Double Bass – Alberto Bocini

This is a performance-oriented advanced training programme, aimed at double bass players with exceptional artistic skills who are strongly committed to pursuing a professional career. It comprises two training paths: 

• The High Specialization Course, lasts one year and involves attending 8 sessions, each lasting three days, scheduled monthly between October and July.
• The Stauffer Performance Diploma, lasts three years and involves attending 10 sessions, each lasting three days, scheduled monthly between October and July each year. It includes intermediate and final exams, as well as the completion of an artistic project at the end of the three years.

 

The training program is enriched by the presence of great artists who, as Guest Teachers, will meet the students for specialized insights, workshops, artistic projects, and ensemble music activities. In particular, the academic year 2024-2025 includes masterclasses with: Renaud Garcia-Fons, Matthew McDonald (Principal Double Bass of the Berliner Philharmoniker), Rick Stotijn, and Francesco Siragusa (Principal Double Bass of the Teatro alla Scala).

 

The program also includes a rich schedule of concerts and special artistic projects, including the opportunity to be part of the Stauffer String Ensemble, which next year will be directed in two special concerts by Kolja Blacher and John Axelrod.

 

It is also possible to participate in some sessions of the course with the “Ad Hoc” Double Bass Formula, aimed at musicians interested in attending a masterclass with Alberto Bocini as part of the Stauffer course, with a view to possible future admission to the annual courses. By choosing this formula, it will be possible to attend up to a maximum of two sessions during the academic year, subject to availability. 

 

Attending modes

  

Annual Advanced Course:  

The course lasts one year and includes attendance of 8 sessions, each lasting three days, scheduled monthly from October to July. In addition to face-to-face lessons with the professors, each student will have the opportunity to participate in supplementary activities (masterclasses with guest professors or artistic projects) scheduled throughout the academic year. 

 

Stauffer Performance Diploma:  

The course has a maximum duration of three years, which can be reduced to two in agreement with the Professor and the Academy’s Management. Each year of the course includes attendance of 10 sessions, each lasting three days, scheduled monthly from October to July. In addition to face-to-face lessons with the professor, each student must participate in at least two supplementary activities chosen from masterclasses and artistic projects. Continued attendance is also subject to passing intermediate and final exams. The final diploma exam will consist of an artistic project proposed by the graduating formation, consisting of a concert lasting approximately one hour, with a free repertoire. 

 

Age limit: no older than 28  on the application deadline date, for the High Specialization and Performance Diploma formula. Exceptions are allowed in the presence of exceptional artistic qualities, upon evaluation by the Professor and the Academic Direction.

Admission exams: September 17, 2024, starting from 10:00 am.

The examinations will take place exclusively ‘in person’ at the Stauffer Academy, via S. Martino 6, Cremona.

 

Exam program:

• First movement of a repertoire concerto for double bass and orchestra
• A virtuosic piece for double bass, chosen by the candidate
• A piece for double bass written after 1980

The teacher may request the performance of the entire programme or part of it.

Candidates will receive the results of the selections by e-mail after the conclusion of the admission examinations.

 

To enrol with the “Ad Hoc” Double Bass Formula, please send a video recording of two contrasting movements/pieces, following the specified guidelines, to the email address accademia@stauffer.org by September 3rd. 

The candidate must create a YouTube video link and include it in the email, specifying the chosen programme in the video description. On this page, you can find all the necessary information to create a video that meets all the requirements. 

It will also be possible to enrol using this formula during the academic year, subject to the availability of the professor.

 

Application deadline: 23:59 on 3rd September 2024.

The following documents must be attached to the online application:

• Copy of a valid identity document
• Copy of qualification, or self-certification of educational background
• Curriculum vitae and any repertoire already studied
• Admission examination programme

Once the registration is completed, the candidate must forward an e-mail to accademia@stauffer.org (Subject: Double Bass – Candidate’s Surname) specifying the preferred attendance mode that wishes to enrol for.

 

A registration fee of €55.00 is required for the application. The fee is non-refundable.

 

Tuition fees are entirely supported by the Stauffer Foundation.

Other costs related to travel, board and lodging in Cremona and other personal expenses are borne by the students themselves.