Cello Second-Level Degree (Two-Year Course)
Two-Year Cello Program for the AFAM Second-Level Diploma
The advanced Two-year Academic Cello Program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole enables young cellists holding a First-level Academic Diploma to obtain the Second-level AFAM Diploma, equivalent to a master’s degree. This qualification ensures a level of preparation aligned with European standards and applicable to professional careers.
The curriculum is tailored to each student and guided by highly skilled faculty members with extensive concert experience. The program highlights the unique characteristics of each student, equipping them with the cultural and technical knowledge necessary to engage with various repertoires – from Baroque to contemporary music.
By the end of the program, students will have acquired advanced performance skills through refined instrumental technique – including agility, sound quality, and bowing technique – and a deep understanding of harmonic language, with particular attention to dynamics and phrasing in original scores. These elements contribute to the artistic maturity required for a coherent and expressive performance.
Through participation in the Early Music Department and contemporary performance practice courses, cello students develop specialized expertise in various historical performance styles. They also familiarize themselves with improvisation techniques from different musical eras, ensuring a well-informed and stylistically coherent interpretation of diverse repertoires.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole places great emphasis on ensemble music. Cello students take part in artistic projects within the Orchestra Galilei, deepening their chamber music studies and orchestral repertoire while refining rehearsal strategies to achieve a shared musical interpretation.
Preparation for a professional orchestral career also includes focused study on orchestral excerpts and participation in mock auditions.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole organizes advanced training courses taught by internationally renowned performers and professors, covering all disciplines. Cello students not only attend lessons dedicated to their instrument but also have access to all other masterclasses, to further broaden their cultural and technical knowledge.
As part of the Erasmus+ and Swiss SEMP mobility programs, students can plan a study period abroad at one of the partner universities participating in the exchange programs.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole organizes an extensive concert program, featuring performances not only at Villa La Torraccia and in the Florence area but also throughout Italy in collaboration with renowned musical associations and institutions, such as the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna, the William Walton Foundation in Ischia, Amici della Musica di Firenze, Società Umanitaria in Milan, and the International Music Campus of Latina.
The most talented cello students – selected at the sole discretion of faculty and the Artistic Director – will be invited to participate in these concert activities.
The Second-level Academic Cello Program is authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research under Ministerial Decree No. 1648 of 15/10/2024 (pdf Decreto)
Young cellists who hold a First-Level AFAM Diploma or the pre-reform Diploma (V.O.), along with a High School Diploma.
Deadline: 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