The Masterclass
The composition masterclass is aimed at all composers who wish to present their works (for any ensemble) and who wish to discuss topics ranging from compositional techniques to considerations on contemporary writing with Franck Bedrossian.
During the course days, there will be meetings dedicated to listening to and discussing the pieces presented with the teacher, moments in which the teacher will talk about his own production, concerts, work with the ensemble, and there will also be convivial and informal moments in which to talk about the topics that emerge from the meetings in an atmosphere of mutual sharing and listening.
Individual Lessons
The course days will be organised between individual lessons with Franck Bedrossian, public lectures and work with the ensemble. For the individual lessons, it will be possible to present already written works, working drafts of new pieces and new arrangements of existing pieces. It is strongly advised to provide audio (or audio/video) examples of the extended techniques used in your work.
Working with the ensemble
The contemporary music ensemble Collettivo_21 will be available to work with the students and teacher during the course. Each student will have the opportunity to work with the ensemble on chamber pieces that have already been written, on drafts of new works, or on new arrangements of existing pieces: the aim is to create a free space in which to work, not aimed at a performance of a piece, but focused on the possibilities of experimenting with timbral and instrumental combinations, optimising technical and instrumental issues of writing (also from the point of view of the performer), the relationship between performers and composers, and other relevant issues to be assessed on the spot. It will also be possible, during the work, to record useful sound combinations and/or small sections of the pieces.
The ensemble also offers individual time with each performer during the course, with the opportunity to discuss extended techniques and other relevant issues.
Lectures and Workshops
Lectures and workshops will be given during the course by Franck Bedrossian and the Collettivo_21 ensemble. Lectures will focus on the lecturer’s production, the aesthetics and technical realisation of the amplification of acoustic instruments, the relationship between composers and performers, and other salient topics. The members of the Collettivo_21 ensemble will additionally hold short workshops dedicated to each instrument, in which the main technical writing issues will be addressed, including extended techniques – from the perspective of the performer, and answering questions from the participants.
The ensemble of Collettivo_21 available for the masterclass is:
- flute (also piccolo and alto flute)
- saxophone (tenor, alto)
- violin
- cello
- piano (please contact in advance for piano preparation)
- classical guitar and electric guitar (for chamber work only – please contact for effects/instrumentation)
- percussion (please contact for a list of available instruments)
- electronics (tape/fixed media only – please contact for a list of available instruments)
In addition, the ensemble will present a monographic concert with music by Franck Bedrossian on the first day of the course.
Regulations
Attendance as an actual student is €430; free access for auditors (subject to availability).
Lessons begin on 04/08/2025 and end on 09/08/2025 (total no. 6 effective days).
The course will be held in English/French. Lessons will be held at CDM’s premises.
There are no restrictions on the age or nationality of participants. Letters of invitation are available when needed to aid in visa processing.
The cost of the course includes:
- Individual lessons with the professor
- Work with the ensemble as described
- The possibility of attending all the lessons and/or seminar and lectures held during the course
- The use of study spaces, whose hours will be self-managed by the students and coordinated with the activities taking place.
- Issue of certificates of participation authenticated by the teacher and the organisation
Deadline for registration is: 21 April 2025.
A fee of €50 must be paid at the time of registration.
Payment details:
Account holder: Associazione Montaldeo Musica
IBAN: IT02V0326848450052776248700
BIC/SWIFT: SELBIT2BXXX
Reason of payment: Name and Surname, music masterclass
By the 29 April you will be informed about the selection of the participants to the masterclass; in case of non-selection, the registration fee of €50 will be refunded. Payment of the course fee, amounting to €430, must be made by the 6 May.
The accommodation fee of €300 will be paid on site, upon arrival. Any payment and bank charges are the responsibility of the applicant.
In the event of late payment, for which bank transfer date of sending is decisive, a late payment fee of €75 will be charged.
Board and Accommodation (€300 – 04-09 August)
Casa San Michele offers accommodation in affiliated facilities (flats) for the duration of the course. If necessary, the flats are available to those who wish to stay the night before the course begins (subject to booking) at an additional cost of €25 per night. The cost includes accommodation in a shared flat with a room equipped with bed sheets, use of CDM’s SPA and practice spaces, and 3 dinners during the course, served at CDM’s facility. Water, fruit and snacks are always available in the CDM common area; other meals will be considered extra.
The remaining meals are at the discretion of the participants: all flats are equipped with an essential kitchen and a small pantry (coffee, pasta, oil, salt and other essentials). An affiliated restaurant is located a short distance away (3.4 km); if necessary, the organisation can offer a transfer service to and from the restaurant (free of charge and by prior arrangement). For use of the SPA, rubber slippers (non-slip), a towel and a swimming costume are obligatory. The balance of any extras can also be settled on site by credit or debit card, bank transfer or cash. Please note that there are no tobacconists, pharmacies, grocery shops or ATMs in the village of Montaldeo; all the necessary services can be easily reached by car or bicycle in the neighbouring villages.
Upon request, at the beginning of the course, the organisation offers to buy and provide (free of extra-charge) any needed product (such as groceries, tobaccoes, toilet articles, etc.).
How to reach us
The nearest railway stations are Ovada, Novi Ligure, Arquata Scrivia; a transfer service is available from the arrival station to Montaldeo at a cost of €15. The nearest airports are Turin, Milan, Genoa, with respective train connections. For those travelling by car, Google Maps shows the exact location by searching for “Casa San Michele Montaldeo”; the nearest motorway exits are Ovada (A26), Novi Ligure (A26/A7), Arquata Scrivia (A7).
Cancellation
Registration fees, net of bank charges, will not be refunded under any circumstances (save for the initial fee of €50 in case of non-selection), except in the event of cancellation of a course due to force majeure or failure to reach a minimum number of participants. The accommodation fee will not be charged in the event of cancellation by the member.