Description of the courses 2024

For a general description of the Volterra Project courses check the "courses" page  in the "All you need to know" section
NB:
​The ONLY official language of the Volterra Project is English
  • GUITAR
  • BUSINESS
  • PHYSIOLOGY
  • LUTHIERS
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Guitar masterclasses:
(each student will play in three individual masterclasses: two with Antigoni Goni and one with the guest artist)
The Master Classes aim to prepare not only accomplished and skilled musicians but also intelligent and insightful artists. The program offers master class instruction with:

Antigoni Goni
In her masterclasses Antigoni Goni will not only put her unmatched artistic skills and long pedagogic experience at the service of the Volterra Project participants, but also tackle many physiology-oriented issues. Antigoni Goni’s masterclasses will not only focus on technique, sound, interpretation, colors, dynamics, empathy, but also work on the management many physiology issues such as of muscular tension and fatigue, body awareness and posture, muscle use, breathing and relaxation.

Guest artist: "SoloDuo" (Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli)
NB:: SoloDuo will give its masterclasses between 14 and 18 July

Workshops:
A toolbox for musical translation: interpretation and arrangement
Maarten Vandenbemden
No instrumentalist today seems to take more interest in the repertoire of other instruments, in all cultures and from all times, than the classical guitarist. The practice of performing on the classical guitar is intrinsically linked to the practice of ‘musical translation’. Whether we take inspiration from string bowing, vocal phrasing or orchestral colours in our own interpretations, or endeavour in the actual transcription of music for other instruments we’d love to hear and play on the guitar, we are continuously approaching music in a creative and open way.
In a 2 hours long interactive lecture, Maarten will introduce the basic ingredients for making your own arrangements on the classical guitar. Through examples of great arrangements by the likes of Mertz, Tarréga, Llobet but also Dušan Bogdanović and Sergio Assad, we will dig for inspiration for our own work.
Throughout the Volterra Project, Maarten will also available for individual sessions to discuss your own arrangement projects or ideas, or to discover how we can enrich our own playing through the interaction with more original versions of arrangements and repertoire pieces we play.

From Folk to Classical: Exploring Dance Forms Practice on the Guitar
Luca Isolani
Fandango, Tarantella, Choro... many popular dance forms have been appropriated by composers from different epochs and styles, inspiring compositions that are now part of the guitar repertoire studied and performed by guitarists of every generation.
As noted by musicologists, every process of appropriation involves some loss of the original elements of these dances, often affecting their performance on classical guitar.
By analyzing the key elements of few genres using examples from literature, in his lecture, Luca aims to provide insights into how modern guitarists can enhance their performance practice and better appreciate the folk origins of a given dance.
Subsequently, building upon the case studies of his doctoral research, there will be a workshop on the Tarantella style, including an explanation of the principal rhythm and melodic features.
Throughout the Volterra Project, Luca will also be available for individual sessions with a focus on folk-inspired repertoire.

Finger Fitness: Mastering Classical Guitar Technique
Eleonora Perretta
Guitar technique is the foundation upon which all musical expression is built.
The Finger Fitness: Mastering Classical Guitar Technique workshop led by Eleonora Perretta will dive into meticulous techniques that emphasize precision and fluidity, setting the stage for advanced proficiency.
From the fundamentals of posture, hand positioning, plucking directions, scales and arpeggios to drills focusing on finger independence, synchronization of movements and transitioning between chords, every aspect of guitar technique will be explored in depth, enhancing dexterity, control and promoting muscle memory.
Additionally, the workshop offers insights into effective stretching and warm-up routines to prevent injuries and enhance flexibility, ensuring a seamless practice session.
But mastering guitar technique is not just about acquiring mechanical proficiency - it's about cultivating a deep connection between mind, body and instrument. Together with a physiology expert, dedicated sessions on muscular engagement will provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of guitar playing.
Through a holistic approach that integrates body awareness, mental focus and technical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to elevate their classical guitar playing.

Business seminars (two group lectures and one individual session)

Martha Masters:
Developing Careers in Performance and Teaching

The group will discuss options for developing careers in performance and teaching, including exploring similarities and differences in various international markets and what we can learn from one another about promotion, curriculum, and creative performance opportunities for you and your students,  Participants will work in small groups to tackle various particular challenges and report back to the large group with thoughtful findings.  All participants will receive one on one feedback about their professional goals and promotional materials.

Music physiology:

Michèle Swennen  (to be confirmed)
one daily group session
A musician is an athlete, your body is your first instrument
 
Based on different somatic techniques, the course will give information on the general structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems : muscular imbalances, stability and mobility,differences in tension, relaxation and efficiency.
Good breathing influences posture and relieves muscle tension. Greater breath control helps to free up musical movement, to play with less stress and more musicality.
The course will teach practical applications of information that can be incorporated into a daily practice, It will help you  to become more aware of the use of yourself.


Robbie Bowman
three group sessions

We'll be working with the techniques of such practitioners as Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and a bit of NLP. We'll be trying out their techniques in a practical way to see what we discover.
The time with Robbie will involve 'trying out' the techniques and reflecting on what works for us, what is less helpful and any unexpected discoveries!
We will treat these sessions like a lab and our intention is to be 'active experimenters'.
The aim of the work being to free the full potential of the artist. .

Luthiers showcase:

The Volterra Project will host a day of presentations from several of the most acclaimed Italian luthiers, These will present their instruments, explain the process of guitar building, giving young guitarist an original perspective on their instruments and make them discover the importance of the synergy between luthiers and guitarists in the choice of the instrument.
Participation to the final concert
NB: Acceptance to the Volterra Project does not automatically guarantee the participation to the closing concert