Music Academy in Liechtenstein: Empowering Young Musicians to Develop

The Academy of Music in Liechtenstein has established itself as one of Europe’s premier music education programs dedicated to the development of emerging artists. According to reporting from The Strad, the institution provides a specialized environment where young musicians can focus on both technical mastery and personal growth.

Founded in October 2010 following a three-year preparatory phase, the academy was initiated by artistic director Drazen Domjanic and established through the Music & Youth Foundation. Originally known as the International Music Academy in Liechtenstein, the institution was created to serve young artists from regions including Liechtenstein, Vorarlberg, and Eastern Switzerland.

Educational Focus and Curriculum

The academy primarily supports highly talented young musicians between the ages of 10 and 25, though its programs are open to musicians aged nine and above. The curriculum is designed to be intensive, allowing applicants to register for several intensive weeks per year to accelerate their progress.

The core of the educational offering centers on three primary instruments: violin, cello, and piano. For the 2024-2025 academic year, classes for these instruments are scheduled from September 2024 to May 2025. The training modules include individual lessons and chamber music coaching, alongside specialized classes focused on audition and competition preparation.

Beyond the core trio, the academy provides continuing education programs for a wider array of instruments. These include the flute, viola, horn, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, guitar, and vocal studies. The instructional framework is divided into modules consisting of individual lessons, chamber music, music and performance, and symposia.

Distinguished Faculty

The institution attracts renowned pedagogues to lead its various departments. The violin faculty includes Tobias Feldmann, Ingolf Turban, Ana Chumachenco, and Latica Honda-Rosenberg.

The cello department is led by Professors Ivan Monighetti, Thomas Grossenbacher, and Jens Peter Maintz, as well as Kian Soltani. The piano faculty features Ruben Dalibaltayan, Claudio Martinez Mehner, Pavel Gililov, and Milana Chernyavska.

the academy hosts specialized masterclasses, such as those provided for the viola by Thomas Riebl.

Holistic Development and Career Planning

A defining characteristic of the Academy of Music in Liechtenstein is its commitment to holistic human development. The institution emphasizes that musical excellence should be paired with the comprehensive education of the individual.

This approach includes detailed career planning that addresses the social, health, and economic needs of the students. To further this goal, the academy hosts a symposium, such as the one held from November 2 to November 5, 2024, which is designed to prepare students for the practical challenges of a professional musician’s daily life through advice from selected experts.

Campus and Alumni Success

In September 2024, the academy began a new school year at its new campus located in the historical Hagenhaus, a building that has undergone restoration and renovation to accommodate the students.

The effectiveness of the program is reflected in its alumni, many of whom attended the academy from a young age and have since become prominent figures in the classical music world. Notable former students include:

• Hayoung Choi
• Brannon Cho
• Timothy Ridout
• Kian Soltani
• Andrea Burger of the Notos Piano Quartet
• Sophia Bacelar
• Kevin Zhu
• Clara Shen
• Veriko Tchumburidze
• Diana Adamyan
• Rennosuke Fukuda
• Anna Lee
• William Hagen
• Luke Hsu
• Harriet Krijgh
• Chad Hoopes

To showcase the progress of its students, the academy partners with media platforms to present student concerts. A streaming series featuring students of the academy’s faculty began on October 7, 2024, starting with performances by students of Ivan Monighetti and Thomas Grossenbacher.