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Milan, Italy

Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year
A group of students smile outside Il Duomo in Milan, Italy.
the ceiling of the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center in Milan
an artistic shot of a statue atop Duomo di Milano
a music student singing in Milan

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Whether you’re fluent in Italian or only know ciao, you will be welcomed with open arms by the IES Abroad Milan Center staff and a full range of opportunities for instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, and performance majors. In Milan, you get an education tailored specifically to your musical needs and interests. Enjoy being surrounded by some of the world’s top musicians and educators—including our Center Director, who is an active composer and music scholar whose pieces are performed worldwide! 

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Take Lessons with Highly Qualified Instructors

Receive individual instrument or voice instruction from experts.

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Rehearse and Perform with Local Ensembles

Past students have studied with several ensembles and choirs.

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Study with World-Famous Institutions

Take your music studies a step further through our partnerships.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in an internship or a community-based learning opportunity.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

Early September - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Advisor Photo for Group Advisor Programs

Kaylee Brezinski & Rachael Grochowski

Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Milan?

From ancient Ambrosian chants to cutting-edge multimedia installations, Italy has always been at the forefront of musical innovation. As a music student in Milan, you have the opportunity to work with world-class musicians, soak up the local music scene, perform at a variety of venues, and attend performances.

Learn More About Milan

Get to Know Your New City

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Climb the Duomo

Make your way to the top for the best views of the city.

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Meet People & Get Involved

Make friends with Community Assistants.

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Enjoy the Milanese Aperitivo

Happy hour in Milan means, when you buy a drink, you get dinner for free!

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Root for Local Teams

Cheer on A.C. Milan and Inter Milan!

The Student Experience

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Housing

  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

Live in a furnished apartment located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, apartments are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each apartment offers fully equipped kitchens, Internet access, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. These apartments are single-sex. Premium location units may carry an additional cost. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian roommate called a Community Assistant (CA). These Assistants can help you improve your Italian language skills, get to know the city of Milan, and integrate more fully into the local culture. Meals are not included, so you normally eat lunch at a local café or a university cafeteria, and prepare your own breakfast and dinner at home.

Academics

Several happy students are sitting in close proximity some have their desks turned around to face their classmates and a discussion is taking place

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

You will learn from many highly qualified local instructors for both voice and instrumental performance, and composition and theory to enrich your learning experience. 

You may also use concert venues for recitals and attend concerts and rehearsals of professional performance organizations, such as La Scala, Milano Classica, La Verdi Symphonic Choir and Orchestra, and Italian musical productions. In addition, we help you with instrument rentals and studio time arrangements—all rental costs will be covered by IES Abroad. 

Partner Institutions

Books in a library. They all read "Library of the Conservatory of Music, G. Verdi, Milano."
  • Civica Scuola
  • Conservatorio
  • La Verdi
  • UCSC

Civica Scuola Di Musica C. Abbado

The largest private music school in Italy, the Civica Scuola Di Musica C. Abbado (Civica Scuola) includes offerings in the schools of Jazz, Choral, Classical, Contemporary, and Early Music. The Scuola is well regarded for its Early Music and Music Technology programs. Take instrumental technique and performance classes and/or an English-taught Composition, Theory, or History course arranged by our music coordinator.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. 

You take 15–19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Italian, and all other courses are taught in English or Italian. 

  • English-taught IES Abroad Music courses at your proficiency level (optional, 3 credits) 
  • IES Abroad Italian language course (required, 4 or 6 credits) 
  • Individual music instruction (optional, credits vary) 
  • English-taught IES Abroad ensemble courses (optional, 3 credits) 
  • English- or Italian-taught electives or ensembles at local music institutions (optional, credits vary) 
  • English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 
  • Music-related Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the  IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication. 

Private Instrument and Voice Instruction 

Past students have studied with the following faculty/ensembles 

  • Bassoon - Valentino Zucchiatti, Professor, Accademia de La Scala 
  • Cello - Silvio Righini, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Clarinet - Maurizio Longoni, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Luigi Magistrelli, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Milan; Fabrizio Meloni, First Clarinet, La Scala Philarmonic Orchestra 
  • Double Bass - Lutz Schumacher, La Scala and Lugano Radio Orchestras, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Paolo Rizzi, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Flute - Paola Fre, Professor, Istituto Musicale “Vittadini”, Pavia 
  • French Horn - Hermes Pecchinini, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica, Conservatorio “V. Bellini”, Palermo 
  • Guitar - Simone Fontanelli, Professor, University of Mozarteum, Salzburg (Classical); Marco Pisoni, Professor and Director, Accademica Musicale di Brera, Milan (Classical); Riccardo Bianchi, Professor, Civici Corsi di Jazz (Jazz); Walter Muto, Student Services, IES Abroad Milano (Folk) 
  • Harp - Mara Galassi, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica (Baroque); Luisa Prandina, First Harp, La Scala Philarmonic Orchestra (Modern) 
  • Oboe - Guido Toschi, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Percussion - Andrea Dulbecco, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Milan 
  • Piano - Mariagrazia Bellocchio, Professor, Istituto Superiore “G. Donizetti”, Bergamo; Silva Costanzo, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Angela Lazzaroni, Co-Director, Accademia Ambrosiana, Milan; Victoria Terekiev, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Lorenzo De Finti, Professor, Scuola Svizzera, Milan; Editor, Radio Svizzera Italiana (Jazz) 
  • Saxophone - Ausonio Calò, Professor, Conservatorio “N. Piccinni”, Bari; Mario Marzi, La Scala Philarmonic Orchestra, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Milan; Giulio Visibelli, Professor, Civici Corsi di Jazz (Jazz) 
  • Trombone - Fulvio Clementi, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Como 
  • Trumpet - Gabriele Cassone, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Cantelli”, Novara; Andrea Giuffredi, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Francesco Tamiati, First Trumpet, La Scala Philarmonic Orchestra 
  • Tuba - Fulvio Clementi, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Como 
  • Viola - Mauro Righini, Professor, Conservatorio “G. Verdi”, Turin 
  • Violin - Carlo Lazzaroni, First Part, “Il Giardino Armonico” Consory, Founder, Accademia Ambrosiana, Milan; Carlo Feige, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Francesco Parrino, Soloist and Private Instructor 
  • Vocal Coaching - Maurizio Carnelli, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Giovanni Fornasieri, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musical; Angela Lazzaroni, Co-Director, Accademia Ambrosiana, Milan 
  • Voice - Patrizia Zanardi, Professor, Conservatorio "G. Frescobaldi" Ferrara; Vincenzo Manno, La Scala Chorus, Milan; Janet Perry, Professor, Bern University of the Arts, Switzerland 
  • Acting for Singers - Antonello Madau-Diaz, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 

Composition, Music Theory and Technology 

Past students have studied with the following faculty/ensembles 

  • Composition: Roberto Andreoni, Director, IES Abroad Milano; Professor, Conservatorio “N. Piccinni”, Bari; Filippo Del Corno, President, Fondazione Milan; Professor, Conservatorio, “G. Tartini”, Trieste; Simone Fontanelli, Professor, University of Mozarteum, Salzburg; Luca Francesconi, Professor, Musikhögskolan, Malmö, Sweden; Carlo Pessina, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Giovanni Verrando, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica, Conservatory of Lugano; Michele Tadini, Professor, Conservatoire National Supérieur Musique, Lyon 
  • Music Theory: Roberto Andreoni, Director, IES Abroad Milano; Professor, Conservatorio “N. Piccinni”, Bari; Andrea Melis, Professor and Director, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica; Yoichi Sugiyama, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Conducting: Renato Rivolta, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Computer Music, Music Technology: Michele Tadini, Professor, Conservatoire National Supérieur Musique, Lyon; AGON Ard Magnetica (Massimo Marchi, dir.); Kernel Studios (Massimo Avantaggiato, dir.) 
  • Ear Training: Yoichi Sugiyama, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 
  • Musicianship: Marco Pisoni, Professor and Director, Accademica Musicale di Brera, Milan; Yoichi Sugiyama, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica 

Music History 

Past students have studied with the following faculty/ensembles 

  • Diego Fratelli, Professor, Milano Civica Scuola di Musica (Middle Ages, Renaissance) 
  • Gianluca Capuano, Conductor and Researcher (Renaissance, Baroque) 
  • Marco Pisoni, Professor and Director, Accademica Musicale di Brera, Milan (General) 
  • Francesco Maria Colombo, Conductor (Opera, 18th and 19th centuries) 
  • Enrico Girardi, Professor, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan (Opera, 20th century) 

Ensembles and Choirs 

Past students have studied with the following faculty/ensembles 

  • A Cappella Choir Coro CLU (Pippo Molino, cond.) 
  • Baroque String Consort Orchestra Milano Classica (Gianluca Capuano, cond.) 
  • Ensemble Workshop Simone Fontanelli 
  • Gospel Choir Civici Corsi di Jazz (Giorgio Ubaldi, cond.) 
  • Jazz Band, Jazz Theory Fabio Jegher 
  • Strings Assistantship Orchestra Milano Classica 
  • Symphonic Choir I Civici Cori (Mario Valsecchi, cond.), Nuova Polifonica Ambrosiana (Fabio Locatelli, cond.) 
  • Symphony Orchestra La Verdi per Tutti (Jader Bignamini, cond.) 
  • Wind Ensemble Silvano Scanziani 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

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Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation
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Refund Policy
See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (28)

Art (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
CM/AR 260 - Strategies for Digital Engagement: Italian Case Studies in the Arts Fall, Spring English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Milan, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

People walk in the historic center of Parma. The buildings are made of red brick and some have spires atop them.
1 Day Fall & Spring

Parma & Vineyards

Want to find out the difference between "parmesan cheese" and Parmigiano Reggiano? A trip to the wonderful city of Parma, in the Emilia Romagna region, will teach you that and more. Guided tours of the Duomo, Baptistery, and the Farnese Theater will follow a visit to a state-of-the-art vineywards, in the rolling hills west of Parma.

Students eat pizza in Italy

Luxury Cars & Food of Italy

1 Day Fall & Spring

Learn what's behind these two cornerstones of the Italian economy. How did Enzo Ferrari build such iconic sports cars and balsamic vinegar become a World-renowned delicacy? You'll find out from the source!

View from the window of the Museo Nzionale della Montagne

Turin

1 Day Fall & Spring

Experience the city of cinema, royal palaces, and chocolate. Once the capital of Italy, Turin is a refined, elegant metropolitan city of great historical interest, with a touch of contemporary, cosmopolitan buzz. Explore its baroque architecture and some of...

A student stands in front of Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore

1 Day Fall & Summer

Visit the charming city of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Get the full scenic tour on a private boat that will take you to see the three marvelous Borromean Islands, along with their museums and botanical gardens, situated in the heart of the lake.

Cinque Terre cliffside in Italy

Cinque Terre

1 Day Fall & Summer

Get inspired while hiking the trails of this UNESCO World-Heritage site and visiting its picturesque towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea. If that wasn't enough, you'll also get to enjoy a boat tour to see the colorful villages from the sea.

A group of diverse students smiling at the camera atop a balcony in Verona.

Verona

1 Day Fall & Spring

Take a trip to the Veneto region to see the famous location of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, also known as the "City of Love."

Part-Time Internships

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan
Kristen W. • Villanova University

Did you know that, while in Milan, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Milan is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a mandatory 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

student teaching on a summer internship program

Music Education

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Music Management & Marketing

one student plays the piano while another sings

Music Production/Studio

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in Milan is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Milan, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution. 

A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community. 

IES Abroad Milan partners with the local city government’s immigration department to provide a range of community-based learning opportunities from working to grant asylum to migrants to developing job-training programs. Students also have the opportunity to work with the homeless and at-risk youth through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
16,755
Housing
$
4,275
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,275
View All Fees

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
30,140
Housing
$
8,550
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
39,180
View All Fees

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
16,868
Housing
$
4,800
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,913
View All Fees

Fall 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending
View All Fees

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

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IES Abroad Milan

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

Our long-standing presence in Milan got an upgrade in 2024: welcome to the brand new IES Abroad Milan Center. It has architectural history, over a dozen classrooms, a 280-seat auditorium, onsite gym, plenty of study spaces, and more. This cutting edge center will be your study abroad hub. 

 

IES Abroad Milan Staff

Headshot of Luca Blumer,

Luca Blumer

Student Affairs Manager

Headshot of Amanda Swain.

Amanda Swain

Assistant Director

Headshot of Marta Brambilla.

Marta Brambilla

Internship Coordinator

Headshot of Laura Carrera.

Laura Carrera

Center HR Administrator

Headshot of Giorgia Cima.

Giorgia Cima

Academic Advisor

Headshot of Giulia Glouchtchenko.

Giulia Glouchtchenko

Student Affairs Assistant

Headshot of Teresa Keller.

Teresa Keller

Academic Assistant

Headshot of Manuela Nigrelli.

Manuela Nigrelli

Housing Coordinator

Sara Nunziato headshot

Sara Nunziato

Internship Assistant

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Alessia Palmieri

Student Event Coordinator

Lorenzo Rossetti headshot

Lorenzo Rossetti

Housing Assistant

Headshot of Anna Salandini.

Anna Salandini

Accounting & Budget Manager

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Milan
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Milan. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
After orientation, you participate in an intensive language program designed to help you gain practical language skills and acclimate to the city.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Milan before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
Blogs on Safety
Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 20 - May 10

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

Early September - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores 
  • Music major or minor preferred; in the case of non-music majors/minors with serious experience, some exceptions can be considered
  • No Italian required 

Frequently Asked Questions

Identity Resources

Learn More About Identity & Access
Country-Specific
Social Identity
IDEA Bloggers
IES Abroad Diversity Statement
Intercultural Competency Media List
Navigating Identity & Diversity Abroad
Learn More About Identity & Access
Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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