Siena Jazz Opens to Applied Research

7 August 2024 | JazzAble

Italy’s first PhD program in “Languages of Improvisation in Contemporary Music” has been launched.

Siena Jazz achieves another milestone by opening its doors to the world of applied research with the activation of the first Italian doctoral program in “Languages of Improvisation in Contemporary Music.” This PhD pathway, designed and presented by Siena Jazz to the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), has already received a positive evaluation from ANVUR (National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes).

The doctoral school offers a unique opportunity for artistic and professional growth on the international stage, with a strong focus on advanced artistic research. Applications must be submitted by September 2 – [all details here].

This program responds to the growing demand for innovation in contemporary music production, with particular emphasis on:
– applied research in the performing arts,
– the enhancement and reinterpretation of musical heritage,
– audience development and engagement.
The introduction of this third cycle of academic study enriches Siena Jazz’s educational offer, completing a path of excellence that has already been strongly established.

Among the key priorities is a dedicated scholarship for female candidates, aimed at encouraging and supporting women’s access to research, musical production, and performance in an international context.

The doctoral school benefits from the collaboration of prestigious partners, with Siena Jazz as project leader. These include the Accademia Chigiana and Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena, as well as AFAM institutions such as the G. Frescobaldi Conservatory in Ferrara and CPM Music Institute in Milan – both already partners of JazzAble, a project coordinated by Siena Jazz and supported with PNRR funding.

A central element of the program is the synergy between Siena Jazz and Accademia Chigiana, developed through initiatives such as the Tabula Rasa project, coordinated by Maestro Stefano Battaglia, and the long-standing event Chigiana meets Siena Jazz. This fruitful partnership fosters a vibrant research environment by combining educational and artistic production activities, reinforced by internationally renowned annual events and the presence of world-class artists in Siena.

The PhD in Languages of Improvisation in Contemporary Music is a three-year study and research program open to performers from diverse musical traditions (jazz, contemporary classical, rock, pop, folk), with particular attention to candidates whose artistic practice embraces cross-disciplinary approaches and multiple languages.

The faculty board strengthens the program’s academic standing and ensures its long-term sustainability through the support of Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena and additional contributions from partner conservatories and institutions.
The teaching staff includes:
From Siena Jazz: Francesco Bigoni (program coordinator), Stefano Battaglia, Filippo Vignato, Alfonso Santimone, Dan Kinzelman, Demian Cabaud
From Conservatorio Frescobaldi (Ferrara): Marta Raviglia
From CPM Music Institute (Milan): Gabriele Comeglio
From Accademia Chigiana: Susanna Pasticci (University professor and Director of the Chigiana Journal of Musicological Studies), Stefano Jacoviello (University professor and Head of Cultural Projects)

Prof. Massimo Mazzini, President of Siena Jazz, expressed great satisfaction with the launch of the doctoral program:
“This achievement adds to the many positive milestones of recent years, which have marked a period of remarkable renewal for our Academy. It is a success to be shared with the entire city, which now looks to the musical future of young talents through the collaboration of two of Italy’s leading musical institutions.”

Dr. Carlo Rossi, President of Accademia Musicale Chigiana, also welcomed the initiative:
“This joint effort brings together some of the finest resources of both institutions and fulfills a goal long pursued: opening spaces for dialogue and innovative educational experiences dedicated to new musical languages.”