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Classes at Local Institutions

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Classes at Local Institutions

"One of my most meaningful academic experiences was going to the University of Florence's Novoli campus for one of our classes.  This was impactful because it exposed me to Italian academic contexts outside of the one created by Stanford." Spring 2019 Program Participant 

Florence Program students may take courses at the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Accademia Italiana. Courses at these prestigious institutions are highly selective and intended for students who wish to continue their studies in the visual arts 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 appreciates an audio or visual recording of playing, while the Accademia Italiana will accept either a professional portfolio or other documentation (i.e. a list of coursework and photos of previous projects) showcasing relevant artwork. 

These courses are reserved for students pursuing a degree in Music or Studio Art. 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. Furthermore, this Program grants you the possibility to participate in the Academy’s theater activities, such as stage rehearsals, that grant you first-hand experience in professional training.

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. While the Program offers at least one course in Art History per quarter, those pursuing the fine arts have the option of also taking a course at the Accademia Italiana, one of the most important European Institutes of design and applied arts. Students coming to Florence in the fall and winter quarters, and who meet the prerequisites, will be able to choose from a list of courses in various field such as photography, painting free-hand sketching, and more. 

The headquarters of 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.