Every fall, a dozen students take up a semester-long residence in Arezzo, Italy, where they are taught both by Furman and Italian teachers in courses that include conducting, music history, and Italian language. One-on-one studio instruction is the central component of the program, and each student works closely with an accomplished Italian artist who helps prepare them for performances that take place in a variety of configurations and venues. Our program is open to juniors and seniors in all music degree programs and to non-majors with significant musical backgrounds.
Study Away
Explore Arezzo
Arezzo is a small city in southeastern Tuscany, located between Florence and Sienna. It is surrounded by picturesque hills that boast centuries-old vineyards and olive groves. Arezzo has a well-preserved medieval walled center and many beautiful churches and other buildings that date back to the 12th century. Located on Italy’s main rail line, Arezzo is less than an hour from Florence, and less than two hours from Rome. Multiple-day field trips to Rome and Venice are included in the program.
There will also be opportunities for students to travel on their own in small groups. Course-related trips will be made to Florence, Venice, Rome, Sienna, Assisi, and other towns in Tuscany.
Our Accommodations
Classes, lessons and accommodations are at the Accademia dell’Arte which makes its home in the beautiful Villa Godiola. This building is a 16th-century former bishop’s palace surrounded by grapevines and olive groves overlooking Arezzo. The recently renovated rooms are bright, airy, dormitory-style accommodations, each with two single beds and a private bathroom. Meals are provided in the academy’s dining room, Monday through Friday.
There are opportunities to perform in several different settings both at the Accademia dell’Arte and in the city of Arezzo. Venues include the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici and La Casa del Petrarca in Arezzo.
Our Costs
Like all semester-long study away programs at Furman, our program is available for the same cost as a semester of on-campus study. The program fee includes the cost of travel from Greenville to Arezzo, tuition including applied lessons, accommodation, meals Monday through Friday, and course-related travel within Italy. Not included in the program fee are books and music, other individual travel, weekend meals, and other expenses such as gifts, phone calls, entertainment, or gelato.
Furman scholarships and financial aid can be applied towards the costs of the program. Furman provides some additional grants and interest-free loans to students who are enrolling in study away programs. More information is available through Furman’s Office of Financial Aid.
Contact Us
Have a question about the program, or our accommodations in Italy? Contact us.
Mark Britt
Professor of Music, Low Brass