Instituto Superiore di Studi Musicali Livorno

The "Pietro Mascagni" Music Institute of Livorno - established by the will of private individuals in 1953 in the form of a limited liability company, managed since 1964 by a Consortium between the Municipality and the Province of Livorno and equalized with the State Conservatories by decree of the Chief of the state no. 883 of 14 November 1978 - is part, pursuant to Law no. 508 of 21 December 1999 reforming the Academies of Fine Arts, the National Academy of Dance, the National Academy of Dramatic Art, the Higher Institutes for the Artistic Industries, the Conservatories of Music and the equivalent Musical Institutes, the system of Higher education and artistic and musical specialization (AFAM), with the right to give itself autonomous regulations. The Institute is the primary seat of higher education, specialization and research in the artistic and musical sector. During 2009, the renewal of all offices and institutional bodies was completed on the basis of the principles of the new Statute, which has already been approved by the Ministry of University and Research - Directorate General for Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Education with a decree no. 662 of 21 November 2006. From the 2010/2011 academic year, with the approval of the new regulations authorized by the Ministry of Education, University and Research with DM n. 202 of 22 September 2010, the three-year courses for the achievement of the first level academic diploma were activated. These courses replace and integrate the traditional "higher course", which in the previous system was reserved almost exclusively to the study of the instrument, neglecting important aspects such as, for example, ensemble music. The approved teaching plans, the single study programs and the relative checks, expand and update the programs in force, both on the "ancient" and on the contemporary side, with the aim of proposing more complete and qualifying activities. Following specific ministerial authorisation, the two-year experimental courses continue for the achievement of the second level academic diploma. These offer a training course aimed at the acquisition of specialist level skills in the field of interpretation, through the deepening and completion of the musical studies completed; this course aims to provide advanced skills in the field of musical interpretation, expanding the knowledge of those who, already in possession of a diploma from the Conservatory of the previous system or a first level academic diploma, as well as a degree, intend to specialize in field of solo interpretation through the acquisition of additional and specific skills of a professional nature. In line with the provisions of the reform law, pre-academic musical training courses were also established starting from the 2009/2010 academic year. The purpose of these courses is to provide adequate preparation for access to first-level academic courses but also to guarantee those who do not intend to continue their musical studies at university level, a high-profile general and specific musical knowledge. Compared to the diploma courses of the old system, the pre-academic courses present an updated training offer in terms of contents and methodologies, extended to new disciplines and more flexible in the individual articulation of the course. In addition to the professional training of musicians, the Institute is committed to the dissemination of musical culture and the promotion of musical education at all levels. It organizes courses for children internally, promotes projects in the area in collaboration with institutions, schools and cultural associations and coordinates a provincial network for musical education and training which involves public musical schools and municipal musical schools. Particular attention is dedicated to orchestral training, to the use of new technologies, in relation to which the Institute has equipped itself with a recording studio and a multimedia classroom as well as the practice of contemporary repertoires. There are numerous masterclasses with internationally renowned musicians, also created thanks to the collaboration of companies in the music sector. Students have numerous opportunities to complete their teaching activities with introduction to the world of work, both by participating in concert activities and by carrying out paid activities in relation to musical training projects for children and adults implemented in the Institute and in the territory. The Institute also promotes forms of collaboration on a national and international level in order to encourage cultural exchange and the mobility of students and teachers who can take advantage of the actions envisaged by the Erasmus programme. A rich library has been completely computerized and is part of the provincial library system. It promotes research on Livorno composers and librettists, which has led to the creation of numerous publications and conferences. The Institute is located in the center of the city of Livorno, a short distance from the railway station and the Pisa Galilei international airport. It is housed in the prestigious "Complesso Gherardesca", built between 1845 and 1861 to a design by the Tuscan architect Alessandro Gherardesca, and recently restored by the Province of Livorno.