The “Arcangelo Corelli” Conservatory of Messina, led by Maestro Antonino Averna, is today one of the leading centers of higher musical education most attuned to the evolution of contemporary languages, with a strong vocation for experimentation and cross-art collaboration. Its commitment to the MUSIC4D project reinforces its role as a bridge between the musical tradition of the Mediterranean and the frontiers of digital creation, in a city long marked by cultural exchange and intergenerational dialogue.

Within the MUSIC4D framework, the Messina Conservatory actively participates in the development of Symphony of the Earth, a multifaceted work that brings together environmental sounds, instrumental composition, artificial intelligence, and visual art. Messina’s students are involved in every phase of the creative process: from collecting field recordings to composing augmented scores, from video production to the sound design of immersive environments.

One of the defining features of the Corelli Conservatory is its strong focus on interdisciplinary education. In recent years, numerous projects have emerged that connect music with visual arts, theatre, dance, and technology. Classrooms, laboratories, and the Auditorium have been transformed into polyphonic spaces where new forms of musical performance are developed—such as interactive installations, audiovisual performances, and immersive experiences using VR headsets and 3D sound environments.

Participation in MUSIC4D has also marked the beginning of a new phase in European project planning, with the activation of international collaborations in the field of educational innovation. The Conservatory is engaged in co-creation initiatives and student mobility programs, building networks with other Italian and international institutions to share best practices and expand digital competencies in music education.

Special attention is also given to inclusion. Corelli has launched specific programs for students with disabilities, creating accessible sound-learning environments, made possible in part through the use of immersive technologies. This inclusive approach aligns with the ethical vision of MUSIC4D, which views technology not as an end, but as a means to broaden the expressive and relational possibilities of those who make music.

Finally, the Conservatory is working toward becoming a permanent multimedia production center, capable of hosting audiovisual productions, live-streamed concerts, hybrid formats, and musical podcasts. In a region rich in history but often marginalized compared to larger hubs, Messina responds with a new centrality based on creativity, interdisciplinarity, and digital inclusion.