Baroque Performance Practice (2026–2027)
Postgraduate course in baroque performance practice
Teachers:
Valeria La Grotta baroque singing
Federico Maria Sardelli transverse flute, conducting
François De Rudder dulcian and baroque bassoon
Paolo Pollastri baroque oboe
Federico Guglielmo baroque violin
Bettina Hoffmann baroque cello
Giulia Nuti harpsichord
Gian Luca Lastraioli theorbo, lute, baroque guitar
Bettina Hoffmann, Federico Maria Sardelli, Giulia Nuti, theory lessons
The annual postgraduate course in baroque performance practice brings together in Fiesole a team of internationally renowned musicians, who jointly design a high-level educational program; it is intended for already trained instrumentalists and singers, providing them with the foundations for historically informed interpretation.
The postgraduate course in baroque performance practice of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole is structured around practical lessons in instrument, voice, and conducting, ensemble music lessons, and theoretical lessons in baroque performance practice. Ensemble and theory lessons are taught in rotation by all course teachers, in order to offer different approaches to the subject, contributing to the artistic and professional development and interpretative awareness of young musicians.
Public sharing of the results of the preparation takes place through numerous concerts organized by the School, participation in which is considered an integral part of the educational path.
An annual internal competition (March/April) awards scholarships to the most deserving students.
The postgraduate course in baroque performance practice consists of practical lessons in instrument, voice, and conducting, ensemble music lessons, and theoretical lessons in baroque performance practice focusing on topics such as ornamentation, notational conventions, temperaments, organology, etc.
Ensemble music and theory lessons — in which sources are read, analyzed, and discussed — are taught in rotation by all course teachers, offering students a variety of approaches to baroque music.
Course activities are structured over two academic years, one dedicated to the seventeenth century and the other to the early eighteenth century.
At the end of the postgraduate course in baroque performance practice, students will have developed a secure sensitivity to the style and performance practice of the baroque period, enabling them to independently translate the written score into musical interpretation.
The course is primarily aimed at musicians who, having completed their musical studies, wish to approach the performance of Baroque music according to historically informed practice. Therefore, students who have reached the technical and musical level of a degree in either early music or their respective modern equivalents are eligible for admission: Voice for Baroque voice; Flute for Baroque flute (traverso); Bassoon for Baroque bassoon and dulcian; Violin for Baroque violin; Cello for Baroque cello; Piano or organ for harpsichord; Guitar for Baroque guitar, Baroque lute, and theorbo; Conducting or any higher music degree program for Baroque orchestra conducting.
Performance of a 20-minute program of Baroque music, of the candidate’s free choice. The program may be performed either on a Baroque-period instrument or on its modern equivalent.
The postgraduate course in baroque performance practice concludes after two years with a final examination, consisting of the performance of pieces from both the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, an ex tempore ornamentation test, and an oral examination on the subjects covered in the theoretical lessons.
Download the detailed examination program here.
In order to sit the examination, participation in at least 80% of the lessons is required.
Upon successful completion of the examination, the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole will issue a certificate.
young musicians
Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, Villa Paggeria, Parco Mediceo di Pratolino (Villa Demidoff) – via Fiorentina 276, Vaglia (Firenze)
to be defined
Performance of a 20-minute program of Baroque music, of the candidate's free choice. The program may be performed either on a Baroque-period instrument or on its modern equivalent. Date to be defined
Two monthly meetings on Fridays, from November to June. The course is structured around instrument / conducting / voice lessons, ensemble music lessons, and theoretical and historical teaching in parallel tracks.
to be defined
Annual individual enrollment fee for the course (non-refundable, payable at the time of application) and also valid as an auditor fee: €130.
Annual individual attendance fee, to be paid in a single installment by 20th November or in monthly installments by bank direct debit/credit card with a 5% surcharge: €1,300.