FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about preparing for your BIIMA experience.
Your BIIMA tuition includes:
- All training, classes, coachings, masterclasses, and program activities
- Accommodation for the duration of your program
- Three freshly prepared meals each day
- Shared accommodation with one other participant
- BIIMA transportation between Milan Malpensa Airport and Breno at the designated program times
Flights, excursions, travel insurance, personal expenses, and accommodation upgrades are not included.
Once your application has been accepted, a deposit is required to secure your place at BIIMA.
You will then receive your individual payment schedule, along with secure credit card payment links for each instalment. All tuition must be paid according to the schedule provided.
All BIIMA tuition payments, including the deposit, are non-refundable.
Because we make financial commitments well in advance based on confirmed enrolment, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment should unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending.
Tuition includes shared accommodation with one other participant at either Ostello di Valle Camonica or Accademia Arte e Vita.
Single-room upgrades are available for an additional fee and are offered on a first come, first served basis, as availability is limited.
Rooms are equipped with fans but do not have air conditioning.
Three meals per day are included in your tuition. Our academy is cared for by a community of nuns who prepare our meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, including plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
We can accommodate most dietary needs and food allergies, including vegetarian and gluten-free diets, celiac disease, diabetes, and specific allergies such as nuts and shellfish. Participants will be asked to provide detailed dietary and allergy information in advance so our kitchen can prepare appropriately.
If you have a complex or medically significant dietary requirement, please let us know before enrolling so we can confirm that we can safely accommodate your needs.
Our 2027 cultural experiences will include:
- An evening in Verona, including an opera at the historic Roman amphitheatre
- A day trip to a nearby Italian city, with the destination to be announced
Both excursions are optional and are not included in tuition. Pricing and complete details will be provided to participants once arrangements are finalized.
Voice Intensive
We typically ask singers to bring approximately five solo pieces that are close to performance-ready.
Whenever possible, we encourage you to choose repertoire that is relatively new to you or that you haven’t performed extensively. Working with fresh repertoire can make it easier to explore new technical and artistic approaches without falling back into established habits. That said, if there is a piece you have performed before that you would particularly like to revisit or approach in a new way, you are welcome to include it.
Your music should be well prepared before you arrive so that your time at BIIMA can be spent exploring technique, interpretation, and artistic choices rather than primarily learning notes and rhythms.
Your final solo repertoire selections must be submitted by June 1.
Singers may also choose to participate in ensemble repertoire and opera scenes. For those who are interested, BIIMA faculty will assign appropriate repertoire in advance, giving you time to prepare before arriving in Breno.
Violin Intensive & Chamber Music
Coming soon
Composition, Creativity & Improv
No advance preparation is required unless otherwise communicated by faculty.
Every day at BIIMA is a little different, and schedules are designed to allow for intensive training as well as rest, individual practice, community, and time to enjoy Breno.
A typical Voice Intensive day may include:
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Social Media Class
10:15 AM – Physical warm-up / body-awareness class
11:00 AM – Personal warm-up
11:30AM- Masterclass
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00–7:00 PM – Individual coachings, ensemble rehearsals balanced with personal practice and rest
7:00 PM – Dinner
Schedules are subject to change and will be provided to participants.
Most international participants fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).
BIIMA provides bus transportation between Milan Malpensa Airport and Breno at a designated time for each program. Participants wishing to use the BIIMA bus must arrange their flights around the provided transportation schedule.
You may also make your own way to Breno by train or other transportation.
Detailed arrival and departure information will be sent to participants well in advance.
Yes. Participants are required to have appropriate travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay.
Because BIIMA tuition is non-refundable, we also strongly recommend cancellation insurance that provides coverage if illness or another unexpected event prevents you from attending.
Yes. Participants who would like assistance arranging flights or other travel may contact our recommended travel agent:
Valerie Balderson
Life Travelled Well
travel@lifetravelledwell.com
A complete packing guide will be provided before departure, but we recommend bringing:
- Lightweight summer clothing
- Concert/performance attire
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Printed sheet music or an iPad/tablet
- European electrical adapters
- Ear plugs
- Prescription medications and basic travel medications
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Passport
- Credit/debit cards and some cash
- Travel and medical insurance information
Breno can be quite warm in July, so plan accordingly.
Once you have been accepted to BIIMA, you’ll receive everything you need to prepare for your time in Italy.
Your next steps will include:
- Secure your place by paying your deposit.
- Receive your payment schedule and individual credit card payment links.
- Arrange your flights and travel insurance.
- Complete your participant forms, including dietary needs, allergies, accommodation preferences, and travel information.
- Receive program-specific information about repertoire, preparation, scheduling, excursions, and what to bring.
- Get ready for Breno! We’ll provide detailed arrival information and everything you need to know before you leave.
We’ll be in touch throughout the process so you feel prepared and excited for your BIIMA experience.