AIMS Foundation

FAQs

REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL POLICIES AND FEES

How do I register?
Students should complete the registration form and send a registration fee of 220€.
A place cannot be reserved until we have received the registration fee.

What does the 920€ fee include?

  • The registration fee
  • A minimum of four private lessons with a selected teacher
  • Access as a listener to all teachers’ classes
  • Participation in chamber groups (previous selection by the faculty)
  • Participation in the orchestra (selected students)
  • Rehearsals with accompanying pianists
  • Accommodation from July 30th to August 10th for strings and from August 10th to 18th for winds.
  • Breakfast every day from July 31st to 10th (strings) or August 11th to 18th (winds).
  • Lunch from July 31st to August 9th in a restaurant in the center of Solsona(strings), from August 11th to 17th (winds).
  • Tickets for all the concerts of the AIMS Festival
  • Free transportation to certain concerts outside of Solsona. Minors will only be able to move as long as they can be accompanied by our monitors.

Students will depart the Academy on August, 13th in the morning.

What does the 920€ fee not include?
Dinner is not included. AIMS does not offer dinner because we usually have concerts and trips planned. These are good opportunities for the students to meet and get to know each other.
It does also not include chamber music with an assigned group and teacher.

If I have not chosen the extra option of chamber music, will I not be able to play in a group?
Yes, you can have a group and work on chamber music during AIMS, but the organization will not be responsible for finding a rehearsal room, rehearsal planning, a teacher responsible for the group, nor will it guarantee the possibility of performing in concerts.

What is the cancellation policy?
AIMS will refund the total amount in case of cancellation due to illness, important personal reasons or in cases of force majeure. The €220 registration fee will only be returned if your application to the Academy has not been accepted.

Does the 220€ deposit apply toward the fee for the course, or it’s just for application?
A deposit of 220€ must be made at the time of application to reserve a place. This deposit will be included in the total fee.

Who pays for bank commission charges?
In some cases, banks will charge transmission fees to our account. AIMS will not pay any bank charges. Any bank commission charges or transaction amount are the responsibility of the sender.

Is there a waiting list?
Yes, you may be added to a waiting list if a class you apply for is already full. At times we have cancellations. Students who are on waiting lists will be notified if a place becomes available.

AGE RESTRICTION & MINORS

Are there any age restrictions?
AIMS welcomes people of all ages. Parents or legal guardians will have to send a consent authorization and medical certificates.

FINANCIAL AID

How do you evaluate who is eligible for grants and financial aid?
AIMS 2024 offers support through the AIMS Foundation and Friends of AIMS US (total or partial scholarships).

Aid will be dependent upon:
–          Available resources from the Foundation
–          Teacher’s video evaluation results
–          Objective financial needs of each applicant, such as family’s economic situation, travel expenses, etc.

Do I need to send the 220€ if I applied for a grant/financial aid?
Those of you who applied for grant/financial aid don’t need to send 220€ fee.

REPERTOIRE & LESSONS

Is there a specific music or repertoire for the audition?
No. Students are free to choose their own repertoires.

When do I have to confirm my repertoire?
Before the 15th of July 2024. This will give our pianists accompanists time to prepare your repertoires.

Are the instrumental lessons private?
At AIMS all instrumental lessons are on an individual “one to one” basis. In addition, any AIMS student is free to attend any teachers’ lesson as a listener.

Can I have an extra lesson with the teacher?
Yes. The cost for an extra class will be €65. You must pay the amount together with the second payment you make.

INSTRUMENTS

Does AIMS provide any instruments?
AIMS can provide simple double basses and some cellos to those students whose travel makes it difficult for them to carry their instruments. Any requests for instruments must be made in advance via email and the conditions will be explained to you.

AIMS does not provide any insurance coverage for instruments and will not be held responsible in the event of damage or theft. You need to check with your parents’ or homeowner’s insurance to make sure your instrument is fully covered.

How can I carry/move heavy instruments such as the bass?
Heavy instruments will be transported by car.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Do I have to play in chamber ensembles?
Chamber music groups will be formed for those students who have requested it at the time of registration. Groups (and assigned teacher) will be notified by email before July 20th.

Do I have to bring sheet music and a music stand?
Students must bring their printed scores (and piano parts) and their own music stand to study in the practice rooms.

If I haven’t signed up for the chamber music, can I still do it?
Yes, but the organization will not be responsible for finding other students to be in a group with, nor for finding a teacher or room to study. Still, you can bring the chamber music you’d like to share!

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be provided for students in the Seminari de la Diócesis de Solsona

SEMINARI DE SOLSONA
C/ Pujada del Seminari, 15-16
252380 Solsona
SPAIN

What are the rooms in the Seminari like?
The rooms at the Seminari are doble rooms, basic and functional.
There are two single beds and a bathroom in each room.

Do we get bedding and towels provided at the Seminari?
Yes

Do we have Wifi in the Seminari?
Yes

Do I have to stay in the Seminari?
It is not mandatory, but we would prefer that you do so in order to be with the rest of the students.

Is there accommodation for accompanying parents?
Yes. Parents can either stay at the:

  • In family accommodation. There are families in Solsona who would welcome you, free of charge, for a language exchange

Can we rent a car in Solsona?
Yes, there is only one place in Solsona to rent a car (Citroen garage). Please contact AIMS if you require assistance in making a reservation.

PRACTICE HOURS

What are the practice hours?
-Seminary: from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00
-Music school and Amisol Centre: from 8:30 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 21:00

From 09:00pm until 9:00am, you have to keep very quiet in the Seminary. We are sharing the space with other people who are not from AIMS, so we must make sure that we get along properly.

LUNCH

Where do students eat lunch?
All students and teachers eat lunch at a restaurant in the center of Solsona.

Can I have lunch anywhere?
Lunch is a good opportunity to meet with students from around the world and for the AIMS organizers to discuss daily activities, timetables, logistics, etc. However, students are free to take lunch elsewhere at their own expense if they wish.

SOLSONA

Are there laundry facilities?
There are some launderettes in Solsona.

How safe is Solsona?
Solsona is a small town and very safe. All activities and locations can be easily reached on foot.

What is the weather like in Solsona?
The temperature in Solsona tends to be high in August reaching 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Bring your summer clothes but also some warmer clothing because temperatures may go down in the evenings or after storms. If you like to swim: bring your swimming suit!

WHAT TO BRING

What is the concert attire for the performances?
Women: Black trousers/dress/skirt and blouse
Man: Black trousers, shirt and shoes 

✓ Minor authorization form if you have not send it to us already.
✓ Medical insurance card. AIMS has liability insurance which covers all participants; however, all students must have medical insurance to cover any illness or accident.

TRAVEL TO & FROM SOLSONA

How can I reach Solsona?
Solsona is accessed by road.  It is only one and a half hours away from Barcelona by car, and a little over two hours by bus. It is just over 100 km from Barcelona.

There are two options to get to Solsona:

I. Taxi direct from the airport

If you decide to take a taxi straight to Solsona, this will cost around 150€ which you will need to pay directly to the driver. If you wish, we will be glad to send a taxi from Solsona to pick you up at the airport.

II. Bus from the Bus terminal Estació del Nord

How to get from Barcelona’s airport to the Bus terminal Estació del Nord

a) Taxi
b) Aerobus + Subway
c) Bus 46 + Subway
d) Renfe train + Subway
e) Subway L9

a) Taxi :A taxi is the easiest and fastest way to get into Barcelona city centre from the airport. It takes about 20-25 minutes. The price ranges from 25€ to 30€ (depending on traffic). Inside the station buy your ticket to Solsona at the ALSA Alsina Graells ticket office.

b) Aerobus: There is an airport shuttle bus Aerobus that goes from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona city center. You should get off the bus at the Plaça Catalunya stop (which is where the service ends). From there take the Metro (subway) line 1 (L1) to Arc de Triomf.

Get off at Arc de Triomf. Depending on the exit you take out, you will have to walk one block to the right (with the Arc de Triomf at your back) to see the bus station (Estació Nord). Inside the station buy your ticket to Solsona at the ALSA Alsina Graells ticket office.

c) Bus 46: Upon arrival follow the bus symbol and connection signs and go one floor down to the “Metropolitans” bus stop.

Take the public bus No. 46 to Plaza España. The single ticket price is 2€ which you can buy on the bus. This bus leaves every 20 minutes and Plaza España is the last stop. For those of you who arrive at Terminal 2 (T2), take the No.46 bus. The No.46 bus stops in front of T2.

At Plaza España you have to take the Metro (subway) line 1 (L1) to Arc de Triomf. Get off at Arc de Triomf. Depending on the exit you take out, you will have to walk one block to the right (with the Arc de Triomf at your back) to see the bus station (Estació Nord). Inside the station buy your ticket to Solsona at the ALSA Alsina Graells ticket office.

d) Renfe train: The airport is also served by the Rodalies commuter train. The line is R2 Nord and it is operated by Renfe.

The train station is located near T2 opposite T2B and is connected to the terminal by an overhead walkway (entrance at the beginning of T2B, just before T2A, on the 1st floor). From T1 you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus that connects the 2 terminals, it’s a 10 minute ride.

For the city center it is recommended that you get off at the Passeig de Gràcia station. From there, head to Plaça Catalunya to take the Metro (subway) line 1 (L1) to Arc de Triomf.

Get off at Arc de Triomf. Depending on the exit you take out, you will have to walk one block to the right (with the Arc de Triomf at your back) to see the bus station (Estació Nord). Inside the station buy your ticket to Solsona at the ALSA Alsina Graells ticket office.

e) Subway: Take the L9 Sud (orange line) to Torrasa stop and from there take the Metro (subway) line 1 (L1) to Arc de Triomf.

Get off at Arc de Triomf. Depending on the exit you take out, you will have to walk one block to the right (with the Arc de Triomf at your back) to see the bus station (Estació Nord). Inside the station buy your ticket to Solsona at the ALSA Alsina Graells ticket office.

AIMS does not provide a shuttle service for students or their families.

When should I arrive in Solsona?
You should arrive on July, 30th before 6pm.
If you arrive a few days before or stay for a few days after the Academy, you must pay for your additional nights. The price for the room/breakfast is about 25€ per person. AIMS needs to be informed about early arrivals and/or late departures.

Where do I have to go upon arrival?
For those of you arriving by car or private transportation, you must go to the Seminari.
Those arriving with the bus from Barcelona will be picked up by the AIMS team at Solsona’s bus stop on July, 30th to be taken to the Seminari.

When can I depart from Solsona?
The departure day is on August 10th in the morning.

What if I am unable to stay for the duration of the Festival?
We prefer that you stay for the entire festival but there can be some exceptions with the prior agreement of the AIMS director.

CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION

Do we receive a Certificate of Participation?
Students will receive an official diploma from the University of Lleida during the first half of September via e-mail.

INSURANCE

Do I need private insurance?
AIMS has liability insurance which covers all participants. However, all students must have medical insurance to cover any illness or accident.

Is it mandatory to bring my private insurance card and vaccination record card?
Though not mandatory, we suggest you to do so. In case you need to go to a doctor, the more information provided the better.