Study at Conservatory in Italy

Home to renowned institutions, Italy’s conservatories stand as pillars of musical excellence, merging classical teachings with modern techniques, and providing students with a unique platform to refine their musical talent.

• • Conservatory of Milan
  • Conservatory of Florence
  • Conservatory of Turin
  • Conservatory of Parma
  • Conservatory of Rome
  • Conservatory of Bologna
  • Conservatory of Venice
  • Conservatory of Pesaro

Entry to Italian conservatories is regulated through a combination of entry exams and auditions. The specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly between institutions, therefore it is important to research the specific requirements of the conservatories and programs you are interested in.

Here you find a general structure of the admission tests in Italian Conservatories:

• ENTRY EXAMS

These exams assess the applicant’s musical skills, knowledge, and potential and may include:

– Rhythmic theory and ear training (knowledge of the basic elements of musical language and notation codes);
– Harmony theory and analysis (sound system, tonal system, horizontal and vertical components);
– History of music (knowledge of the historical development of music, its periodization through multiple choice questions and music extracts analysis).

• PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION

In addition to entry exams, many conservatories also require applicants to submit a portfolio of their previous musical work.

• LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Depending on the institution and program, you will also need to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language, usually a B2 level.

• AUDITIONS

During auditions you’ll perform pieces on your chosen instrument or as a vocalist to showcase your technical skills, musicality, and interpretation.

• INTERVIEWS

Some programs require an oral interview as part of the admission process, to get to know you better, discuss your goals, and assess your commitment to the program.

Each year the Italian Ministry of Education releases updates for the admission process with precise dates etc. Those are usually released around May-June. Below are estimates based on previous years.

• SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER: Pre-enrollment at the Italian embassy/consulate in country of origin → only Marco Polo/Turandot students
  Documents needed: High School Diploma

• MAY: Register online for the admission test
  Documents needed: Declaration of Value; legalized and apostilled translation of High School Diploma

• MAY: Sit an Italian language test (B2 level) at the chosen Conservatory
  Documents needed: Student visa (visto per immatricolazione), confirmation letter of application to the exam (?)

• JUNE: Sit the Music Theory and Practice admission test at the chosen Conservatory
  Documents needed: Confirmation letter of application to the exam. Moreover, according to your country of origin, you might need to apply for an entry visa to come and sit the exam. Check the requirements on the Foreign Affairs Ministry website.

• AUGUST – SEPTEMBER: Visa application → only NON-EU students

• SEPTEMBER: Enrollment
  Documents needed: passing the admission test, student visa + permit of stay, payment of the tuition fee for the first year, any other form required by the university.

The cost of studying at a Conservatory in Italy can vary depending on several factors including the specific conservatory, the program of study, whether you’re an EU citizen or not, and whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies.

However, to give a general estimate on conservatory programs in Italy, the tuition fees are typically lower compared to many other countries.

For EU citizens, tuition fees tend to be lower than for non-EU citizens. Tuition fees can range from €800 to €4,000 per year for undergraduate programs. For graduate programs, fees might be slightly higher.

Non-EU citizens may have higher tuition fees that can range from €1,500 to €8,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and higher for graduate programs.

Please also note that there may also be additional costs such as registration fees, exam fees, textbooks, and other materials required for the program.

Your family’s income can also affect how much you pay. If you’re from a low-income family or excel academically, you might qualify for scholarships or financial aid to help cover your tuition fees.