The Course is open to percussion soloists and ensembles (not to exceed a quartet).

The chosen pieces must be indicated in advance on the Application Form.

The Accademia Chigiana will make available the following percussion instruments for use during the entrance examination and during the course lessons:

• 1 marimba 5 octaves
• 1 marimba 4 octaves 1/3
• 1 vibraphone
• 1 glockenspiel
• 4 timpani
• 2 pairs of bongos
• 4 tam tam
• 4 hanging cymbals
• 1 djambee
• 1 Sabar
• 1 tenor drum
• 1 snare drum
• 1 pair of timbales
• 2 symphonic bass drums
• 5 wood blocks
• 6 tom toms
• 2 congas
• 2 tambourines
• 2 triangles

Candidates must submit the following material for the entrance examination:

Percussion soloists: a programme of their own choosing, about 20 minutes long, including important 20th-century works for solo percussion;

Percussion ensemble (not to exceed a quartet): a programme of their own choosing, about 20 minutes long, including important 20th-century works for percussion ensemble.

The course includes daily lessons divided into two parts, one dedicated to the instrumental techniques of literature for percussion instruments of the twentieth century, and the other to the preparation of the following pieces:

The program includes:
György Ligeti, Síppal, Dobbal, nádihegedűvet (2000) for mezzo-soprano and 4 percussionists
Sylvano Bussotti, Regina for 5 percussionists, Coeur pour batteur for 1 percussionist, L’uccellatore e il paggio, Passo d’uomo for oboe, timpani, and percussion
Daniele Lombardi, Miroir 1, Crepuscolo a Foce Verde for flute, percussion, and magnetic tape
John Cage, Trio for 3 percussionists, Child of Tree for 1 performer, Inlets
Morton Feldman, The king of Denmark for 1 percussionist
Christian Wolff, 70 (and more) for Alvin
Alvin Lucier, Silver streetcar for the Orchestra for amplified solo triangle
Marco Momi, Vuoi che nel fuori for percussion trio and electronics
Roberto Lupi Parafrasi for flute and percussion 
Lou Harrison The song of Quetzalcoatl for 4 percussionist
Bruno Letort, Nautipoulpe for 1 solo percussionist, 3 water percussion instruments, electronics, and video

These works will be performed in concert within the Chigiana International Festival 2024.