Academy 2021

Theme

The 2021 Academy will focus on Johann Sebastian Bach, the musician who, more than any other, incorporated in his experience a wide range of compositional techniques, various styles and tastes, and developed the most complex contrapuntal constructions. Bach, indeed, represents the Parnasso of Fantasy.

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Where and When

The 2021 Academy will be held from July 27 to August 10. The first part (27-30 July) will take place in Germany (Naumburg, Leipzig, Erfurt, Waltershausen, Mechterstaedt, Arnstadt, Lahm), in the towns hosting the organs played by Johann Sebastian Bach; the second part will be held in Smarano (TN - IT) from 31 July to 10 August 2021.

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Courses and Teachers

The Academy is characterized by individual and collective work on improvisation and repertoire.
The teachers of the 2021 edition are: Enrico Baiano, Edoardo Maria Bellotti, Armando Carideo, Ulrika Davidsson, Pieter Dirksen, Arvid Gaast,
Lorenzo Ghielmi, Pamela Ruiter Feenstra, William Porter and Joel Speerstra.

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Why choose Us

Courses structure

The days of study are divided in two parts: the morning is dedicated to improvisation, the basic technique and the study of the compositional rules; while the afternoon is dedicated to the repertoire, according to modules that take into account a specific path and a particular keyboard instrument.

Instruments

The Academy's learning environment can boast multiple keyboards instruments of primary importance, both in number and in quality, which is an element of strong attraction: 15 instruments among organs, clavichords, fortepianos and harpsichords, available for concerts, lessons and private coaching.

Teachers

Every year the Smarano Academy courses are taught by a group of excellent teachers from different prestigious European and American institutions.
They share historical methods of teaching that goes back to the Seneca precept "Docendo Discitur", meaning “It is learned by teaching”.

Private coaching

The Academy guarantees 4 hours of individual practice and/or private coaching per day; in this way the ancient learning method will be recreated, typical for example of the Neapolitan conservatories, where the teacher and his assistants interacted directly and in different ways with the students.

Location

The Academy building is unique of its kind with an auditorium and fifteen study rooms that allow a privileged relationship between teachers and students, and assiduous keyboard practice. The academy, located in the village of Smarano, is surrounded by the peace and the silence of the mountains.

Friendly atmosphere

A friendly and welcoming atmosphere favors a stimulating and peaceful learning environment. In addition, the excellent cuisine of our chef Claudio creates moments of conviviality where participants can interact with each other and with the teachers, expanding their international network of contacts.

How to apply

Fill in the digital form

Fill in the form with all the required information and enclose your curriculum vitae. Candidates will find the form here:
ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS
NON ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS

Wait for the selection outcome

The confirmation of approval will be sent by email within ten days from the date of submission.

Pay the application fee

The admittance will be confirmed upon payment of the application fee that is due within 15 days from the confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, active participants will be required to attend the whole Academy which will be held from 27 July to 9 August 2021 in
Smarano (IT), Thuringia and Leipzig (DE).

No, non-active participants will not be required to attend the whole Academy.

Each active participant is due to prepare a repertoire that will published by the end of January.

After the application's approval, we will send you the list of the accomodation facilities in Smarano and Germany affiliated with us (hostels, B&B, hotels). We will take care of the reservation.

The admittance will be confirmed upon payment of the application fee that is due within 15 days from the confirmation.

The fee includes the courses, 4 hours of individual practice / coaching per day, tuition materials, certificate of attendance, accident insurance, transfers in Germany and the Germany - Smarano trip (by bus).

No, but practising instruments may be available for a limited extent.

Yes, when you will complete the Academy, you will receive a certificate of attendance.

What people say about us

One of our students

Very high academic level. Exceptional teachers. Inspiring classes. Friendly atmosphere. Wonderful collegiality between students and faculty.

one of our students

Smarano International Organ Academy was the best summer academy that I have ever attended, and I have attended a lot! Full of good teachers and great people.

one of our students

The greater strenght of Smarano Academy is the wide diversity of available instruments and teachers who are each experts in a particular field.