IES Abroad Milan – Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

My experience at the IES Milan - Music: Voice, Composition, and Instrumental program was truly stellar, filled with invaluable opportunities to learn about Italian music, language, culture, and social issues. I studied opera there and received the finest instruction from music professors like Patrizia Zanardi, Anna Fre, and Stefano Pintor. I was able to apply what I had learned in recitals and one-act operas that my fellow students and I presented at IES, and we had terrific fun in doing so. Not only that, but I was also able to learn by attending not one, not two, but FIVE La Scala opera productions, four of which were paid for by IES. My Staging Italian Opera class also got to observe a rehearsal at La Scala for Mozart's Idomeneo and tour the opera house's workshops. These opportunities shaped my abroad experience, and I am very grateful to IES for having provided them. Not only was my music education wonderful, but my other classes were excellent too. For example, I took Service Learning and gained insight into the European migration crisis by volunteering at the Municipality of Milan's immigration office, putting the skills I was learning in the seminar (and in my advanced Italian class) to action. I also volunteered as an English tutor to the social worker I shadowed at this office, helping him better serve the English-speaking migrants who came to the office. I found all of the staff at IES Milan to be superbly helpful. Whenever I had a question about anything, whether it involved an upcoming IES-sponsored trip or a personal health concern, they always answered my questions and showed that they cared about me. I felt that I was in very good hands for the entire semester. I lived in a homestay with a very kind and loving Milanese family, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything, as it was so fun to have younger "siblings" and to truly immerse myself in the Italian language. My homestay became my home away from home, and in difficult moments I was so grateful to have "parents" to lean on. And the food was incomparable, of course! Nothing in this world is better than a home-cooked Italian meal. Really the only thing that would have made the experience better for me would have been to feel better connected with the other IES students at the start of the program. Not having any roommates and living 35 minutes away from the IES center made socialization somewhat more difficult at the beginning of the semester, and I think my experience was similar to those of other homestay students in Milan. However, I made incredible friendships once I settled in and got my bearings, and I still stay in touch with them to this day! I hope that anyone who reads this will be able to study at IES Milan, especially if you are an undergraduate music student. It was the best semester of my life!

My experience with the IES Abroad Program in Milan, Italy was absolutely incredible! When I first started to look through my university's study abroad programs, I didn't see many for music. So when a friend pointed out IES Abroad's music programs in Vienna and Milan, I was immediately excited. Both Italy and Vienna can be considered birthplaces for music, as many important composers of the past were born or have worked there. I knew I couldn't pass these experiences up. Many of my friends also decided to apply to the same program, which made it even more exciting. The months after we were all accepted were a whirlwind. Finally, the day came to leave for Milan. Arriving in Milan, I felt anxious but excited overall. When I arrived at the apartment where I would spend the next 3 month of my life, I was really impressed. The housing was in a really nice area with a historical landmark just down the street. My CA was also very welcoming and friendly. Most of my classes were at the IES Abroad Center, except for my music lesson and orchestra. The teachers were all very friendly and very willing to help, especially my Italian Language professor. I really enjoyed every class I took, and I can say that I learned a lot in each class. Don't expect to be able to coast through the semester just because you're abroad. Overall, I truly had a wonderful time in Milan, and I miss it every day, especially now since I am back at my home university. The memories I have mad in Milan will stay with me and throughout my life.

I can not say that studying abroad was the best time of my life. I can say that I faced more challenging days than easy ones, but it has changed me. In the end, I am glad that I choose to be apart of the music program. I did things that I never even imagine I would do. I preformed at an Italian prison at 9am, a recruitment home for past musical masters, and performed and studied music alongside Italian students. It was also a very nice perk to have been to the Teatro alla Scala for free twice for being in the music program. I was amazing to not only learn and study music, but I was also a great experience to what my peers and what they have studied and practiced throughout the duration of the program.

How can I begin to describe my semester abroad? This was by far the best semester of my life. There's just something about moving to Italy for 4 months that changes everything you ever thought you knew. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely terrifying to pack up your whole life into two suitcases and move across the world, but in my case I had a friend to go with, which made a world of difference. And from the beginning, I knew it would be worth it because of the wonderful people at IES Abroad. From the beginning, everything was laid out in easy to understand terms. From the predeparture checklist, to help with the Visa, to personal emails from the staff, I was nothing but impressed with IES. Once I got to Italy, the IES Milan staff put together a week long orientation that helped to create the friendships that have lasted past my time in the program, inspire confidence in the program, and ensure that I made the correct decision. But, beside all of that, the bets part of IES Milan were the professors. I took 5 classes in Milan and I couldn't wait to go to each of them each week. I was pushed harder than I ever have and it absolutely paid off. Another great part of this program were the field trips. I participated in the trips to Parma and to Sienna. During these trips I got to know the staff and the students on a more personal level and I got to explore places I never would have thought to go. I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about IES Abroad Milan. I can honestly say my life has been changed for the better because of this program.

As a physic and music double major, this semester abroad in Milan allowed me to put a lot of time and focus into the Music side which I don't usually get to spend a lot of time on in my home college. I could practice my saxophone every week while receiving instruction in classes in specific topics which were not always offered by my home college. On top of the refreshing experience of focusing only on my music, I was also able to immerse myself in Milan, Italian culture, and Italy as a larger whole. Living and commuting at the heart of the city ensured that I was able to interact with the local community everyday and also made travelling to other cities extremely easy. I will forever be grateful for the time I was able to spend this semester playing music and exploring culture!

My time studying Milan, Italy with IES Abroad was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many music students don't think study abroad is possible due to the rigid course programs set by their home schools, but IES abroad Milan- Music: Tradition and Innovation makes it possible by being extremely customizable. I was able to work one on one with an Italian professor toward fulfilling a music theory credit required by my home university and got a unique perspective while doing so. Not only does the IES Abroad Milan staff do a great job of finding amazing teachers to work with their music students, but they do an amazing job of placing students in great living situations. There are options to live with Italian host families or to stay in beautiful apartments, most of which are right in the middle of the city. I personally stayed with an extraordinary family that took me in as one of their own and taught me how to live life at a slower pace and how to truly appreciate the small things in life. If you are a music student interested in studying abroad, I would say definitely look into IES Abroad Milan- Music: Tradition and Innovation as they can offer a customizable experience that surrounds you with knowledgeable professors in a city that is rich with music and culture where you can further invest in your future as a musician.

In Spring of 2018, I had the unbelievably fortunate experience of studying abroad for four months in Milan, Italy. While there, I took music lessons, an intensive Italian course, and a course called "Media, TV, and Communication in Milan." The course included field studies to a TV station, magazine publishing company, and recording studio to gain understanding of local media production. I was able to pursue both of my major interests in a beautiful country rich with history and opportunity. I learned so much from my music professors, which I will take back home to apply in practice. I lived in an apartment with 6 other people which was cramped at times, but the apartment was very nice and in a perfect location to easily get to class. Over the course of my time in Italy, I learned conversational Italian language skills by communicating with locals in their native tongue. I had the chance to demonstrate independence and immersion in a new culture through living in downtown Milan and taking classes from Italian teachers. My music classes encouraged teamwork and cooperation in spite of language barriers. Overall, the experience has definitely changed me for the better!

My abroad experience with IES abroad Milan - Music: Tradition & Innovation was incredible! I was matched with an amazing host family who immediately made me feel at home and comfortable. I looked forward to eating my host mom's delicious dinners every day and I loved hanging out with my host brothers and their friends. My apartment was in a very convenient location and it was really easy to get everywhere! My commutes to class, to my internship and to choir were a breeze. My classes were interesting (especially the Italian cuisine class I took… yum!) and the professors were very kind and knowledgeable. My vocal instructor was phenomenal and really helped me with my technique. Because I'm music student, I wanted an internship in the field of music. The internship coordinator works really hard to pair you with a company that fits your interests and skill levels. I was able to develop my Italian skills and learn more about the operations of a music organization. The director of the entire IES Milan program is a musician who provides the music students with unique and wonderful opportunities around the city (discounted arts events, performance etc.). I participated in an audition-based choir and even performed in the Duomo of Milan—one of my favorite memories. With IES Milan I was able to do it all: immerse myself in Italian culture and language, make wonderful friends, live in a vibrant city, and travel to 10 countries.

I spent the fall semester studying abroad in Milan, Italy and had an unforgettable experience. The best decision I made in regards to my time abroad was living with a host family. IES has a great group of families in Milan that they work with and do an amazing job matching up the families with students. My family was so welcoming, helpful and kind. Living with an Italian family gave me such a great opportunity to really experience the culture and language first hand rather than just observe it. I was able to listen to them use the language at home. My home-stay is definitely the part of abroad I miss most. By the end of my semester, I had gained a second family and formed friendships with them that will last forever.

Studying in Milan really created some of the best memories of my life. Because I did a homestay, I was completely immersed in the culture and had little trouble learning the language. IES did an amazing job placing me with my family and providing a meaningful experience. Without the program, for instance if I did direct enrolment, I would have been lost and wouldn't have found my way around Italy and Europe. I played lots of violin with both students from the States and from Italy, and learned some really amazing stuff from my teacher who taught at the Civica Scuola in Milan.

The music staff at the center in Milan is nothing short of excellent. Director Roberto Andreoni, makes a special effort to ensure that the music students have the best experience possible, even if the group is smaller than what he is used to. During my time abroad we had a relatively small group of musicians, 8 total. Despite this fact, Dr. Andreoni did everything possible to allow us to perform. In addition to being very accommodating, Dr. Andreoni takes the time and effort to hand select professors that are experts in their field. I was able to take a course from a professor that has multiple books published in multiple languages in music history. This instructor was Dr. Raffaele Mellace, who taught a course on Verdi, focusing on his influence of politics through his career. Dr. Andreoni also found an instructor to come to the center, since there were many students interested in the Acting for Singers course. This instructor’s name was Laura, and she has directed plays and instructed performers (singers and actors) in Ireland, Britain, and Italy. She provided us with the opportunity to rehearse in Piccolo theatre as well as sit in on a rehearsal of a professional play that she was directing at the time. As a vocalist, I studied with Patrizia Zanardi, who also teaches at the Conservatorio di Milano. A very talented musician and performer, she provided various ways to help me grow vocally and musically. She helped me to focus on the expression of the music and helped me to convey the emotion of the piece. While the instruction we received as musicians was sublime, living in the city of Milan is an inspiration itself. By participating in the IES Milan-Music program, I had the opportunity to walk the same streets as some of the best operatic composers in history, including Verdi and Puccini. To have the opportunity to walk the same streets that they had is breath taking. Not only that, but when you are in Milan and in Italy there is art all around you. Art and music is found in the streets, in the architecture, and of course in the theater. If you decide to participate in the IES Milan-Music program, you will have the chance to experience the Italian culture to the fullest.

I think we all go abroad with expectations, whether lofty or minimal, and I was no different. I was hoping to live with a family and I imaged us sharing breakfast at the family table and going for hikes on weekends. I had just learned who my voice teacher would be and I imagined rigorous lessons and excitement. I guess my most far fetched idea was that I imagined that thing they call "cultural immersion" to just happen; all I would have to do is be in Italy and BAM, I'd immediately be immersed in Italian culture. Well, let me say now that I was clueless. Going abroad taught me that although expectations can foster excitement and anticipation, they come nowhere close to ones actual experience. I didn't just eat breakfast and hike with my family; I learned how to make pasta and I went to my homestay brothers rugby games. My voices lesson pushed me to a new vocal level and showed me what it really takes to be successful in the performance field. Finally, through meeting incredible friends and traveling all over Italy, I was blessed by Italy's culture. But, as you can see from all of my experiences, it took me venturing out and embracing my circumstances, no matter how foreign they appeared to me, to exceed my own expectations. The most important thing (as cheesey as it sounds) is to get out there and make your experience happen (example: You'll never get to marvel at the crystal blue waters of the Cinque Terre if you never buy the train ticket) So my main advice to anyone looking to study abroad: DO IT! You're not sure on your major? DO IT! My time abroad showed me that I don't like my major near as much as I though and it also showed me that there are other career options out there that I can pursue with the knowledge I already have. Get out there, do it, and make the absolute best of your experience because when you come back, you won't be so clueless anymore.

If you are looking to experience culture, to live in the center of history, and to be surrounded by music, then this Milan program is for you. The classes within this music program offer an excellent insight into Italian culture and history through the use of music. I chose this program due to it's courses. As a music student, my fellow students raved of the Viennese musical program for it's musical courses. However, I am not just a musician, I am an artist and a performer. I had found that the classes offered in Vienna, Austria were not tailored to the musical artist, simply musicians. And that is great for those who wish to pursue a life in the orchestra or musical education. However, if you are like me-- a musical artist, someone people don't understand often due to your artistic tendencies (i.e. painting instead of essay writing, performing instead of simply reading) than this program is for you. Unlike the Viennese program, this program in Milan offers courses tailored to the artist. Simply because, that's just how the Italians are. Free to do as they please and free to live. This 'artistic' mindsets lives within every professor and is met within every course. You don't just study a subject, you live it. My favorite course, and example of this thought, would be Professor Mellace's course: Verdi and Italian Identity. In the course, we did not simply study Giuseppe Verdi's music and his influence over Italian politics and history-- we lived it. Our fingers were able to touch Verdi's original opera libretti, we were able to cast our eyes upon a spectacular performance of Verdi's opera Falstaff at il Teatro alla Scala-- we walked the very steps Verdi had walked from his home in Milan to La Scala. In Italy, you're not just a student-- you're an artist. It was my favorite part about that country and Milan. If I told someone I was an opera singer, people were amazed-- compared to if I told people I'm an opera singer back in the states, I get questions like: "why?" Well, why not? And that is the Italian way. If you are looking for more than music-- more than just a cultural experience, better than wonderful--- Milan is for you.

The IES program in Milan was a really great experience. It was definitely a different academic culture than I am used to, but it was great for music students because our director had a lot of resources for us to experience the music culture in Milan, Italy. It was hard to schedule traveling with the academic schedule that did not leave a lot of time, but I enjoyed staying in Milan over the weekends instead of traveling a ton. Milan is the perfect city to study abroad in with a good balance in culture and modern experiences. I could have lived in Milan forever if I could have, and my visit there was amazing.

The IES Abroad Milan - Music program is great. The director of the program is very helpful in finding different music opportunities for students in the city, and I ended up taking voice and organ lessons, singing in the La Verdi choir's performance of Verdi's Requiem, and soloing in Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle. The courses were great, both those I took at the IES center as well as the course I took at La Scuola Civica, a conservatory in the city. I'm so glad I went.

This program is unbelievable. Milan is an amazing city, and is in an ideal location to see all of Italy and the surrounding countries. The IES staff takes care of their students, and they genuinely try to make the study abroad experience as fun and informative as possible for the students.

Milan's music program is something to be envied. Though the program usually comprises about 20 students, I was in a group of only 7 musicians, which honestly only improved my experience. Because of our small group, we were able to take advantage of incredible musical opportunities such as performances at La Scala (including the premiere of Berlioz's Les Troyens for only a 25 euro co-pay), Scuola Civica, il Conservatorio G. Verdi, Auditorium di Milano, and other smaller venues around the city. Though primarily a student of music history and theory, I was also able to take voice lessons for no additional cost with an incredible instructor, Patrizia Zanardi, and audition for Milan's LaVerdi Coro Sinfonico, with which (whom?) I performed Benjamin Britten's War Requiem in a performance space comparable to Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall - by far the most challenging piece I've ever attempted, and in an all-Italian environment. In addition to my music classes and extra-curriculars, I took two Italian classes - language and literature. Both were challenging (especially the literature class) but ultimately were the best language classes I've taken (after two years of Italian back home), and while I'm not fluent, my language skills improved greatly across the board. Bottom line: if you're a musician and you are motivated, the IES Milan staff (especially the director, Roberto Andreoni) can help to make whatever you need or want to happen. If you're only going abroad to take a break from school and go to a different club every night, you're in the wrong place. It's a great music program but you need to take the first step.