In the Etna park, a home for anyone who wants to make music: from children's first steps to professional studies, with courses for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
About us
Located in Santa Maria di Licodia, in the Etna park, Amadeus Music School stands out for its engaging range of courses: an ideal place for anyone who wants to explore the world of music, from beginners to experienced musicians.
Our classrooms are equipped with high-quality instruments and up-to-date technical equipment, in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. Recitals, events and concerts give students the chance to perform, improve their skills and grow in confidence.
Who is behind us
Amadeus Music School is a project of the UMAS Foundation – Union of Music, Art and Science, conceived by Riccardo Privitera, Filippo La Malfa and Viviana Tempera.
The Foundation promotes cultural events and educational projects that bring together music, art and science and foster dialogue between cultures: the school grew out of this vision, to bring high-quality music education, open to everyone, to Santa Maria di Licodia and Biancavilla.
Courses, workshops and wellbeing: a complete musical education for every age and level.
Instrument and voice courses
From guitar to piano, from violin to trumpet: every course adapts to the student's level and needs, with teachers who pass on both technique and a love of music.
Folk and world music
Themed workshops to discover the musical traditions of different cultures, building new skills and open minds.
Theory, DAW, mixing and mastering
Workshops in music theory and ear training, DAW production, mixing and mastering: from the stave to the recording studio.
Music therapy sessions
Personalised sessions led by professionals in a welcoming space: music as support through stress, anxiety or emotional difficulty.
Events and concerts
Recitals, concerts and collaborations with the Catania Philharmonic Orchestra: the stage is our second classroom.
Early years for children
For little ones aged 3 to 6, a path made of play, movement, listening and creativity.
- 01Master's in violin — Paganini Conservatory, Genoa
- 02Master's with distinction in viola — Maastricht Conservatory
- 03Associate Principal Viola, Catania Philharmonic Orchestra
- 04Teacher Ambassador, Trinity College London
- 05President of the UMAS Foundation
The Director
Violist, violinist and teacher — School Director
Riccardo Privitera holds a Master's in violin from the “Niccolò Paganini” Conservatory in Genoa and a Master's with distinction in viola from the Maastricht Conservatory, and has more than fifteen years of experience in international orchestras and chamber ensembles. He has performed in Europe's leading venues, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Opera, Bozar in Brussels, the Gasteig in Munich and the Cairo Opera House.
A versatile performer with a deep, intense and generous sound, he has played chamber music with artists such as Guy Braunstein (concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker), Zvi Plesser, Nathan Hughes (principal oboe of the Metropolitan Opera, New York) and Dimitri Ashkenazy.
He has been principal viola of the Teatro Carlo Felice Orchestra in Genoa, the Mannheimer Philharmoniker, the Hulencourt Soloists Chamber Orchestra in Brussels, the Lage Landen Symphony in Antwerp and the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, and spent eight years in the Philharmonie Zuid Netherland in Maastricht.
Teaching and culture
Today he is Executive Manager and Associate Principal Viola of the Catania Philharmonic Orchestra, a Trinity College London Teacher Ambassador and president of the UMAS Foundation, organising cultural events that bring different cultures together and developing educational projects.
Composition and sound research
As a composer he works mainly in contemporary electronic music, with original works for viola and synthesizers often commissioned for art exhibitions, films and documentaries — most recently with Reuters photojournalist Asmaa Waguih for the exhibition “Unfinished War”.
We speak English
Lessons, exams and meetings with families in English too: an advantage for those who come from abroad, and one more opportunity for our students to experience music as an international language.
Amadeus Music School sign at the school entrance Guitars and bass in one of the school's classrooms Music theory classroom at the school Audio system and headphones for listening Tote bag with the Amadeus Music School logo
Book a trial lesson: meet the teachers, try the instruments and choose the path that suits you.
