Frequently Asked Question

HOW ARE THE LESSONS ORGANIZED?
There are two sessions: one in the morning, one in the afternoon.
Both in the morning and in the afteroon there is a short technical lesson (study of the figures, practice with techniques such as simple and complex figures, fermatas, ritenuto and stringendo, legato/staccato etc.) and a podium session.
All the podium sessions are recorded with a front camera. At the end of the day there is a video session consisting in a technical study with the aid of the front camera recording.

IS THAT TRUE THAT THE BEST STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVITED BY IMPORTANT CONCERT INSTITUTIONS ?
Yes. Like we did in every edition until now we do a great effort to recommend our best students to the most important concert institutions we cooperate with.
Having said this, we want to clarify that Florence Conducting Masterclass is a course, not a competition, and the students must be very open-minded and willing to learn.

WILL THE STUDENTS OBTAIN A DIPLOMA AT THE END OF THE MASTERCLASS ?
The students will obtain an official certificate.

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL CONDUCT THE FINAL CONCERT ?
We decided to give all the active students the opportunity to conduct at least one piece at the final concert. If a student doesn’t want to conduct during the final concert, he/she will have a session of podium time instead.

I AM A MUSICIAN, I’D LIKE TO CONDUCT BUT I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCE WITH ORCHESTRAS, IS FCM A GOOD CHOICE FOR ME ?

It is hard to say in a few words: the best thing is to call or email the organisation and explain your current situation.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN ORDER TO HELP ME TO DEVELOP MY CAREER ?
First of all, we provide teachers of great experience and active at the highest level in the world of classical music. Our teachers are musicians able both to guide you on the first paces in the world of conducting and in the more advanced stages of your career. We also give you an impressive amount of podium time and we prepare you to use this time in the most effective way.
Finally we do great effort in order to give our best students the maximum visibility and we recommend them to well-known international orchestras, theatres, and agencies. Until now many of our students have been hired by professional orchestras worldwide.

CAN I VIDEO RECORD THE LESSONS ?
Of course you can. The organization also records every orchestra session with a front camera and the recorded material is given to the students at the end of the course

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RECORDINGS ?
No, the recordings are included in the course fee

ARE THE FINAL CONCERTS RECORDED AS-WELL ?
Yes, the final concerts are recorded. We will also give a copy of the recording to the students.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOTEL OR MEAL DISCOUNT FOR THE STUDENTS?
We have a special agreement with Centro Studi Giorgio La Pira that can offer nice single rooms at €40 per night. The availability is limited so these rooms will be offered to the first who will make a reservation.

In any case, the course is held in the very historic center of Florence, one of the most important cities in Italy, and there are so many opportunities for accommodation (from €30 per night) and meals. We are at your disposal to help you in finding the accommodation that suits better your needs.