Advanced Programme

Violin

All courses

Salvatore Accardo Bio

Violin

All courses

Salvatore Accardo Bio

ENTRANCE EXAMS

June 5-6, 2026

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

May 25, 2026

Guided by Salvatore Accardo, the Violin Advanced Programme is a concert-oriented training path that combines individual lessons with a range of complementary activities, including masterclasses with renowned artists, chamber music sessions and participation in artistic projects.

The course is structured in eight sessions held monthly, each lasting three days. Each student is entitled to one one-hour class per month.

Public performances play a central role in the training of every Stauffer student. They include the monthly Session Recitals and a variety of Artistic Projects, which offer students concrete professional experience. Furthermore, the most deserving students are regularly recommended to concert institutions for inclusion in their seasons.

The course pianist is Maria Grazia Bellocchio.

Thanks to the support of the Stauffer Foundation, all the courses of the Academy are tuition-free. In view of this, students are expected to commit fully to the Academy’s educational programmes, comply with the attendance requirements and show a proactive and engaged attitude towards the activities that are planned to foster their artistic growth.

Academic Year 2026-2027

Lesson Schedule:

  • 5, 6, 7 October 2026
  • 9, 10, 11 November 2026
  • 7, 8, 9 December 2026
  • 18, 19, 20 January 2027
  • 8, 9, 10 February 2027
  • 8, 9, 10 March 2027
  • 5, 6, 7 April 2027
  • 3, 4, 5 May 2027

 

Short Courses:

Massimo Quarta: 14-17 December 2026, 8-11 March 2027;

Marco Rizzi: 9-12 February 2027, 5-8 April 2027.

 

Academic Year 2025-2026

Lesson Schedule:

6-8 October 2025;

3-5 November 2025;

9-11 December 2025;

12-14 January 2025;

9-11 March 2026;

7-9 April 2026;

4-6 May 2026;

3-5 June 2026.

 

Short Courses:

Massimo Quarta: 10-13 December 2025, 10-13 February 2026;

Marco Rizzi: 12-15 January 2026, 9-12 March 2026.

 

Masterclass:

Philip Setzer: 28-30 May 2026.

 

Artistic Projects / Workshops:

Viktoria Mullova & Matthew Barley | Tradition and Improvisation: 13-18 April 2026.

How to apply

The courses are open to students of all nationalities, not older than 30 at the application deadline.

Applications must be submitted online by no later than 11:59 PM on May 25, 2026, by completing the form through the button “Apply now” and attaching the following documents:

  • A valid ID;
  • A copy of the diploma or certificate of studies;
  • A curriculum vitae, preferably with a list of the studied repertoire;
  • The programme for the entrance exam.

A non-refundable annual registration fee of EUR 55.00 is required when submitting the application.

Tuition fees are fully covered by the Stauffer Foundation; travel, accommodation and living expenses in Cremona are to be borne by the students.

Entrance exams

The entrance exams will be held live on June 5 (afternoon) and 6, 2026, at the Stauffer Academy, Via S. Martino 6, Cremona.

Entrance exam programme:

  • J. S. Bach: two movements from a Sonata or Partita for solo violin;
  • W. A. Mozart: one movement from a concerto of the candidate’s choice, from No. 3, 4 or 5 (K 216, K 218, K 219);
  • First movement of a repertoire concerto;
  • N. Paganini: a Capriccio of the candidate’s choice.

The Professor may request the performance of all or part of the programme.

The results of the entrance exams will be communicated following the completion of the entrance exams.

Piano accompanist

The Academy’s accompanist will be available for the entrance exams. Is it not possible to rehearse with the accompanist before the exams.

Advanced Programme

Masterclass – Marco Rizzi 26 27

Marco Rizzi, described by The Strad as “a first-class violinist, with a rich palette of sounds, beautiful technique and a charming cantabile...

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