STEFAN MILENKOVICH MUSIC INSTITUTE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
National platform Serbia Creates with the support of Banca Intesa proudly present Stefan Milenković International Music Institute, to be held in Novi Sad, Serbia, from July 28 - August 18, 2024. We are excited to announce that after a great success during the past 3 years of this institute and due to high demand, the 2024 institute will also open applications to violin, viola, and cello students, featuring renowned faculty:
Stefan Milenković, violin
Una Stanić, violin
Jožef Bisak, viola
Dmitry Kouzov, cello
Rohan De Silva, collaborative piano
Hilda Švan, collaborative piano
This music program will provide unparalleled opportunities for musicians to explore both solo and chamber music repertoire, honing their artistic and technical skills. Students will work closely with experienced coaches and will also perform in solo and chamber music performances.
We welcome applications from all musicians who are committed to musical and technical growth. A total of 10 merit-based scholarships will be available for applicants across all instruments, which will cover 100% of the course fee.
THE COURSE INCLUDES:
3 individual lessons weekly per student with their respective instrument professor – Jožef Bisak (viola), Dmitry Kouzov (cello). Violin students will have 2 individual lessons per week with Professor Stefan Milenković, and 1 lesson with his teaching assistant Una Stanić.
Chamber music coaching classes will be held 3 times weekly per student. *up to 6 times for viola and cello students - at full capacity two chamber music groups. Each student will be part of a string quartet for the entire duration of the Institute.
Daily studio (group) classes “Work in Progress”: this class offers all students a chance to perform their repertoire, as well as encourage everyone to offer constructive feedback and suggestions to improve their teaching and communication skills. All participants will be encouraged to actively participate in discussions, as well perform.
3 theory classes per week: these will include instrument practicing methods, memorization technique, program selection, composer/period study, orchestra excerpts preparation, professional portfolio presentation, and more.
Comprehensive daily physical exercises: these are specifically tailored for string musicians to prevent injuries and increase overall psychological and physical preparedness. These will include warm-ups, light cardio, yoga, mobility-based exercises and more.
Specialized daily breathing exercises: these are selected depending on individual needs and tailored for each student to help reduce performance anxiety, increase energy as well as improve focus and concentration.
Practicing public speaking: an extremely important skill, special attention will be given to communication skills throughout the duration of the Institute. During the studio classes - as well as at the final concert - each student will be required to speak and briefly present the work that they will be performing.
Group Q&A classes: Open-format discussions will be frequently held with Prof. Milenković, which are designed to encourage exchange of ideas and experiences. In addition, these discussions will include topics regarding modern day life and career as musicians.
Sightseeing tours which will feature some of the city’s main attractions and team building exercises.
Shuttle transfer Nikola Tesla Belgrade Airport – Novi Sad – Nikola Tesla Belgrade Airport.
Please note: this program is designed to be challenging, as well as rewarding. Participants can expect long days. Typically, the work starts before breakfast, at 7 am, and will end at 7 pm or 8 pm. It is recommended that students maintain a steady instrument practice routine at least 2 - 3 weeks before the course, as well as engage in some light physical exercise and stretching. However, the course is designed to introduce the entire curriculum gradually, so prior familiarity with movement and physical exercises is encouraged, but not required.
Piano accompaniment is included in all lessons, as well as at the final concert.
On the last day of the Institute, August 18, 2024, selected participants will perform at the final concert. The program will be chosen from the repertoire students have been working on during the institute. The official Institute program ends August 18th and participants can plan their departure on August 19th. All participants will receive a certificate after the completion of the Institute.
*Chamber music repertoire will be shared with all participants one month before the Institute starts.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Submission of a CV or resume (800 characters max), including applicant's musical and educational background, performance and chamber music experience, and a list of any awards and/or accomplishments.
Up to three videos of the applicant performing contrasting works, with total duration of no more than 15 min. All videos should be uploaded to YouTube and submitted in the application form via YouTube link. For more information on how to upload a video to YouTube click HERE.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 18th, 2024.
AGE
This course is primarily intended for college-level students. However, talented students under the age of 18 will also be considered. If admitted, those students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
LANGUAGES
Violin: English, Serbian, Italian, German
Viola: English, Serbian, Slovenian
Cello: English, Russian
SELECTION
Each element of an individual's application is carefully evaluated. Admission is based on the quality of applicant’s playing in the provided recordings, as well as information in the resume.
All participants will be notified of acceptance by email on or before April 25, 2024. Space is strictly limited.
COURSE FEE
Institute Student
If selected, a non-refundable course fee of €1,350 must be paid by May 7, 2024, otherwise the student will not be able to participate in the Institute. A total of 10 scholarships will be offered across all instruments, which will cover 100% of the course fee. The selection for this scholarship is merit-based, and it does not include accommodation, food, and travel expenses.
Institute Passive Observer
A limited number of attendants in the capacity of passive observers will be allowed. Passive observers will have access to morning and afternoon exercises, group performance and theory classes, and individual lessons *with prior approval of the student whose lesson they wish to attend. If selected as a passive observer for the course duration, a non-refundable fee of €300.00 per week (€900.00) for the duration of the Institute, must be prepaid by May 7, 2024. The fee does not include accommodation, food, and travel expenses.
CONTACT
Feel free to address any questions to: stefanmilenkovicinstitute@serbiacreates.rs
USEFUL LINKS
