International Menuhin Music Academy - IMMA

Info

The aim of IMMA’s pedagogy is to allow students, in a unique environment, to reach their human and musical best whilst preparing them to their professional

Geschichte

IMMA, a unique string academy, was founded in 1977 by Yehudi Menuhin. It was his last and perhaps, as he said in several interviews, his most accomplished project.
Lord Menuhin was more than a genius musician. His influence as a great humanist, as a thinker and as a believer in peace and harmony in the world, reached far beyond the world of classical music.
But of course, music was his main instrument and he used it to leave his legacy: “Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous.”
A man of great discipline and strong life principle, he believed that the European humanistic ideal was best expressed through the great composers of classical music. He believed that this musicianship represented a unique and precious heritage that had to be preserved.
Lord Menuhin therefore decided to create IMMA, with the help of the great violinist Alberto Lysy, in Switzerland, his last place of residence and a country he admired for its values. The Academy was conceived from the very beginning as a unique music learning institution, which would help spread his vision of musical excellence worldwide, thus continuing the uninterrupted line of composers and masters who had passed on this cultural heritage.
The fundamentals of IMMA were therefore designed to serve this mission:
Music Excellence:
No more than 16 students at a time in order to allow the formation of a chamber orchestra, recruited on the basis of exceptional talent. Post-graduate education or, as he put it himself in his understated ways: ‘A finishing school’. Its program was designed to focus entirely on music practice with no additional or secondary courses.
An original cursus based on:
• intensive individual lessons and master classes,
• acquisition of repertoire,
• Intensive individual practice
• stage performances as soloists, when playing with IMMA chamber orchestra and IMMA chamber music groups.

International overture:
In order for Lord Menuhin’s legacy to be shared, we encouraged the recruitment of students from all over the world. In turn IMMA alumni as soloists, members of orchestras worldwide, professors, could perpetuate and become ambassadors of this legacy.

Economical independence for the students :
This makes IMMA unique in Europe and, perhaps, in the world. During their 3 years stay, IMMA students are entirely financed: Free lessons, free accommodation and a monthly stipend. Their capacity to concentrate and progress in their cursus is therefore second to none, their devotion to music undisturbed. This has allowed the most talented students, from all social origins, to join the academy and pursue a career.

Group discipline and harmony:
Lord Menuhin believed IMMA to be also a ‘school for life’. Learning to live together whatever the gender, origin, religion or instrument is to this day an important factor for IMMA students evaluation. He saw the world of music as a universal family and wanted IMMA to reflect that. He always emphasized that being a great violinist was only part of the equation and that without helping others and giving back, an artist will never be accomplished.


Well-Being & Long Term Physical & Psychological Health:
Lord Menuhin was a disciplined Yoga practitioner which accounted for his great resilience and ability to remain in good spiritual & physical health during his long career. The Academy’s priority is to equip young soloists with a coherent mental & physical health program.

ACADEMIC CURSUS
Recruitment:
IMMA candidates are asked to submit a full CV and recorded performances. After careful analysis by IMMA’s professors, the candidate will be asked to come for an audition. If accepted, the candidate will be offered a place for the full 3 year course.
Places are offered based on the need of filling the chamber orchestra of IMMA: 8 violinists, 4 violists and 4 cellists.
The level required is equivalent to BA or MA combined with awards at international competitions.
Duration of IMMA Cursus: 3 years starting 1st October finishing 30 September of the following calendar year