Faculty: Claudia Mariano
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 10 candidates of any nationality who are 18 years old or older.This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, personalized, and high-quality training, alongside experienced industry professionals.
2. Purpose of the course
The course focuses on specialization within operatic and musical productions in the role of collaborative pianist (rehearsal pianist, stage pianist, lighting pianist, assistant). It combines lessons with intensive work experience within the productions of Teatro Coccia in Novara, offering direct, hands-on stage experience.
The course is designed to be compatible with other academic or professional commitments and offers students the opportunity to attend all theatre productions for free, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the operatic environment.
3. Course Period and Format
The course is annual and will take place at the Coccia Theater in Novara in several noncontinuous periods from JANUARY 2026 to DECEMBER 2026. Lessons will be scheduled in coordination with the theatre’s calendar, with particular focus on musical theatre productions and in parallel with other courses. In the event of an interruption due to force majeure, lessons and work experience periods will be rescheduled.
At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued, provided the conditions outlined in point 8 of this call are met. The most outstanding students may be considered for future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains contact with alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for a minimum of 80%. This level of attendance is also required for participation in any theatre productions. Any situation that may partially hinder lesson or production attendance must be communicated to the Academy’s administration.
4. Curriculum
The course will be structured in 23 days of theoretical and practical lessons and 50 days of work experience. The study program focuses on operatic repertoire and contemporary opera, in conjunction with the realization of productions scheduled for the 2026 season.
Work experience days, integrated into the productions of Teatro Coccia, are a crucial part of the course and mandatory for all participants. Maximum seriousness, constant commitment, and the ability to adapt to the demands and non-traditional schedules of theatre production are required.
The Artistic Direction, in agreement with the Faculty, will select those students considered suitable for involvement in scheduled productions. The nature of the engagement and any further conditions will be determined at the time of role and task assignment.
The lesson calendar may be subject to changes, which will be promptly communicated to students.
5. Application
Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate piano proficiency (equivalent to at least three years of conservatory study, even if certification is not yet obtained), good knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, and musical theatre repertoire.
To apply, please email the following documents (email subject: “AMO – CORSO MAESTRO COLLABORATORE”):
- This application notice fully completed and initialed on each page;
- Completed Application Form (Annex A) with front/back copy of valid ID and tax code;
Note: Foreign candidates must also include valid residence documents or adequate documentation proving renewal. - A detailed artistic and academic résumé;
- A video of two opera pieces of the applicant’s choice, including at least one ensemble scene (duet, trio, quartet, scene with chorus) and at least one piece in Italian. In both videos, the candidate must play the piano and sing or vocalize the vocal lines. (Provide a YouTube link with date and place of recording);
- Proof of payment of the €40.00 registration fee (VAT included) by bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN IT 80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Note: All banking fees are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Email address for submission: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
IMPORTANT: All requested files must be sent exclusively in PDF format (NO PHOTOS), complete and correct. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students who have already completed one academic year and wish to reapply for another year must still submit an application including items 1, 2, 3, and 5. They are not required to resend video materials, but they must include a new payment receipt for the €40.00 registration fee.
6. Live audition and selection
Applicants who pass the preliminary video selection will be invited to attend a live audi-tion at Teatro Coccia in Novara in late October 2025. For the live audition, candidates must present one aria and one ensemble scene chosen from the following composers:
- G. Puccini
- G. Verdi
- G. Rossini
- W.A. Mozart
The candidate must play the piano and vocalize the vocal lines.
In addition, candidates will be required to perform a scene from a contemporary opera and a melologue for piano and voice, which will be provided to eligible candidates two weeks before the audition.
7. Deadlines
- Applications (as specified in point 5) must be submitted by October 10, 2025, at 24:00 GMT+1 avia email to: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- by October 17, 2025, candidates eligible for the audition will be notified by email of the date and time of the audition;
- Following the in-person auditions, scheduled for October 29, 2025, the list of admitted students will be announced.
8. Costs and conditions of participation
The annual course fee for admitted students is € 1.200,00 (VAT
included). The fee must be paid in 2 installments of €600.00 each via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Send proof of payment to:segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
First installment deadline: December 18, 2025
Second installment deadline: by 27 February 2026
Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in termination of course attendance.
Thanks to agreements with local facilities, students from outside the area may access housing at reduced rates (at their own expense). Furthermore, the Academy supports talent: scholarships or financial aid may be provided to deserving candidates or those with proven financial need.