Neapolitan Music Society Master Classes

The Neapolitan Music Society uses Master Classes to further its mission to educate the public about the Neapolitan Masters and perform music that has been lost and forgotten. Our method is to come to your school, and spend 7 to 10 days in intensive study of music transcribed from 18^th century manuscripts. Some of the works are newly discovered from the archives and their performance will be world premiers!

It is our goal that the experience be one in which the students learn about the Neapolitan School through examples of the teaching methods of the time, learning about the composers and their conservatory. Most importantly, we bring to the students an understanding, through our scientific approach and specific teaching method, the "stamp" of the Neapolitan School. This method is what became the "Neapolitan Sound", later defined as the "Italian Sonority".

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Our President and Artistic Director Maestro Gioacchino Longobardi, conducts the orchestra and teaches theory. Maestro Alberto Vitolo, violinist, Assistant Artistic Director, will travel from Rome to aid in the teaching of bowing methods of the 18^th century. This well-educated team attended the Conservatory San Pietro a Majella in Naples, Italy and has made it their life passion to teach this extraordinary aspect of music history. All Master Classes are based on the stylistic specialization of the Neapolitan School of Music of XVIII Century.

To culminate our classes and performance, when his schedule permits, the Society’s Historian Robert Gjerdingen, Professor of Music, Northwestern University, presents a lively and informative discussion that provides historical insights into the Neapolitan tradition. You will not be disappointed in their knowledge, experience and ability to work with the students in a truly ensemble collaboration.

1 - What our master classes provide

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Our Master Classes provide: Practice and Theory

Our Master Classes are highly educational, as we bring the students into a complete unexplored world of music, theory and history, instructing them in the performance that represents the stamp of the Neapolitan School.

2 - What kind of programs:

We can provide programs for Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, as well as vocal performance.

3 - How long would the Master Class need to be according to the choice of the program?

Master Classes can be from a minimum of 10 days up to two weeks. We would require a minimum of two hours daily of rehearsal.

4 - How much advance notice would we require?

At least three months before the beginning of the Master Classes.

5 - Costs

$ 6000.00, plus airfare, accommodation and per diem.

6 – Are there individual classes?

Individual Classes are provided for Violin, Viola, Voice, Harmony and Counterpoint.

7 - Will Master Classes always culminate with a concert?

It is the aim of the Master Classes to culminate in a final concert, if the collaborating institution agrees to do so.

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For more information about the Neapolitan Music Society''s Master Class Program, please contact us.