The school welcomes both students at the high school level and students, Italian and foreign, who have already earned their high school diplomas. Because of the diverse background of students, the school offers personalized study plans for each individual — involving the possibility of acquiring "credits" in subjects already studied and replacing them with extra hours of laboratory or professional disciplines, or Italian language courses for foreign students.
Currently there are 176 enrolled students. From 1938 to today, 916 students have graduated, including 340 Italians, 314 non-Italian Europeans, and 262 non-Europeans.
Come nella costruzione di un violino, ogni passo dipende dal precedente: un percorso misurato, punto dopo punto.
Application available at www.iscrizioni.istruzione.it
For candidates outside the European Union, the application should be completed according to the dedicated model — download the form below.
Candidates must provide: surname and name · place and date of birth · fiscal code / national ID number · home address and place of current residence (with postal codes) · telephone, cell phone, and e-mail · intended enrollment year · citizenship(s) · educational degrees held · authorization for data treatment per legislative decree N. 196/2003.
a) Identification card · b) Copies of all educational degrees already in possession — middle school, high school, and college/university degrees, indicating in detail all subjects studied and final grades (a candidate with high school or university degrees may omit middle school documentation) · c) Résumé in European format (Europass CV).
In addition to the application, candidates may attach essays, technical reports, designs, or photographs of their activity in the field of lutherie. These will be considered by the admissions committee and restored to the student at the end of the exams.
Start with an Open Day — the best way to see the workshops, meet the masters, and ask every question before committing.
Book an Open Day Admission exam infoOpen Days · 24 Oct · 21 Nov · 12 Dec 2026
Admission requires an aptitude assessment. The school also assesses Italian language skills for foreign applicants; applicants for the second or third year must also pass the relevant suitability exams.
Suitability exams are held annually in two sessions: May and September. Previous school or training credits may exempt students from subjects already studied, when this can be documented.
Full exam details (Google Site) →| Exam type | Skills assessment + language evaluation (non-Italian speakers) |
| Prior experience | Not required |
| When | Two annual sessions: May and September |
| Result | Admission decision + possible credit recognition |
Previously earned educational degrees and documented training or work experiences may entitle some students to school or training credits, which allow for the personalization of their programs of study. Recognition is assessed individually.
Students can request recognition for their educational degrees and skills developed in both jobs and other life experiences. This enables them to better profit from their time at the school — omitting courses they have already mastered and replacing them with new content, whether technical, linguistic, or cultural.
To obtain credit recognition, submit the Credit Request Form (download above) together with the other required application materials.
Prior courses in lutherie or woodworking · University degrees in related fields · Professional work experience as a craftsperson · Foreign language certifications · Music conservatory studies · Other documented relevant experience
Credited subjects are replaced with additional laboratory hours, professional discipline hours, or Italian language courses — maximizing the time you spend developing craft rather than repeating theory you already know.
Students completing middle school (licenza media) enroll directly in year 1. Standard Italian enrollment process via iscrizioni.istruzione.it.
Holders of any Italian secondary school diploma (maturità) can enroll. Credit recognition evaluated individually by the admissions committee.
EU citizens follow the same process as Italian students. Degrees and diplomas from EU countries are recognized; translations may be required.
Non-EU students must obtain a study visa from the competent Italian embassy or consulate before entering Italy. After admission, the residence permit must be regularized with the Questura of Cremona.
Prior experience in violin making, woodworking, or related crafts is an advantage but not a requirement. Document it thoroughly for credit recognition consideration.
Teaching is in Italian. Foreign applicants must demonstrate preliminary knowledge of Italian through the language suitability assessment.