Viola da Gamba First-Level Degree (Three-Year Course)
Three-year Academic Program in Viola da Gamba
Young gambists aiming to pursue higher education can enroll in the Three-year academic program in viola da gamba at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. Upon completion, students earn the First-level Academic Diploma in Advanced Artistic and Musical Training (AFAM), equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
With the expertise of the faculty in the Early Music Department, viola da gamba students enhance their technical and expressive abilities while progressively building interpretative awareness through the instrument’s repertoire.
The training program of the Three-year academic program in viola da gamba is aligned with the latest methodological and historiographical developments stemming from the Violanet Project (European Viola da Gamba Network), initiated and led by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole from 2018 to 2021.
Additionally, the extensive program of courses for children at the Scuola provides an exciting opportunity for viola da gamba students to undertake internships within the children’s programs.
Among the enrichment opportunities offered to students, the biennial Italian Viola da Gamba Day serves as a unique occasion for young musicians to engage with renowned international performers and educators.
The vibrant concert activity at the Scuola throughout the viola da gamba course allows students to test their acquired skills and explore various facets of musical life.
The Erasmus+ exchange program enables viola da gamba students to spend study periods abroad within the European Union and to benefit from the presence of esteemed international faculty members at the Scuola under the same initiative.
The Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) places the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole among the partner institutions of Switzerland’s leading musical academies, offering similar mobility opportunities.
Ensemble and orchestral activities play a critical role in the training of viola da gamba students. At the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole students participate in orchestral ensembles such as the Camerata Strumentale Fiesolana, as well as in chamber music groups and viola da gamba consorts.
Concerts, recitals, and open rehearsals are integral to the educational journey of viola da gamba students. In line with the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole’s pedagogical approach, these performing activities are seen as essential moments for both musical and personal growth.
Graduates of the viola da gamba program (AFAM) have professional opportunities in the following fields:
- Soloist
- Chamber ensemble musician
- Baroque orchestral musician
- Musician in Baroque opera orchestras
- String orchestra musician
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 gambists
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