Fortissimo: A New Era in Classical Music Learning
Explore the world of classical music like never before with Fortissimo, an innovative platform that combines inspiring lessons, a child-friendly educational app, and a virtual reality music lab.
Fortissimo makes classical music accessible and engaging through playful and interactive lesson series. This tool is ideal for classroom instruction, providing action-oriented activities and games to inspire a fresh appreciation for classical music. With Fortissimo, classical music is no longer a distant relic but an immersive journey that captivates listeners of all ages
Valeria Told
Italy
Valeria Told has extensive experience managing cultural institutions. She led the Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento and the INDA Foundation for 12 years, earning numerous awards and establishing significant international collaborations.
She founded Fortissimo, a startup that brings together 23 institutions from 14 European countries in a digital education project to introduce young people to classical music.
A New Path to Musical Communication
Discover a fresh approach to communication through Harmonia, where young people can enhance their listening and musical skills.
Harmonia’s "Tuned Silence" sessions emphasize the importance of listening in communication. By engaging in body awareness and movement exercises, you’ll cultivate your "organic musicianship," deepening your connection to yourself and others. Experience shared moments of silence and expression, nurturing "intuitive caring" through the use of "vocalscapes."
Join Harmonia’s "Sight Tuning" series, where you’ll watch and discuss videos of music sessions inspired by Edwin Gordon’s music learning theory, along with performances for young children and families. These sessions will deepen your understanding of early childhood musical growth and enhance your ability to observe and empathize.
Explore essential concepts from Music Learning Theory tailored for young children. Harmonia’s "Voice Contact" module focuses on how songs and chants communicate, utilizing tonal and rhythmic patterns, and guiding you from "Babbling to music" to creating and performing your own pieces.
Helena Rodrigues
Portugal
Helena Rodrigues is an Associate Professor at the Musical Sciences Department, New University of Lisbon (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa). She founded the Laboratory for Music and Communication in Childhood at CESEM and was a Research Fellow at the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium. Helena has led pioneering projects integrating research, training, artistic creation, and community intervention to promote human and social development from infancy.
She completed her PhD under Edwin Gordon and was influenced by Colwyn Trevarthen. Helena's innovative training approach emphasizes "opening the gates on communicative musicality," incorporating physical theatre, somatic education, and free play. She also founded Companhia de Música Teatral, an interdisciplinary group internationally recognized for its unique "artistic and educational constellations." Helena frequently publishes and is invited to lecture and give workshops worldwide, including at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, McGill, and the Danish National Opera.