ACADEMY⬤
CELLO
Cello advanced annual training course
Palermo November 2025 - July 2026
With Maestros
Giovanni Sollima,
Amedeo Cicchese and
Massimo Polidori
● INTRODUCTION
One year to become an artist
This course is not just a technical improvement, but a transformative experience. We will guide you in building a true musical identity, refining your stage presence, interpretive awareness and artistic project.
Under the guidance of three of Europe’s most recognized Masters, you will develop concrete tools for tackling a music career today, including auditions, concerts, competitions and communication
Become the musician you aspire to be.
An intensive, emotional and professional journey. This course guides you to develop your own strong and coherent musical identity in preparation for a career as a soloist, chamber musician or orchestral performer. The Masters will guide you through challenging repertoire, coaching, and targeted strategies for artistic success.
⬤ Who it is intended for
Cellists graduating or graduating
Young artists with ambition and vision
Musicians who want to turn their passion into a profession
Four strings in dialogue, three masters in tune
Cellist, composer and one of the most innovative artists on the international scene
First cello of the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
First cello of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan
OF THE COURSE
November 2025 to July 2026
Find out below about the syllabus for the one-year cello course, the first one-year course in Palermo that allows you to take the big step from student to concert cellist.
Cello lessons are divided into 8 meetings
Each student participates in two individual lessons of about one hour, each meeting. The lessons will be in the presence of an accompanying pianist.
3 meetings with Giovanni Sollima
3 meetings with Amedeo Cicchese
2 meetings with Massimo Polidori
It is possible to apply for part-time attendance in the following ways: 8 meetings in a year with one hour of lectures or 4 meetings in a year with two hours of lectures.
01.
Solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire
02.
Technique, musicality, sound management and stage presence
03.
Orchestra steps for competitions and auditions
04.
Chamber music (including with already formed ensembles)
Get your performing career off to the best possible start
With Cinzia Milani
concert pianist and mental coach
With Marisa Glorioso
Feldenkrais Method® teacher
With Gloria Campaner
concert pianist and mental coach
With Paola Lo Curto
concert pianist and music manager
A course to prepare you for real auditions in the orchestra. Simulations, feedback, and strategies for successfully passing professional selections.
Targeted Preparation
During the year you will delve into orchestral steps and acquire strategies for dealing with auditions and managing stress in real-world situations, gaining more confidence, control and readiness for professional auditions
Audition repertoire
You will be assigned a specific repertoire and some orchestral passages that will then be drawn out during the simulation
Realistic simulation
You will have the opportunity to put yourself on the line with an audition before a real panel of professional orchestral musicians
Final interview
You will receive detailed feedback from the committee
Every note leads up to here
Enrollment is limited, only 8 places available, to ensure quality and individual attention.
Participating in theaudition is simple and free.
Participating in the audition is simple. Just fill out the following online form. You will receive the audition result via email. In the case of a positive outcome, we will send you the contract to proceed with enrollment.
Rules for the video of the audition:
● Free repertoire lasting between 10 and 20 minutes
● Framing that includes the instrument
● Horizontal or vertical shooting in high resolution (even with smartphones)
● Uploading to Youtube as a “public” or “unlisted” video
Deadline to participate in online audition:
September 20, 2025
IMPORTANT
Auditions are evaluated immediately and following the order in which applications are sent. Admissions to the annual course are therefore subject to early closure once the maximum number of participants is reached.
● Application
The application fee is required to reserve your place and must be paid within one week of the notice of successful admission.
● Attendance
The attendance fee is due by October 30, 2025.
All payment details will be provided in the contract attached to the admission email.
PAYMENT IN INSTALLMENTS
Payment in installments is available and can be requested after successfully completing the audition step.
CONVENTIONS
MARTHA Academy has conventions with hostels, B&Bs, hotels and bars that are located close to the class venue.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Through the campaign “become a patron” MARTHA has initiated crowdfunding in order to award scholarships. The allocation of scholarships will be determined after enrollment and based on a single ranking of students who have applied for them.
HOSPITALITYÀ
It is possible to request free accommodation with the Patrons. MARTHA will connect students and Patrons according to the availability of the latter and the characteristics of the accommodation, which may consist of a room in a private home with a family or independent housing.
JOIN
THE AUDITION