by Tormis, Kõrvits, Chin, Uusberg, Mägi, Jin jt. The programme of the concert can be found here.

The Republic of Korea recognized the independence of the Republic of Estonia on 6 September 1991 and the two countries concluded diplomatic relations on 17 October of the same year. In January 2020 the Government of Estonia decided to open the Embassy of Estonia in Seoul.

The concert is free of charge, please visit Fienta to get your free ticket. Only people who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course, have recovered from COVID-19 disease or present a negative test result can take part in the event. When organizing events, we keep in mind the current rules and restrictions.

The concert is in hybrid format and can also be attended virtually on the Youtube channel of the Estonian Music and Theatre Academy:

Today is the birthday of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. The opening ceremony of the Higher Music School took place 102 years ago on 28 September 1919 at the Estonia Concert Hall. The next day, a short notice about the event appeared in the newspaper Tallinna Teataja (photo above).

You can read more about the history of the Academy here.

Congratulations to EAMT!

Tze Yeung Ho will defend his doctoral thesis on October 23 at 11.00 in room A-402 for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Music):

Phonetic Features as a Tool in Music Composition: From the Perspective of a Composer

Supervisor: Professor Emeritus Jaan Ross (EAMT)

Opponent: Prof. Dr. Matthias Hermann (Stuttgart University)

The doctoral thesis is available HERE and in print in the EAMT library.

This work is an artistic research with a focus on phenomenological approaches. The phonetic phenomena have been interpreted as theoretical tools for composers rather than close-ended conclusions of how languages and music should or do interact. The research has examined some possibilities to create or recreate speech sound materials in a musical context in the compositional processes of select works. Parameters — tone and quantity — where speech sounds meet in music and phonetic theories have been discussed.

Research aims to offer some insights in answering these two questions:

• How can understanding the phonetic features of quantity and tones help me, the composer, in generating musical materials, creative tools or ideas?
  How can I develop tools to understand speech sounds’ influence on my creative process as a composer?

In the case of the languages the author engaged with (i.e. Scandinavian languages, Cantonese, Mandarin, Estonian and sometimes Finnish), there are two phonetic features where they often cross paths in his music: quantity and tone. The definition of these terminologies will be found in the corresponding chapters in this thesis.

In the scope of the research, seven subtopics are highlighted:

1. Musical Interpretation of Articulative Properties in Speech;
2. Quantity Distinction, Rhythm and Formal Construction;
3. Pitch-Quantity Phenomenon;
4. Relativity of Pitch in Tonal Languages and Its Impact on Song;
5. Composing with Norwegian Pitch Accents versus Cantonese Tones;
6. Pitch in Speech and Its Musical Representation;
7. The Composer and the Performance of Songs Set to Texts of Tonal Languages.

The dissertation reflects on the compositional theories and practices developed in the course of the research in a broad discussion across disciplines such as general linguistics, poetics, score analysis, phenomenology and musicology.

The scholarship audition for the foreign students for the academic year 2021-2022 will take place on 4 October @10.00 in the Chamber hall C-405

Following scholarships are available:

1) EAMT scholarships for non-EU students at BA and MA levels covering either 50% or 25% of the tuition fee

2) 4 DoRa Plus programme scholarships for all foreign students at MA level awarded for one academic year (350€ per month paid from September to June)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for EAMT scholarships:

• BA and MA students, who are non-EU citizens
  – students who were admitted for the academic year 2021-2022: entrance examination result at least 9 at BA and MA level
  – students who were admitted earlier: last examination result in main study at least B /”very good”

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for DoRa Plus scholarships:

• MA 1st year students:
  – who is a full-time student;
  – who does not have Estonian citizenship;
  – whose place of residence is not in Estonia;
  – who does not have a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit in Estonia;
  – who has not stayed in Estonia for more than one year in the past three years;
  – had the entrance examination result at least 9.

• MA 2nd year students:
  – who is a full-time student;
  – who does not have Estonian citizenship;
  – whose place of residence is not in Estonia;
  – who does not have a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit in Estonia;
  – who has not stayed in Estonia for more than one year in the past three years;
  – who has completed the 1st year coursework full (no missing credit points), in programme subjects worth at least 54 ECTS credits and with the examination result in main study at least B/”very good”.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Performers: live performance of at least 2 pieces with the max length of 15 min (the judging panel has the right to interrupt the performance at its own discretion);
• Contemporary Improvisation: 2-3 improvisations in different characters out of which 1 solo and the other(s) in an ensemble (duo, trio etc) with the total length of 10 min.
• Other majors: artistic portfolio, including list of artistic activities within last 2 years, scores, recordings etc.
• Cultural management: portfolio including the essay for admission and CV.

The audition panel evaluates and considers the following:

• persuasiveness and originality of artistic and/or research ideas of a candidate;
• performance logic and fluency of performance, ability to express the emotional content of works and impressiveness of interpretation (in case of performers);
• originality, artistic persuasiveness and technical execution in case of creative submissions (composers);
• specialty-specific level of technical mastery;
• defined focus and systematic nature of the thesis plan, the reference literature use as well as accuracy of language (in cultural management);
• general cultural and subject-specific knowledge of a candidate.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications should be submitted here by 27 September latest.

Dear Members of the Academy!

The new academic year will commence on 30 August. We want it to be productive, fruitful and eventful, and – what is especially important now – to keep everyone healthy and to make sure that the spread of the coronavirus would interfere with our work and learning activities as little as possible. The work organization measures below have been discussed and approved at an extended meeting of the EAMT rector’s office on 25 August by the representatives of all academic units. In developing these measures, the requirements established by the Government of the Republic of Estonia, Ministry of Education and Research as well as the results of the discussions held at the Estonian Rectors’ Council have been taken into account.

• The rector’s office calls on all students and staff who have not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus to do so as soon as possible.
• The staff and students of the Academy must be prepared to either submit a formal COVID vaccination certificate, proof of having previously been infected with the COVID-19 disease or a negative test result. According to the rules and restrictions currently issued by the government, the certificates will be inspected at all public events held at EAMT, i.e concerts, performances, conferences and other events for both performers and audiences. Therefore students and faculty members who are required to attend or wish to attend Academy`s public events must have a valid COVID certificate. Obtaining this certificate is the personal responsibility of an employee or student and the possible costs involved will not be compensated by the Academy. More information about the COVID certificate can be found HERE.
• Large scale rapid testing of students and staff is not planned by the Academy, but in some cases, rapid testing may be necessary for persons who do not have a COVID certificate. The need for testing depends on the prevailing epidemiological situation in Estonia, the number of vaccinated persons at the academy, and the risk of infection in a specific situation. NB! The COVID certificate requirement for public events as described in the previous paragraph cannot be replaced by an on-the-spot rapid test.
• As vaccination and testing do not provide complete protection against coronavirus disease it is recommended to wear a mask at the academy. Non-vaccinated employees and students are required to wear a mask (for exceptions, see below). The faculty members v the right to ask students, who do not wear a mask, for a COVID certificate.
• Only students and employees of the Academy have the right to freely enter the study buildings of EAMT. The main door of the Academy opens with a personalized magnetic card. We ask all members of the academy to make sure that no strangers enter the study building with you. Guests of the Academy, students of pedagogical practice, continuing education students and other persons may enter the educational buildings only based on a registered permit issued by a member of the rector’s office (or the chief coordinator in case of the department of drama). All guests and continuing education students are required to submit a COVID certificate.
• As a rule, studies will take place in the form of contact studies at the academy on-site. In coordination with the head of the speciality group, the study activities may also be carried out in the form of distance learning, if the learning outcomes do not suffer due to that.
• There are no specific limits for the number of students in one classroom, but where possible, the principle of distancing should be followed, and, in the case of bigger study groups, larger study rooms should be preferred.
• The faculty must ensure that all participants in the classroom must be registered by name (for example, ask students to register their name on the registration sheet, mark those students who are absent from the class, etc.). This allows us to better identify those who have been in close contact with an infected person(s).
• It is strictly prohibited to come to the academy in the event of even the slightest suspicion of being infected with the virus. This requirement applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated employees and students. If symptoms of infection occur, please contact your family doctor and let yourself be tested. If the test comes back positive, then you should remain in self-isolation until your doctor declares you healthy. In case of an infection, faculty and staff members must notify the personnel manager (tel. 6675 705) and students need to contact the head of the student affairs department (jane.kreek@eamt.ee, tel. 6675 711).
• This year the rules are different for people who have been in close contact with an infected person. Unvaccinated people must remain in self-isolation for 10 days and are not allowed to enter the study building at that time. Vaccinated people or those who have recovered from the coronavirus within the last 6 months do not have to self-isolate.
• Faculty members do not have the obligation to provide online classes or extra classes for those who have had to self-isolate.
• If an employee of the Academy is not able to go to work due to being in self-isolation, the respective member of the rector’s office responsible for the specific administrative area must be informed with whom the possibility of working online or the grounds for absence from work is agreed upon.
• Coming to the academy with symptoms of illness or non-compliance with the isolation obligation endangers the health and wellbeing of others and will lead to sanctions.
• For reasons arising from the health of an employee or student of the Academy, the above requirements may allow exceptions. In case of such a problem, faculty and staff are asked to contact the manager of the respective administrative area of the rector’s office, students to contact the head of the student affairs department (jane.kreek@eamt.ee, tel 6675 711). If you wish, you can also turn to the equal treatment confidant (EAMT psychologist) (kivinukk@eamt.ee) for advice. The Academy shall ensure that the health records of any employee or student are not disclosed.
• The cafeteria is open to the faculty, staff and students of the Academy, as well as the guests who are allowed to enter the study building.
• The library provides its services to the members of the academy as usual. Other readers can enter the library only upon prior registration and presentation of a COVID certificate.
• The Academy considers countermeasures to the above-listed information or the spreading scientifically incompetent information as an inappropriate act for its members and contrary to academic ethics.

EAMT Rector’s Office

The album „Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre 101“, lays the foundation for a series of EAMT sound recordings, which will present both our current and future endeavours to our followers in Estonia and beyond.

Most of the musicians featured on the two discs are our students, who are performing Estonian and world classics as well as works by EAMT students. All the recordings have been made by sound engineering students and benefit from the wonderful acoustics and state-of-the-art audio equipment of the Great Hall, which was inaugurated for the centenary year of EAMT.

The album can be purchased for 15 euros. Please contact EAMT Research Secretary:
Liina Jääts
liina.jaats@eamt.ee
+372 6675 808

The “Tallinn 2021” International Piano Chamber Music Competition will take place at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre from 9 to 12 September 2021. The competition will be jointly organised by the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and MTÜ In Corpore.

The International Chamber Music Competition aims to develop the tradition of professional ensemble playing and to enable young musicians to participate in international events. Works by Estonian composers will be recommended to the competitors, offering the possibility to introduce our chamber music to wider audiences. A special prize will be awarded for the best performance of an Estonian work. Given that there is a need for high-level ensemble competitions in both the Baltic and Nordic countries, this new entry will have the potential of becoming an important musical event in the region.

The competition is open in two categories for chamber ensembles that include piano: 1) duos; 2) trios, quartets, quintets. The age limit for ensemble members is 33 years at the time of the competition.

You can find more info about the schedule, participants, jury and conditions of the competition here: eamt.ee/chambercompetition

Additional information:
Marje Lohuaru
Professor of Chamber Music
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
+372 50 11477
marje.lohuaru@eamt.ee

The 4th festival conference “Doctors in Performance” will take place on September 1–3, 2021 in Tallinn, Estonia.

The 1st festival conference „Doctors in Performance“ (DIP) took place in September 2014 in Helsinki and was initiated by the Sibelius Academy. Since then biennial festival conferences have been held in Dublin and Vilnius. After the festival conference in Vilnius, the Steering Committee of DIP proposed that the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre has the honour to be the organiser of the fourth DIP in September 2020. Unfortunately, we had to take the decision to postpone the event by a year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the festival conference „Doctors in Performance“ is to give doctoral students (music) and researchers with PhD/Doc.Mus. degrees the possibility to present their artistic research projects through performance of musical works, improvisations, and/or presentation and discussion of research topics. The following session formats will be offered: paper, recital, lecture-recital. We are eagerly awaiting the presentations of our two keynote speakers – Prof. Neil Heyde, cellist and researcher at the London Royal Academy of Music and singer and music psychologist Prof. Allan Vurma from the EAMT.

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre has participated in DIP since the second festival-conference in Dublin.

Steering Committee of DIP: Dr. Anu Vehviläinen (Sibelius Academy / University of Arts Helsinki), Dr. Markus Kuikka (Sibelius Academy / University of Arts Helsinki), Prof. Denise Neary (Royal Irish Academy of Music), Prof. Lina Navickaite-Martinelli (Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre), Dr. Sarah Callis (Royal Academy of Music)

Organising Committee (EAMT): Prof. Kristel Pappel, Prof. Marje Lohuaru, Prof. Allan Vurma, International Relations Coordinator Hanneleen Pihlak

Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre begins the academic year of 2021/2022 on August 30.

• Great Hall, 10.00 – annual staff meeting
• Great Hall, 12.00 – academic year opening ceremony for new students, followed by an introductory lecture (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Research Margus Pärtlas, Head of the Registry and Student Affairs Department Jane Kreek). The lecture ends approximately 14.00.