<p>My son will be a freshman Viola performance major at MSM in NYC this Fall. Throughout his teenage years he has dreamed of and planned and saved to go to Europe for 2 1/2 weeks after high school graduation. HE is traveling in Holland and Italy and wants to visit musical places/conservatories and desires to meet some viola faculty and get some lessons while in Europe. We have looked at European Conservatory websites - mostly in other languages and are wondering if there isd another/better way to make these musical connections. Perhaps there is someone in this forum with ideas, suggestions, experience, or connections. Your thoughts are appreciated</p>
<p>If there is any way your S could get a sidetrip to Salzburg, Austria, he might be able to arrange a lesson with someone from the Mozarteum. My S was able to arrange lessons with some fantastic people in Germany, but he had contacts for all of them. (One he had met a summer camp, one was a judge for an International competition my S had won, and one was a friend of another camp teacher.) If your S's current teacher, or even his MSM teacher, might have any contacts, that would be the idea place to start. But looking through some university websites in the cities your S will be might also yield some names nad contact information.</p>
<p>Here is one random idea: I know that Miami U of Ohio has an extensive study abroad program in Luxembourg.<br>
<a href="http://www.units.muohio.edu/luxembourg/%5B/url%5D">http://www.units.muohio.edu/luxembourg/</a></p>
<p>From the music page of the college website:
[quote]
The Department of Music has an agreement with the Luxembourg Conservatory of Music for a student and faculty exchange program which sends Miami students to study music in Luxembourg for a semester or a year.</p>
<p>In addition, the Echternach International Music Festival Orchestra, made up of faculty and students from Miami and Luxembourg, performs at the Echternach Festival, one of Europe's leading summer festivals. Other recent tours and summer study programs have taken Miami music students to France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovakia, Ghana, India, and the Czech Republic. Music education majors also have the opportunity to student teach abroad.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So you might be able to contact the campus and get in touch that way. At least these people would speak English! But I encourage you to contact the MSM teacher - I think that is the most likely option.</p>
<p>great ideas, thanks</p>
<p>My S did this program last summer, in Leipzig, Germany. I know that's not where your S will be, but thought I'd throw it out there for anybody else who might be interested. It is run by Koreans, but takes place at the music college founded by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.euroarts.co.kr/%5B/url%5D">http://www.euroarts.co.kr/</a></p>
<p>Also, check the timing of the European Festivals (either on line or in Strad or BBC music, possibly Strings) and see if nothing else he can be in a particular area at a time that may work for him. There are often masterclass opportunities. Look at the faculties... many names will be familiar. And if you've had prior contact with the artist/instructor, you may be able to make arrangements privately.</p>
<p>MSM and your S's studio teacher may know of MSM string faculty with European commitments... ask.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the great thoughts. My son read your suggestions and viewpoints with great interest</p>