Classes at Local Institutions

Classes at Local Institutions

Florence students may take courses at the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Accademia Italiana, and the Studio Marangoni Foundation (website in Italian). Courses at these prestigious institutions are highly selective and intended for students who wish to continue their studies in studio art, photography, and in music. They must be taken above 12 units of Stanford in Florence coursework. 

To apply, students must submit an informal paragraph to Stanford in Florence via email, expressing their interest and demonstrating prior and relevant academic experience or professional training. The Maggio Musicale also asks for an audio or visual recording of playing, while the Accademia Italiana and Marangoni Foundation require a professional portfolio or other documentation (i.e., a list of coursework and photos of previous projects) showcasing relevant work. 

These courses are reserved for students pursuing a degree in Music or Visual Arts. General university credit towards graduation will be granted, and students may decide to petition their departments to seek major credit.  All applications are subject to final approval by the host institutions. 

Please see below for application deadlines and further details.

Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

As their website reads, “The Academy of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the international training center of the hyponymous Opera Theater of Florence, was established with the aim of guaranteeing the most thorough and prestigious professional preparation of young talented artists who intend to dedicate themselves to the arts and crafts of opera theater.” 

Musicians coming to Florence who wish to continue their study can do so with private instructors at the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The Accademia offers one on one instruction in voice, piano, string and wind instruments, and percussion. 

Students participating in this Program must take the course beyond 12 units of Stanford in Florence coursework, and will be required to take a minimum of 10 hours of private lessons, and participate in at least 5 hours of academy activities. Contact the Stanford in Florence staff for further information.

Application Deadlines: Fall Quarter Deadline: June 1; Winter Quarter Deadline: November 15; Spring Quarter Deadline: February 25

Accademia Italiana

Florence is truly an ideal location for art students who, in addition to Stanford in Florence Art History courses, have the option of choosing a course from a list of the Accademia Italiana offerings (painting, design, free-hand sketching, and more).

The Accademia Italiana in Florence occupies three floors of a prestigious building in the city center, made up of classrooms, design and computer labs, materials archives and a library. Students wishing to partake in this opportunity should already have a portfolio of art coursework or professional training. To be taken beyond 12 units of Stanford in Florence coursework, students should expect to spend roughly 5 hours per week at the Accademia between classes and individual practice/research.  

Contact the Stanford in Florence staff for further information.

Application deadlines: Fall Quarter Deadline: June 1; Winter Quarter Deadline: November 15; not offered in the Spring Quarter.

Studio Marangoni Foundation

An establishment with over 30 years of expertise in photographic education and cultural promotion, the Marangoni Foundation offers students the unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of photography while acquiring an intimate visual relationship with the city of Florence, from its historical masterpieces to contemporary society. 

Through engaging lectures, discussions, and hands-on assignments, students will learn composition, lighting, and editing, both in the studio and out in the city, under the guidance of experienced instructors.

To be taken beyond 12 units of Stanford in Florence coursework, students wishing to partake in this opportunity should submit a paragraph of motivation and a 12-photo portfolio to Stanford in Florence via email. Spaces are limited, and acceptance is at the discretion of the Studio Marangoni.

Contact the Stanford in Florence staff for further information. 

Application deadlines: Spring Quarter Deadline: February 25; not offered in the Fall or Winter Quarters.