Colle di Val d’Elsa, Tuscany, ITaly
august 18–24, 2026
Altalena Summer Residencies | week 3
» convento di san francesco «
Artist teachers
Christopher Elton
piano
Jack Liebeck
violin
Guy Johnston
cello
Anita Balazs
cello
Gianluca Papale
Piano, accompanist
dániel dobri
composition
Accompanist of the masterclass: Gianluca Papale
Additional instrumental masterclasses can be arranged through the Altalena Artists’ Collective network. If your instrument is not currently listed on our website, please contact Barbara with your request. Teacher assignments will be confirmed following the application process.
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One-on-one lessons — typically four 60-minute sessions per participant, but some professors may offer a different format (e.g., three 75-minute sessions). Details will be provided for each instructor, and special requests can be accommodated where possible.
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Performance opportunities — participate in the evening concert series.
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Up to 3 hours of daily practice time.
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Workshops and masterclasses — all open to participants.
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Seminar on university applications — insights on applying to EU & US music programs.
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ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
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The Professional Programme is designed for advanced and emerging professional musicians seeking intensive artistic development within an international faculty environment.
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Participants work closely with members of the Altalena faculty and may have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple professors throughout the programme.
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Admission is based on video application. All submissions are reviewed by the faculty, and invitations are extended to selected participants.
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Apply for financial aid by submitting your favourite video and writing and email to barbara@altalenasummer.com
PARTICIPATION CATEGORIES-
The Professional Programme is structured in two participation tracks.
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Tuition support is available for students currently enrolled in European music institutions through the European Friends Circle.
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Applicants applying from outside Europe follow the International Participation track.
FEES
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SUPPORTED EUROPEAN PARTICIPATION
Tuition fees for students enrolled in European music institutions are supported in part by the European Friends Circle.
SOLO
EARLY BIRD — available for the first 6 applicants
€720 tuition fee + €80 registration fee
GENERAL
€800 tuition fee + €80 registration fee
LATE APPLICATIONS — subject to availability
€800 tuition fee + €150 registration fee
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Chamber ensembles are reviewed individually.
Tuition depends on ensemble size, programme structure, and faculty allocation.
Fees typically range between €1,200 – €2,200.
We warmly encourage ensembles to contact us directly so we can advise on the most suitable participation format and assist with planning and logistics.
EARLY BIRD: The first 6 ensembles receive a 10% reduction on total tuition.
Fees include access to masterclasses, concerts and all educational activities within the Professional Programme.
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COMPLETE PROGRAMME PACKAGE
Participants who wish to arrange a complete package including tuition, accommodation and transfers are warmly invited to contact us.
We will be pleased to tailor the most suitable option according to individual needs.
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FINANCIAL AID
Partial bursaries are available for eligible applicants.
Individual applicants currently enrolled in higher music education institutions, as well as established chamber ensembles, may apply for financial assistance.
For inquiries, please contact: barbara@altalenasummer.com
OPTIONAL CULTURAL PROGRAMMES
Curated cultural excursions and tailored group trips may be arranged separately upon request.
Please contact: barbara@altalenasummer.com
OBSERVERS & GUESTS
Parents and guests wishing to observe masterclasses are warmly invited to contact us for information regarding attendance options and schedules.-
ACCOMODATION
Affordable, dormitory-like accommodation is possible in the Convento di San Francesco.
€30/NIGHT, €210 for 7 nights (2–4 STUDENTS/ROOM based on availability)
Booking via barbara@altalenasummer.com
If you are arranging your own accommodation, we are happy to offer recommendations. We suggest booking in the historic center (Colle Alta) of Colle di Val d'Elsa, where you will find charming and often more affordable homestays within walking distance of all activities.For those who prefer a hotel stay, our hotel recommendations include Hotel San Lorenzo, Palazzo Pacini, and Arnolfo B&B. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about location or homestay options — we will be glad to assist you.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
The nearest airports are Florence Airport, Peretola (Amerigo Vespucci Airport) and Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport). You may also fly into Rome and continue by train or bus to Florence or Siena.
Transfer services to and from the venue are available upon request.
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Siena train station transfer single/return: 40-60 EUR / person
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Florence airport transfer single/return: 50-70 EUR / person
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Pisa airport transfer single/return: 70-90 EUR / person
The transfer schedule is determined by altalena and will likely be arranged through a carpooling system. Special shuttle requests: barbara@altalenasummer.com
MEALS
We collaborate with selected local partners who offer special discounts for our participants, and detailed information about these arrangements will be provided to accepted applicants.
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Tuition fees, accommodation fees, and any additional activity costs are due 8 weeks prior to the start of the program (17 May)
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Registration fees are non-refundable and must be paid with the application.
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Partial refunds are only provided in cases of force majeure.
Name of Bank: MKB BANK Zrt.
Name of Organization: MusicAli Nonprofit Kft
IBAN: HU70 1030 0002 1065 7878 4882 0019
BIC: MKKBHUHBXXX
Address: 1056 Budapest, Váci utca 38.-
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS
Andreea Butucariu
Artist Managment
markus wyler
Art Managment
Julien Gaudiniére
Neuroscience, Piano
Angelo Petraglia
Piano, Improvisation
Eric liu
Alexander Technique,
Pilates, Dancing
Andreea Butucariu
Artist Managment
Markus Wyler
Art Managment
Julien Gaudiniére
Neuroscience, Piano
Angelo Petraglia
Piano, Improvisation
Eric liu
Alexander Technique,
Pilates, Dancing
FACULTY AVAILABILITY
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Each teacher requires a minimum of 3 active students to confirm participation.
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Altalena may replace a teacher with a qualified faculty member if necessary.
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
While changes to schedules, repertoire, or faculty have rarely occurred in Altalena’s history, unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments. Altalena reserves the right to make such changes while maintaining high-level instruction.
TRAVEL, VISA & INSURANCE
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Participants are responsible for their own international flights, visas, and health/travel insurance.
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Altalena may provide invitation letters and visa guidance, leveraging professional relationships with Hungarian consulates.
LIABILITY
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Altalena is responsible only for services organized directly (lessons, concerts, included program activities).
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Altalena is not liable for illness, injury, loss of personal belongings, or external travel delays.
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Adequate health and travel insurance is required.
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Student Conduct
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Professional behavior is expected; disruptive behavior may result in exclusion without refund.
MEDIA & RECORDING
Participation implies consent for photo/video recordings for educational or promotional use unless otherwise requested in writing.
FORCE MAJEURE
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Altalena is not responsible for events beyond its control (natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, war, political unrest).
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Programs may be adapted; financial compensation is only feasible within program limits.
ELIGIBILITY
The Altalena Masterclasses are primarily designed for young professional musicians aged 18–35, providing intensive training to refine their artistry, deep practice techniques and performance skills.
For talented younger musicians aged 14–17, the Altalena Junior Academy offers the same artistic and educational experience with additional supervision requirements. Participants under 18 must have parental consent and appropriate supervision. Those under 14 may only attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian and must meet the required skill level.
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