Training centre for advanced pianists, selective and state-supported
Piano Cantabile is a non-profit association founded in Aubagne in 2001.
Piano Cantabile is directed by Bernard d’Ascoli, internationally renowned soloist (1st Prize Barcelona Competition, 3rd Prize Leeds Competition) and Eleanor Harris, British pianist and pedagogue, graduate of the Royal Academy of Music.
This training centre prepares young pianists from regional conservatoires for higher education establishments.
This subsidised centre of excellence adapts to the needs and objectives of each student, providing individual lessons or master-classes throughout the year.
In addition, Piano Cantabile organizes intensive week-long training courses nine times a year.
The academy prepares students attempting the entrance examinations to the Paris and Lyon Conservatoires, or any other international higher education establishment.
Pianists seeking to attain diplomas giving access to the teaching profession (DE or CA) receive appropriate training and support to achieve their goals.
For pianists who have already graduated from a European higher education programme, Piano Cantabile provides coaching for international competitions and concert and recording repertoire.
Since 2001, 170 young talents have benefitted from the services provided by Piano Cantabile.
Amongst these, 88 students entered a European higher education establishment, 22 obtained a prize in an international competition – including 12 first prizes – and 33 were awarded the DE or CA (diplomas giving access to the teaching profession).
Pianists wishing to be subsidised by Piano Cantabile must be younger than 36 and have obtained the French DEM diploma or international equivalent. They are then selected by audition with the two teachers.
Each candidate presents a programme consisting of a fast movement of a classical sonata, a virtuoso study and a piece of their own choosing of five to ten minutes.
Successful candidates are offered a personalized contract determining his/her professional objectives, duration of training and frequency of lessons.
This training consists of renewable modules of twelve hours of lessons. The generously subsidised cost of a module is €240, plus an additional €150 annual registration fee.