Viktoria Mullova & Matthew Barley – Strings & Improvisation

What does it mean to be a complete musician in the 21st century? This unique course will examine many aspects of this question including interpretation, improvisation, sound and communication.
During this workshop, students will all have the opportunity to play Bach repertoire for solo violin with Viktoria Mullova, drawing on her vast experience of Baroque style and technique.

The group will also learn how to improvise as an ensemble and work on solos, riffs and free improvisation.

They will study how to write music in small groups of 5/6 musicians, how to delve into the physicality of rhythm, group dynamics and how to work on confidence and performance technique, as well as understanding them.
Each student will play with Viktoria Mullova and Matthew Barley.
For this course is required an advanced level of knowledge of string instruments, an open heart and an open mind.

The course is open to violinists, violists, cellists and double bassists, also involved in chamber ensembles.

Duration: 6 days

Period: March 7-12, 2023

The course is open to Italian and foreign citizens.

Age limit: 30 years

Level of training:

• Bachelor or Master’s Degree
• Students of higher courses and candidates who, regardless of their qualifications, meet exceptional requirements may also be admitted.

Language: English

Application deadline: 23:59 CET on January 18, 2023. Applications submitted after the deadline won’t be accepted.

Application mode: through the “Apply” section of this page. Applications sent by email or transmitted through other channels won’t be accepted.

Required documents:

• copy of a valid identity document
• copy of degree, if in possession (or equivalent certificate)
• curriculum vitae
• receipt of payment of administrative fee

Administrative fee:

A fixed administrative fee of €50.00 by bank transfer (net of any currency and commission charges) is required to finalize the application. Full details on how to proceed with payment can be found in the full application regulations (downloadable below).

The fee is non-refundable.

The admission exam consists of a video audition. The candidate must create a link to a YouTube video, to be included in the application form, specifying in the description the program performed. At this link you can find all the directions for making a video that meets all the requirements.

Program

The program is free, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes, proving the artistic and technical qualities of the candidate.
Violinists wishing to play Bach with Viktoria Mullova should include a movement from a violin solo sonata or partita.
The video may include one or more free improvisation or non-classical pieces, as long as the candidate presents at least one piece from the renowned repertoire.

The selection is at the unquestionable discretion of the Professors and the Academic Direction.

Applicants will receive the results of the selections at the e-mail address provided during applications, one month before the start of the course.

The course is entirely free of charge.

However, it should be noted that the students are responsible for their own costs relating to travel, accommodation and board in Cremona, as well as other personal expenses.

The course may be attended by a limited number of auditors, who will be admitted at the sole discretion of the Professor.

For any information regarding enrollment in the Academy’s study programs, please write to accademia@stauffer.org.