The Voice Intensive in Breno:
A Transformative Journey for Singers
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Voice Intensive in Breno is more than a masterclass — it’s a creative retreat for the soul. Set in a charming medieval town where church bells mark the rhythm of the day and mountains frame every view, this program offers singers an inspiring space to grow, reflect, and rediscover their artistry.
Immersed in authentic Italian culture — the birthplace of opera — participants are surrounded by language, music, and beauty at every turn. Far from tourist crowds, Breno offers an intimate haven where music-making becomes a daily ritual and self-discovery a shared pursuit.
Each day unfolds with lessons, coachings, and masterclasses designed to nurture every aspect of the artist — mind, body, and voice. Guided by Maghan McPhee and a team of distinguished coaches, singers receive personalized mentorship that meets them exactly where they are and helps them take the next meaningful step in their artistic journey.
Unlike other programs, the Voice Intensive isn’t built around a pre-set production — it’s built around you. Your unique voice, your goals, and your creative potential shape the focus of your two weeks in Breno. With daily opportunities to sing, reflect, and refine, you’ll explore new ways to warm up, release tension, and cultivate body awareness through mindful group sessions and one-on-one guidance.
Here, teachers and students share not only lessons but also meals, coffee, and conversation. The atmosphere is one of open mentorship — a vibrant community where barriers dissolve, ideas flow freely, and everyone inspires one another.
As the days unfold, you’ll find yourself making music in a deeper way — connected, curious, and courageously expressive. And when you step onto the stage for the final performance, you won’t just be showcasing your voice — you’ll be revealing the artist you’ve become.
ENCOURAGED TO GROW AS AN ARTIST
One-on-one and Personalized Training.
Making music at the convent in the Italian Alps, surrounded by the Italian language, inspires each artist to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of and, with the guidance of their coaches, the artists grow tremendously in this short period of time. On top of their training, the students will receive body awareness group classes and the chance to take in the sights of Verona and an opera at the ancient amphitheatre.Â
Tuition Fee: $4,500 CAD
This comprehensive fee includes full room and board, all program training, and round-trip transportation on the *BIIMA bus from Malpensa Airport to/from the Academy.
*Participants are responsible for arranging flights and travel to coordinate the timing of the bus.
Participants may choose double or single occupancy accommodations at either Ostello di Valle Camonica or the Accademia Arte e Vita.
Please note that excursions, flight fees, and single-occupancy upgrades are not included.
All fees are strictly non-refundable.
Participants of the Voice Intensive enjoy:
• Daily One-on-One Coachings
• Daily Masterclasses
• Public Performances
• Home-Cooked Meals & On-Site
• Accommodations prepared with care by our hosting nuns
• An Opera at the Verona Amphitheatre and an excursion to another major Italian city
The Voice Intensive is a deeply immersive BIIMA experience — a space for artists to awaken their vocal expression, refine their craft through sustained individual attention, and grow in a supportive community surrounded by the beauty of the Alps.Â
Auditions
In-Person Auditions
- A professional pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions.
- Please prepare two contrasting pieces from the opera, art song, contemporary, or oratorio repertoire. One selection may be from musical theatre.
- All audition times are listed in the local time zone of the city where the audition is held.
- At BIIMA, we understand that auditions can be stressful. Our goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where the focus is on your artistic growth, not on impressing a panel.
- After you perform your selections, the audition coach will lead an interactive working session, collaborating with you to take the piece to a higher artistic level.
- Our hope is that each student leaves feeling confident, encouraged, and able to show their best work.
Video Auditions
- For video auditions, please submit links to two contrasting pieces from the opera, art song, contemporary, or oratorio genres. One selection may be musical theatre.
- Booking a Zoom meeting with Maghan McPhee is a required part of the video audition process. You will not be asked to sing during this meeting. Appointment times are available throughout January, February, and March 2026.
- All scheduled Zoom meetings with Maghan are listed in Eastern Time (ET).
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