OPERA COACHES/ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS

The Course for opera coach/assistant conductor, which has been active since 1994, trains musicians to be able to perform different functions in the preparation and implementation of opera and ballet performances.
As a rehearsal pianist during studio sessions and practice, the collaborative pianist accompanies soloists, chorus singers and dancers, and during productions, assists the conductor and director. As a prompter, alongside the director and perhaps replacing the conductor, this figure directs onstage during group/dress rehearsals, and assists the conductor during performances.
When working during theatre productions, he or she gives signals to soloists, chorus singers, dancers, mimes and technicians, according to information recorded on the score and also conducts the orchestra offstage.
The main teachers, some of whom work with the Teatro alla Scala, are James Vaughan, Enza Ferrari, Alberto Malazzi, Dante Mazzola, Alessandro Melchiorre, and Marcello Spaccarotella.
The course, spread over two years, is divided into classroom activities and intensive internship training, which foresees student participation in the “Academy Project”. In addition, participants will have on site training during lessons carried out within the Music Department, providing accompaniment during lessons in vocal technique and opera interpretation for singers in the singing academy. 

Modules and teachers

• Opera repertoire, Dante Mazzola, James Vaughan.
• Sight reading, Enza Ferrari.
• Rehearsal accompaniment, James Vaughan.
• Prompting, Dante Mazzola.
• Choirmaster, Alberto Malazzi.
• Ballet repertoire, Marcello Spaccarotella.
• Musical analysis, Alessandro Melchiorre.
• Vocal technique, Vincenzo Manno.
• German language, Cristina Maruzzi.

Duration: two years.

Frequency: daily, Monday to Friday, 3-6 hours per day.

Eligibility

• Secondary school diploma.
• Diploma in piano.

Max participants: 8.

Call and application form
Download call and application form.

Further information
For questions and insights about this course, go to the contact page or fill out the request form to the side of this page.
You can also call us at + 39 02 8545.111.