Interview with Erasmus+ Trainee Antonio Miglionico

What made you choose to do your Erasmus+ trainee program at VMI, and how has your experience been so far?

What made me choose to do my Erasmus+ program at VMI was: pushing myself beyond the borders of my country to see what was beyond, therefore discovering new musical subjects and new ways of transmitting and playing music, living the musical life in a new institute and in a beautiful and elegant metropolis like Vienna, a city full of culture (architectural and artistic) that makes you understand how much soul and hard work there was and still is behind it (VMI is an example of this with a professional staff, always available, kind, ready to solve any problem and very open to new ideas, with prepared and fantastic teachers and talented and creative students full of determination and cultural hunger), meeting new people from all over the world and comparing myself with them, putting myself to the test again to face new challenges and get out of my comfort zone.

How does music education in Italy compare to what you've experienced at VMI? Was there anything that surprised you?

If I had to make a comparison, there would certainly be many differences. I come from a public institution, Conservatorio di Musica Pescara, while VMI is a private conservatory. The things that surprised me the most, were definitely the punctuality in the start and end of semesters, exams and graduations/concerts, things that, unfortunately, are very difficult to enforce in Italy due to the Ministry of Education‘s role in appointing teachers in public schools. Another difference was the strong attention to social media channels like Instagram and Facebook, the efficiency of the website, the attention to marketing and the speed of bureaucratic processes, the freedom to range across musical genres during lessons, given that there are no separate departments for jazz and pop like in Italian conservatories, so the freedom to feel musically whoever you want, the presence of live music experience for ensemble groups, something that in Italy - at least in my Conservatory - is lacking, and finally the large amount of events and concerts organized by the staff with the help of the Erasmus interns (such as the semester opening and closing events) as well as opportunities for interns to gain teaching experiences by leading workshops and lessons.

How has your drumming evolved during your time here? Have you discovered new styles or techniques?

My drumming has definitely evolved and adapted to the new musicians I met, to the type of music played here, it changed during my experiences in ensembles with the teachers like Harry Tanschek, Willi Landl and Federico Peréz because I had the opportunity to learn many new songs that contributed to enriching my cultural background. Additionally I attended and participated in drum and percussion lessons with Harry Tanschek and Jörg Mikula from wich I gained many new rhythmic skills.

Looking back on your time here, what would you say were your key learning outcomes—musically, professionally, and personally?

My main learning outcomes were: improving my use of the English language by interfacing with non-Italian staff, teachers and students and consequently improving my communication abilities, having gained a lot of experience in teaching my instrument through both observing the VMI faculty instruct and personally giving drum lessons, having acquired and improved skills in terms of event sponsorship, gained organizational and administrative experience for original events for Erasmus students and concerts, having acquired skills in designing workshops and presenting them to students, having gained experience in public speaking as an ambassador for the Pescara Conservatory, and having acquired teamwork skills. On a professional and personal level I have increased growth, responsibility and autonomy.

Were there any especial musical experiences or projects during your time here that you will always remember?

Definitely the concerts at the Cafè Carina with the Harry Tanschek ensembles, where there was a strong focus on Brazilian music that made me have a lot of fun, and Willi Landl's ensemble, where we composed and arranged original songs including one of my pieces.Willi encouraged me to add Italian lyrics to the melody because he loves the Italian language so much that he even announced my piece in perfect Italian! Also, definitely the musical group with Yara Enev, Linus Ritsch and Leo Aristeguieta, with whom I had a really great time and with whom I really enjoyed working and collaborating since my first day at the VMI. And, of course, the interdisciplinary performing arts project Momentos, with the Choreographer VINICIUS, who is a splendid person full of life, energy and spirituality.

What advice would you give to other musicians considering an Erasmus+ trainee program?

Hurry up and do it as soon as possible because it is a unique learning experience especially when you meet people, places and situations that I described in the previous answers and above all because it allows you to grow by learning new languages and cultures by leaving your comfort zone. The VMI also has a really rich work program.

We know you’re not only passionate about music but also about cooking and baking, and we still fondly remember the delicious Italian almond cookies you baked for the VMI community. If you had to compare your internship experience to an Italian dish, which one would it be and why?

The Italian dish to which I would compare my Erasmus internship experience is pizza, pasta or bread because they are difficult to make. You have to carefully prepare everything to achieve a good result and most importantly, it takes time given the numerous steps to follow and the ingredients to use. It‘s a bit like music, it requires a lot of patience. "To make good things, it takes time."

Is there anything you would like to share with the VMI community before you leave?

Of course! First of all, I want to thank the VMI management team for welcoming me from day one as if I were part of a new family, my intern colleague Yara who helped me get my bearings in the first few days, the teachers, thanks to whom I further enriched my cultural and musical background, and all the students and friends I met during this journey at the VMI. I would strongly recommend anyone in Italy to come and study and do an internship at this school just as the former Erasmus Incomings from Italy did for me. At VMI, you can see that they put their heart and soul into it every day, helping artists blossom like flowers.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Antonio. It has been a great pleasure having you as an Erasmus+ intern, and we wish you all the best on your continued personal and musical journey!