The Conservatoire of Music  “Alessandro Scarlatti” in Palermo is one of the oldest in Italy with a long- established tradition. An Institution of Higher Education, it was founded in 1617 as the “Orfanotrofio del Buon Pastore” where the children were also taught musical instruments. In 1721  the Conservatory opened its music courses to the public for the first time. Nowadays there are around 160 music teachers and more than 1000 music students.

It is well-known on the Italian music scene for teaching early and ancient music for all instruments such as the Baroque violin, Renaissance and Baroque harp and horns. Many famous teachers from all over Italy come to teach every week in Palermo.  The Conservatoire is also very active in the field of Jazz and Electronic Music including many international activities for example Project MUSENSE (a Cooperation Partnership, Erasmus+ program) and Project VIETMUS (Capacity Building inf the Field of Higher Education) upcoming in 2023). It also takes part in international networks as a member of AEC (Association Européenne des Conservatoires).

One of the important features of the Conservatoire is the library which has existed since the 19th century when the Baron Pietro Pisani donated his private collection. The library has since developed and expanded thanks to donations and purchases and now contains precious and unique sheet music in its archives. The Conservatory has an active concert programme including their symphonic orchestra, jazz orchestra, children’s choir, a mandolin orchestra and many chamber music ensembles.

In the last few years several students with special needs have enrolled at the Conservatory which has lead to the purchase of new resources such as the braille music printer which was requested by the Didactic department to help two blind students currently enrolled. There are approximately 8 students with special needs attending music courses at the moment and every year scholarships are awarded to music students who apply for the position of special needs support. These students act as go-betweens for the teachers and students who have special needs.

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