YOUNG ARTISTS ACADEMY is a year-round original educational programme of the Sofia Art Institute for school-age classical musicians. It is based on the most up-to-date teaching methods used by leading secondary schools and higher education institutions for music in Western Europe and the United States. Its aim is to offer an alternative to traditional models of music education in Bulgaria and to support talented instrumentalists.

The programme includes weekly group and individual lessons in instrumental music and music theory, masterclasses, and concert engagements. The curriculum is divided into packages offering different types and numbers of lessons and can easily be personalised to ensure maximum effectiveness for each student. Individual music tuition begins with the flute programme, led by internationally renowned flautists Sandrine François and Nikolay Stoykov. Lessons in other instruments may be added subject to sufficient interest (for enquiries, please contact [email protected])

PARTICIPANTS

The programme is designed for students aged 12 to 19 who attend music schools, as well as young musicians seeking a high level of performance and future professional development on stage. Younger applicants may be admitted to the programme if they demonstrate exceptional talent.

EDUCATIONAL MODEL

The programme runs throughout the academic year and includes theoretical and practical training designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of their instruments, a broad musical education, stage skills, experience in collaborative work, and practical performance experience.

The core curriculum includes group lessons in music theory, instrumental training, collaborative project activities, chamber music training, and concerts.

Students may supplement the core programme with individual instrumental lessons according to their needs. The personalised package best suited to each student is determined following consultation with the student, their parents, and the teacher of the relevant instrument.

As part of their training, students:

✔ participate in workshops and masterclasses organised by the Sofia Art Institute with internationally recognised Bulgarian and visiting musicians;

✔ receive opportunities to perform in chamber ensembles with which the organisation collaborates, as well as in project-based musical ensembles.

TEACHERS

The programme is based on close collaboration with local teachers and visiting faculty from abroad. Each specialisation has a lead teacher of the highest professional calibre who works with the students in sessions several times a year. During the rest of the year, students work with local mentors for their respective instruments. In addition, they participate in masterclasses with Bulgarian and international teachers several times a year. The first teachers to join the programme are Sandrine François and Nikolay Stoykov.

TO THE FLUTE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG ARTISTS ⏩

TO THE OBOE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG ARTISTS ⏩

TO THE HARPSICHORD PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG ARTISTS ⏩

SCHEDULE

The programme begins in October 2026 and ends in June 2027. The group sessions included in the core curriculum – 25 sessions in total – take place on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Individual lessons are scheduled on other days. No lessons are held during the winter and spring school holidays in Bulgaria or on official public holidays.

VENUE

Lessons take place at Helikon Art (6 Graf Ignatiev St.) or at another venue selected by the Sofia Art Institute.

TUITION PACKAGES