A new kind of advanced piano course

PIANO CANTABILE is a professional training centre which provides coaching in interpretation and instrumental technique throughout the year to advanced pianists who have graduated from a conservatoire.

At Aubagne, in the heart of the provençal countryside

Nestling in the hills that were immortalised by Marcel Pagnol, a few miles from Marseille, the piano academy provides ideal conditions for students to develop their musical potential.

Young pianists with a variety of objectives

PIANO CANTABILE coaches students who are preparing entrance exams for the two French "conservatoires supérieurs" of Lyon and Paris, or for other international music schools. Those seeking to acquire a teacher's diploma receive special coaching for the teacher-training college entrance exams (CEFEDEM). PIANO CANTABILE also takes post-graduate students from European conservatoires and prepares them for international competitions or helps them develop their performing skills.

International concert pianist and eminent teacher Bernard D'ASCOLI (1st prize-winner Barcelona, 3rd prize-winner Leeds competitions) and British pianist Eleanor HARRIS (graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and London University), offer high-level interpretation classes and instrumental coaching throughout the year.

Master classes by international concert pianists

Eminent pianists are regularly invited by PIANO CANTABILE to give public master classes. PIANO CANTABILE has been honoured to welcome Jacques ROUVIER, Dominique MERLET, Roger MURARO, DANG THAI SON, Michel BOURDONCLE, Laurent CABASSO, Imogen COOPER and Ronald BRAUTIGAM.

Various course formats adapted to individual needs

About 40 young pianists with varied objectives already benefit from the tuition provided by PIANO CANTABILE. Following an audition, the student and teachers set out in a contract the type of project as well as the frequency and duration of lessons.

CD recordings and performance opportunities

A superb concert Steinway in a spacious music room plus the latest digital technology provide ideal recording conditions for students. Regular public concerts also enable them to gain confidence in performing.

Affordable fees

PIANO CANTABILE, a non profit-making trust, is committed to providing high-level tuition for all, whatever their financial means. Such conditions are made possible thanks to the funding by the County Council, the Regional Council and the Town Council of Aubagne. PIANO CANTABILE is a partner of CEFEDEM-Sud and the International Festival "Les Nuits Pianistiques".