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8 Michigan in-residence credits

• Good academic standing
• Demonstrated background in music (preferably voice performance)

Students participating in the Spring 2009 Music program will enroll in three courses:

• Voice Performance
• Opera Workshop
• Italian for Opera Singers

Master Class in Performance (3 credits)

Students will meet in private and class settings for coaching on solo repertoire and discussion of performance issues. Prior to arrival, participants should prepare two or more solo works (one American, in English; one Italian, in Italian) for coaching, for the master class with Professore Gianni Fabbrini, and for potential public performance. Emphasis will be placed on the musical and aesthetic aspects of performance under the guidance of outstanding musicians, with an opportunity to perform in recital provided for interested participants. An accomplished pianist/assistant coach will be available to assist in the preparation for coaching and performance experiences.

Opera Workshop (3 credits)

This class meets five days a week. Emphasis will be on acting, role development and staging. In-depth study of scenes from select operas will culminate in two separate performances at the Villa, either on the Garden Stage or in the Aula Magna. Students will be assigned roles before the spring term begins and will be expected to have the music learned by the time they arrive in Florence. Music will be placed on reserve in the music library by April 10 for you to copy, translate, and learn before arriving at the Villa.

Italian for Opera Singers (2 credits)

Designed specifically for the needs of opera singers, coaches, and others who are interested in opera. There are two components: (1) an introduction to the language of “operatic Italian,” and (2) practical conversation in modern Italian. Using the required text “Grammar and Translation for the Italian Libretto” by Richard M. Berrong as its basis, this course systematically examines the grammar of the Italian language using operatic examples, in order to gain an understanding of opera’s distinctive poetic language, and guides the student in the practical application of basic Italian conversation. Thus, the student develops an ability to understand the poetic subtleties of libretti and gains experience and confidence in speaking Italian with Italians. Because of the nature of operatic Italian and the flexibility of the conversation component, this is suitable for all Italian proficiency levels. Classes are held Monday through Thursday for 5 weeks with required, guided conversation in Italian during the dinner hour.

For more information, please see the 2009 Florence Music Handbook.

Other web links: Villa Website
Guide for Accepted Students: Florence Music Handbook (PDF)
General OIP Study Abroad Manual (PDF)
Talk with a program Student Alum: E-Advisor
Talk with Italy’s Study Abroad Advisor: oip-italy@umich.edu

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