Viola Second-Level Degree (Two-Year Course)
Two-Year Viola Program for the AFAM Second-Level Diploma
The Two-year Academic Viola Program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole is designed for young violists who have obtained a First-level Academic Diploma and wish to achieve the Second-level AFAM Diploma, equivalent to a master’s degree.
This advanced study program is guided by highly experienced teachers, tailored to enhance each student’s individual talents, and structured to provide professional skills aligned with European standards.
By the end of the program, students will have acquired knowledge and skills in performance, refining their instrumental technique in agility, sound quality, and advanced bowing techniques. They will also develop the ability to interact in various performance settings, such as chamber ensembles and orchestras. Exploring different musical languages, viola students will achieve the artistic maturity necessary to deliver a coherent, original, and communicative interpretation.
Viola students have the opportunity to develop specialized skills in performance practices by participating in activities within the Early Music Department at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, as well as in contemporary performance courses. The study of improvisation techniques across different historical periods, further enriches their training, enabling them to interpret each repertoire with informed stylistic awareness.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole places great emphasis on ensemble playing. Viola students participate in chamber music courses and have access to an orchestra dedicated to advanced students, the Orchestra Galilei, which offers various artistic projects that allow them to engage with orchestral repertoire and rehearsal strategies.
Focused study of orchestral excerpts and participation in mock auditions prepare young violists for professional careers in orchestras.
Viola students have the opportunity to enrich their education by selecting masterclasses tailored to their individual artistic inclinations and educational needs from a wide range of masterclasses offered by internationally renowned performers and professors at the school.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole participates in international student mobility programs such as Erasmus+ (for Europe) and SEMP (for Switzerland). These initiatives allow viola students to broaden their training through study periods abroad at participating music institutions.
The most outstanding viola students, selected at the sole discretion of faculty and the Artistic Director, will be invited to perform in concerts organized by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, both at Villa La Torraccia and in collaboration with major musical associations and institutions across Italy (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 Second-level Academic Viola Program is authorized by the Ministry of Education, University, and Research under Ministerial Decree No. 1648 of 15/10/2024 (pdf Decreto)
Young violists 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