Piano First-Level Degree (Three-Year Course)

Three-Year Academic Program in Piano
Young pianists wishing to advance to higher levels of study can earn the First-Level Academic Diploma in Advanced Artistic and Musical Training (AFAM), equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, by enrolling in the three-year piano program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
Under the guidance of highly experienced instructors, students in the three-year piano program refine their instrumental technique while working on sound quality, piano gesture, pedaling, and the formal understanding and control of musical structures. These elements are essential for confidently approaching the extensive solo piano repertoire. Students progressively develop greater interpretative awareness, thanks in part to the historical and theoretical skills that guide them in respecting the stylistic distinctions of various compositional traditions. The skills acquired during the advanced piano studies are further solidified through a rich and varied program of recitals, concerts, and open rehearsals organized by the school for piano graduates.
The vibrant activities of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole offer piano program students the chance to explore various aspects of musical life. They can participate in numerous events featuring prominent musicians organized by the school, including in-depth seminars, meetings with authors of musicology books, and activities connected with musical theater projects.
In addition to hosting advanced-level courses, the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole dedicates part of its activities to programs for children. This provides an excellent opportunity for piano students to engage with music education, combining methodology lessons with internship and collaborative teaching activities.
Students in the piano program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole can plan mobility periods in numerous European Union countries as well as in Switzerland.
Within the EU, this is possible thanks to the school’s participation in the Erasmus+ program, which facilitates study periods at prestigious institutions across the European Union.
Through the SEMP (Swiss Exchange Mobility Programme), piano students can also undertake study periods at leading music institutions in Switzerland.
Piano students are at the heart of the various chamber music ensemble combinations, gaining highly formative experiences that reflect the school’s emphasis on ensemble playing.
Studying with peers in chamber groups provides invaluable opportunities for individual growth, enabling students to hone peer-learning techniques during rehearsals and explore a repertoire whose understanding is fundamental for every pianist.
Performance is a crucial educational element of the piano program at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. Each year, piano graduates participate in concerts, recitals, and open rehearsals: essential moments for growth that extend beyond musical development.
Graduates of the three-year piano program may pursue careers in the following fields:
- Solo performer
- Chamber musician
- Instrumentalist in chamber orchestras
- Instrumentalist in symphonic orchestras
- Instrumentalist in orchestras for musical theater
The First-level Academic Cello Program is officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research through decrees D.M. n. 685 (05/08/2013) (LINK), D.M. n. 685 (09/08/2017) (LINK) , and D.M. n. 278 (10/04/2018)(LINK).
Young Pianists
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