Horn Second-Level Degree (Two-Year Course)
Two-Year Horn Program for the Second-level AFAM Diploma
Young horn players who have completed a First-level AFAM Diploma can pursue a Second-level AFAM Diploma (equivalent to a master’s degree) by enrolling in the two-year horn program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
The principal teacher of the two-year horn program is Luca Benucci, who has brought together leading Italian and European professors to deliver 7 masterclasses — 4 hours per student — with a focus on orchestral excerpts for high and low horns, work on solo repertoire, and advanced refinement techniques. Each teacher will place their professionalism and expertise at the service of the students, ensuring a training experience of the highest level, in line with the excellence of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
Professors of the Academic Year 2026-2027
International Masterclass
Stefan Dohr Berliner Philharmoniker First French Horn
André Cazalet former Orchestre de Paris già First French Horn
Elies Moncholí Professor at Conservatori Superior de Música de Castelló “Salvador Seguí”
Docenti orchestrali Orchestral Teachers
Emanuele Urso Teatro alla Scala Orchestra First French Horn
Alessio Dainese Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra First French Horn
Giulia Montorsi Teatro alla Scala Orchestra Second French Horn
Davide Bettani Foundation Arturo Toscanini Bass French Horn
Professors of the Academic Year 2027-2028
Will Sanders former Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra First French Horn
Olivier Darbellay Bern Symphony Orchestra Soloist French Horn
David Wetherill former Philadelphia Orchestra First French Horn
Docenti orchestrali
Paride Canu Teatro Comunale di Bologna Orchestra First French Horn
Fabrizio Giannitelli Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Orchestra First French Horn
Nicola Scaramuzza Secondo Corno dell’Orchestra del Teatro La Fenice Orchestra Second French Horn
Giulio Lipari Quarto Corno del Teatro Massimo di Palermo Orchestra Fourth French Horn
The training offered by the academic two-year horn program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole enables students not only to improve their individual skills, but also to gain experience in interacting within various performance contexts, such as chamber ensembles and orchestral formations, with numerous opportunities to practice ensemble music, which the school considers essential in every musician’s development.
A focus on orchestral excerpts for high and low horns, solo repertoire, and the development of expressive abilities, as well as technical insights into related instruments, are an integral part of the two-year horn program, which also includes breathing courses taught by Luca Benucci.
Students deepen their understanding of various musical styles and develop expertise in playing different instruments within the horn family. The program also integrates improvisation techniques, fostering an advanced and stylistically informed approach to performance.
Ensemble playing is a core component of the curriculum for advanced horn students. Through the Orchestra Galilei, which brings together students from the school’s advanced academic programs, horn players engage in annual artistic projects focused on orchestral repertoire.
Additionally, students explore chamber music in smaller ensembles. To prepare for professional auditions, the program includes simulated audition experiences, providing students with valuable practical training.
Students have the opportunity to attend masterclasses held by renowned faculty and internationally acclaimed performers at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. These sessions offer specialized training on the horn and other aspects of musical performance, allowing students to broaden their technical and artistic knowledge.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole actively participates in international exchange programs, including Erasmus+ (for Europe) and SEMP (for Switzerland). These programs enable horn students to enrich their education through study experiences abroad or by attending lessons from visiting international professors at the school.
In addition to numerous in-school performance opportunities, the most talented horn students (selected at the discretion of the faculty and Artistic Director) are invited to participate in prestigious concerts. These events, organized in collaboration with leading music associations and institutions across Italy, include performances at venues such as the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna, Fondazione William Walton in Ischia, Amici della Musica di Firenze, Società Umanitaria in Milan, and the International Music Campus in Latina.
The Second-level Academic Horn Program is authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research under Ministerial Decree No. 1648 of 15/10/2024 (pdf Decreto)
Young hornists
May 2
The school reserves the right to open additional audition sessions if places are available, with a second deadline of September 1
October to July
n.aminian@scuolamusica.fiesole.fi.it
s.parigi@scuolamusica.fiesole.fi.it
or 055/5978536 – 5978577