Overview
The C-GAP PIANO INTENSIVE PROGRAM at Chigiana is an intensive 2-week course designed to provide extraordinary opportunities and exposure to graduate student pianists. The program includes individual lessons, seminars and masterclasses, with an emphasis on solo repertoire. Students will enhance their artistic skills through pre-professional experiences both in class and by performing in the PRIMAVERA CHIGIANA FESTIVAL in Siena, Italy.
What does the program offer?
The C-GAP Piano Intensive Program is an intensive opportunity to study abroad in Siena, Italy at the world renowned Accademia Musicale Chigiana. The program is tailored towards graduate students currently enrolled at institutions of higher learning. Participants will leave the Accademia Chigiana with a video recording of the final concert.
Pianists will participate in individual lessons and masterclasses. The activities of the Piano Intensive program take place within the festival Primavera Chigiana. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in the cultural outings organized within the Summer C-GAP, and study Italian language through daily morning lessons with our dedicated instructor.
The piano intensive course is organized by Dean and Program Director Antonio Artese in collaboration with faculty Prof. Inna Faliks (UCLA), Prof. Ian Jones (Royal College of Music), Carol Leone (SMU) and Prof. Boris Berman (YALE). Guest artists will give masterclasses.
Who should apply?
We invite applications from graduate students who have prepared a significant solo repertoire. Exceptionally talented undergraduates may also apply. If currently enrolled, applicants should be in good academic standing and have a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. International students and students from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
The Program is open to all students from any accredited institution of higher learning and offers space to a maximum of 8 students.
Required Repertoire
maximum (1) at least 30 minutes of completed solo repertoire suitable for lessons, masterclasses and performances, (2) at least 30 minutes of new solo repertoire suitable for lessons.
Program Tuition & Fees – $2500 (no housing) OR $3500 (with housing – double occupancy* room in a private apartment in Siena, *$500 single room supplement)
April 15, 2025: $500 deposit due (applied directly to program fees)
May 15, 2025: Tuition balance due
Fees DO NOT include: travel to/from Italy, airport transfer to/from Siena, regular meals, international phone plan, optional weekend travel.
We encourage students to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities at their home university and through external funding sources. We are available to provide additional program information to students applying for grants and scholarships.
2025 PIANO INTENSIVE PROGRAM – 2 WEEKS
ONLINE ORIENTATION via Zoom
SATURDAY, MAY 25th 2:00 PM EST
STUDENTS ARRIVAL:
SUNDAY, JUNE 9th
ON- SITE ORIENTATION:
MONDAY, JUNE 10th 9 AM – 10:30 AM
All students MUST be present at orientation
STUDENT ARRIVE IN SIENA
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
WELCOME RECEPTION:
MONDAY, JUNE 16 – 7:30 PM
PROGRAM ENDS:
TUESDAY JUNE 28, 2025 – FINAL CONCERT 7:30PM*
All students are required to attend the final concert.
FAREWELL DINNER:
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – 9:00 PM
STUDENTS VACATE APARTMENTS:
SUNDAY, JUNE 29 by 12 PM
NEW APPLICATION DEADLINE:
APRIL 30, 2025
Program Dates: June 15 – 29, 2025
Final Concert 2019
L. van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 26
in Mi bemolle maggiore Op. 81a “Les Adieux”
i. Adagio – Allegro
Elisabeth Tsai
PIANO PERFORMANCE
An emphasis is placed on solo repertoire. All students will have 2 individual lessons per week for a total of 6 lessons. Each professor will give one 3-hour masterclass open to the public. Students will have the opportunity to perform in Siena in the PRIMAVERA CHIGIANA FESTIVAL.
All teaching is in English by local and visiting faculty/artists.
Classes are held Monday-Saturday.
The Piano Intensive Program is open to all graduate-level students from any university (and exceptional undergraduates upon recommendation). The program will accept a maximum of 10 students.
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENT
– At least 30 minutes of completed solo repertoire suitable for lessons, masterclasses and performances
– At least 30 minutes of new solo repertoire suitable for lessons.