In this module, singers and pianists will explore the boundaries between Lied and opera through an in-depth study of Wolf’s Italianisches Liederbuch.
Participants will begin with a thorough understanding of the text and how it influences the music to vividly portray the images described in each Lied. The singer and pianist will work together as a cohesive unit, collaborating and contributing to each other’s sound to enhance the dramatic expression of every Lied.
Moreover, students will go beyond traditional presentations of art songs, exploring ways to incorporate elements typically found in opera into the Lied environment.
Names of the professors of this module:
Director of the course: Abigail Richards, Vocal coach and repetiteur.
Possible extras besides the module
Individual coaching, the possibility to attend as a listener to vocal lessons by the professors of the vocal department.
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module
2-5 hours of duo work & 36 hours of group work
Previous online component (mandatory for students coming via Erasmus short mobilities).
Number of ECTS within master/bachelor accrediation
3 ECTS
ATTENTION! If students want to do this within an Erasmus+ Short Blended Mobility, they must contact their local International Coordinator andclaudia.alsdorf@zuyd.nlas soon as possible.
Application:
Via the application form on the EOA website. Keep in mind that you will need to include:
CV
Motivation letter
Videos: 2 pieces accompanying a singer
Description of the final examination
Evaluation based on daily participation in workshops and dummy auditions
Teaching language
English – level 3
This module is also available within Erasmus short blended mobility exchangeduring the academic year 2025/26, depending on the grants offered by the home institution.
Students must provide their own accommodation, meals and travelling cost
From 26 January 2026 to 08 May 2026 (Easter holidays from 02 April to 13 April 2026)
Description of the EOA module:
Professional training and preparation for an opera role, concluding with the performance of a fully staged opera production (title to be announced).
This includes:
Spanish language training
Working with the scenic director, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer, and producer, as well as the singers, pianists, and the choir
Ensemble rehearsals with the orchestra, stage director, conductor, choir and singers
Dress rehearsal with the orchestra, stage director, conductor, choir, and singers
Opera performances in our Auditorium and other venues
The specialty of this module in comparison with other courses:
Valencia is a major cultural center and encourages immersion into the professional opera and music scene: Palau de les Arts Opera House, concerts, and presentations by prominent international musicians.
In addition, there are many events and festivals throughout the year (i.e., Las Fallas). With a rich history in modern architectural masterpieces (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia’s deep, multicultural roots, cosmopolitan flavor, and warm climate make it a true Mediterranean gem.
Also, Valencia is one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most affordable cities for student accommodation.
Names of the professors of this module:
Stage director: Eugenia Corbacho, Jaume Martorell
Costume designer: Miguel Ángel Jiménez
Producer: TBA
Set designer: TBA
Lightning designer: José Cebrián
Possible extras besides the module
Masterclasses
Participation in other projects:
“Ópera sofá”: Concerts of highlights from operas performed in other venues.
Attending opera performances at Palau de les Arts
Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory working on the same production
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students
Open to 1-2 students
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:
Teaching: The first 4 weeks
Spanish language training
Working with the scenic director, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer, and the producer, as well as the singers, pianists and the choir
Production: The following 4 weeks
Ensemble rehearsals with piano, stage director, conductor, choir and singers
Ensemble rehearsals with the orchestra, stage director, conductor, choir and singers
Dress rehearsal with the orchestra, stage director, conductor, choir and singers
Opera performances in our Auditorium and other venues.
ERASMUS students (SMS) may choose mobility within one semester (or both)
Winter Semester: 01 October 2025 – 2nd week of February 2026
Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2026 – 30 June 2026
Content:
This module guides the student to master the complex and challenging art of piano accompaniment in opera.
Performance practice and repertoire (individual lessons on specific operas according to student’s needs and choices, main opera repertoire, analysis, study and practice on chosen opera scores, different (vocal) accompaniment techniques according to different music styles)
Répétiteur and coach techniques (theoretical and practical lessons on the basso continuo, as a stage-rehearsal accompanist, how to play under direction)
Specialized practice (vocal repertoire: chamber music and opera scores)
Score playing (reading piano- and orchestra opera scores)
Little practical internship in Singing lessons and Scenic Art lessons (different needs, different skills)
Possible participation in Masterclass(es), rehearsals, and concerts as a piano accompanist.
Lessons will be held in Italian and English.
ERASMUS students have to choose other courses from those annually proposed by the Conservatory to reach the total number of required credits.
The specialty of this module, in comparison with other courses in Europe
This module represents a perfect opportunity to get to know and experience the tools to become an Opera accompanist in a welcoming atmosphere of exchange and collaboration with the other students of the Conservatory from all over the world.
A unique chance to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of exceptional musical interest within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio, and Toscanini’s Studio) or the immediately nearby it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, specialized in 19th-century opera and music in general, with particular emphasis on the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica, Teatro Regio, etc).
Names of the professors of this module:
Nicola Mottaran (Coordinator of Piano accompaniment) Riccardo Mascia (Erasmus Coordinator)
Teaching staff (Piano Accompaniment Teachers) from the Conservatory’s Singing and Music Theatre Department.
Possible extras in addition to this module:
Upon request a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the worldrenowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course lev. A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students
max 2
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module
ca 60 ho of total teaching per semester
Number of ECTS within master accreditation
min 24 ECTS / semester (but possibly increasing according to the Learning Agreement)
Entrance examination:
Online examination through the Application, which needs to include
CV
Repertoire
Videos
Motivational letter (optional)
Final examination:
30-minute performance in piano accompaniment of voice (and/or opera scenes).
Teaching language/Required level of language
Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2)
Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price
This module allows to use all of the potential of vocal and kinaesthetic art in the area of contemporary music, including performative arts like improvised singing, dancing and acting. The module helps expand the ability to use voice and body in the process of an artistic creation. Inspired by the postulate of Jerzy Grotowski and his Laboratory Theater, the module will show the young artist an extraordinary way of creating a role by using all the range of stage expression. The module is dedicated to singers and dancers and it is based on discovering an archetypical primeval intentions and visions as a main factor in creating an artistic performance.
The module includes singing and dance lessons, musical improvisation, movement and dance improvisation, performative arts laboratory, working with piano coach, full breath & body & mind workshop, history of modern music educational programme.
Names of the professors of this module:
Urszula Kryger, Beata Zawadzka-Kłos, Anna Werecka-Gryć, Piotr Miciński, Przemysław Rezner, Adam Kamieniecki, Agnieszka Łuczyńska, Martyna Henke, Beata Redo-Dobber
Possible extras besides the module:
Early Music Program – supplementary seminars devoted to Theory of the Affects and Baroque Ornamentation
All concerts and events produced by University of Music in Lodz (free admission for EOA students)
Participation in selected concerts and activities of Vocal Department (upon your choice)
Polish language lessons
Yoga and Dance Theater
Minimum and maximum number of students:
2 – 6 max
Open to:
Every kind of voice.
Every type of a dancer (classical, modern).
Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe
The module gives a possibility of acquiring specialized training in the area of contemporary music: individual solo singing lessons and dance lessons, contemporary song workshop, performative actions including improvised singing, dance and acting in the area of contemporary music.
Possible extras besides the module:
Baroque Program – supplementary seminars devoted to Theory of the Affects and Ornamentation
All concerts and events produced by the University of Music in Łódź (free admission for EOA students)
Participation in selected concerts and activities of Vocal Department (upon your choice)
Description of the final examination
Public performance of opera fragment/s
Number of teaching / Production hours
From 270
Number of ECTS:
17-20 ECTS
Entrance examination:
Contact the coordinator:
Adam Kamieniecki
adam.kamieniecki@amuz.lodz.pl
The following attachments shall be submitted with the application:
CV
Repertoire list
Two videos (for example via YouTube)
Repertoire for the application:
one opera aria,
one song upon your choice.
Description of the final Examination
Public performance.
Student:
Singer, Dancers
Language:
English, Italian, German
Activity:
Training / Operatic practice / Performance
Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price
Module is available within an Erasmus exchange.
Note!Please, contact your Erasmus office as early as possible to be qualified in time for the Erasmus scholarship. All qualified Erasmus candidates must be first nominated by the Erasmus office of the sending institution – international@amuz.lodz.pl
Meet the Italian Belcanto tradition in the town that hosted the first operatic creation. An all-Italian experience on the operatic repertoire from Baroque to Verdi and Puccini. Voice lessons on style and technique, repertoire study with vocal coaches, Italian language and diction class, Opera class with acting and staging seminars, final concert with semi-staged performance of full operatic scenes.
Study repertoire:
One leading role from an Opera in Italian
A group of 3-4 arias in Italian, including recitativos and/or cabalettas if present and full scenes and ensembles from operas (duos, trios, quartets, concertato finale, etc.)
Participants:
All voice types
Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe
We give the participants the possibility to develop their skills in the Italian language and diction in a very practical approach. We will concentrate on interpretation and performance of the most important Italian belcanto styles, from the early baroque “recitar-cantando”, the classic recitativo secco, accompagnato and virtuoso arias, to the Romantic “solita scena” (scena, aria and cabaletta) until the declamatory style of the late 19th century composers (Verismo), depending on each singers vocal and musical needs. Our teachers and coaches have a long experience in the tuition of international students, as in our Vocal studies Faculty more than 50% of singers are from all the continents. Being in Firenze (Dante’s home town) allows you to absorb the good “reference” Italian diction directly from our academy but also from the people you will meet in every day life, as the Florentine language is the basis of the modern Italian language.
Additionally, a production on stage (with piano and/or small instrumental ensemble accompaniment) ofHAYDN’s “Il mondo della luna” / GALUPPI “Il mondo della luna” (both on a libretto by Carlo Goldoni) at Villa Favard di Rovezzano (Firenze) and /or another stage in Tuscany (to be confirmed), with the participation of both Conservatorio Cherubini and the 2026 EOA students as either soloist or choir (singers).
Date of performances: May 2026 (to be confirmed).
Please, if you interested to participate, make sure to include in your application the link of a video performance of at least one 18th century recitativo and aria in Italian.
We will award extra 6ECTS to soloist participants and 3CTS to choir members. If the performance should be put off in late May or June or even in Fall 2026, we will arrange to extend Erasmus mobility (upon acceptance of your home Institutions) and/ or fund the extra travel /accomodation expenses, if you need to come back to Firenze.
Both operas have a cast of:
2 – 3 sopranos
1- 2 mezzos
2 tenors
1- 2 (high) baritones
1 basso (bass-baritone) buffo
8 voices choir.
Both soloist casts could be double, in the presence of a sufficient number of selected participants. There could be also some “covers”.
Calendar:
Easter break April 02 – 07 2026 / National holidays: April 25 & May 1, 2026.
We give lessons from Mondays to Saturdays. Welcome day February 02 2026, at 2pm
Names of the professors
Voice teachers: Ester Castriota, Donatella Debolini, Gianni Fabbrini, Nemi Bertagni, M. Constanza Nocentini, Roberta Invernizzi (Baroque singing)
Repertoire coaches: Antonella Bellettini, Elisabetta Benvenuti, Ulla Casalini, Daniela Freschi, Elisabetta Sepe, Andrea Severi, Anna Toccafondi
Opera class / Acting: Francesco Torrigiani
Italian Diction: Francesco Torrigiani, Leonardo De Lisi
History of Opera: Guglielmo Pianigiani
Barroque vocal ensemble: Santina Tomasello
Chamber music & vocal ensembles: Leonardo De Lisi
Possible extras:
Masterclass with renowned singers, agents, conductors or opera directors.
Free entrance to rehearsals at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
Observing all classes at the Conservatorio Cherubini and attendance at all various events.
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students:
4/12
Number of teaching / production hours:
Up to 20-24 hours/week
Number of ECTS within master:
3 months Module will award 24 ECTS
“Voice lessons 1-to-1” lessons, 6 ECTS
“Repertoire coaching with pianist” 1-to-1 lessons, 3 ECTS
“Opera class” (opera scenes staging) 3 ECTS
“Italian Diction for singers” lecture 3 ECTS
“History of Opera” 3 ECTS
“Chamber music & vocal ensemble” group, 3 ECTS
“Baroque vocal ensemble” group, 3 ECTS
“Other activities” (performance of concerts and / or attendance to seminars/masterclasses), 2 ECTs
Erasmus mobilities for Studies or Traineeship and any other participants from EOA partners (within the consortium) will get preferred selection.
Participants from outside the EOA consortium will be accepted only if we have any left over spot after selecting the Erasmus participants. The non-Erasmus participants not from the EOA consortium will be asked to enroll three “corsi singoli”, two for 1-to-1 lessons (Voice lessons and repertoire coaching) and one for groups activities (Opera class and Italian diction). The tuition fee will be calculated after the end of selections.
two video links with two arias in Italian (possibly with recitativo) of contrasting styles
A brief CV in Italian or in English/French/German/Spanish/Portuguese
A short list of repertoire that you would like to study in Firenze.
We accept both Erasmus mobilities for study or traineeship (including recent graduated participants), ask you Erasmus office at your academy.
Applications deadline:
1st deadline: 05 May 2025 (selection results due by 21 June 2025)
2nd deadline: 01 September 2025 (be aware that the open spots for students in our classes will be greatly reduced, since we do not use a 2 semesters calendar).
If you need more information, write to Prof. Leonardo De Lisil.delisi@consfi.it
Description of the final Examination:
Module: Semi-staged operatic scenes and recital with arias/songs in public concerts at the end of the module
Erasmus mobility : each class will award a note of evaluation by the teacher and ECTs
Teaching language/ Required level of language:
Italian (main)
English (secondary)
We require that EOA students have a minimum B1 Italian language level. The best way to enjoy the full experience comes from a basic knowledge of Italian language, that will also be necessary during group classes and production, when teachers and conductor will speak Italian only.
Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included / excluded in this price:
Erasmus mobility: Paticipants from EOA consortium institution: no tuition fee / only €4,50 for insurance
Non-Erasmus mobility / Participants from outside the EOA consortium: tuition fee for 3 “corsi singoli” to be agreed upon after selection (June 2025) + €4,50 for insurance
Contact person:
Prof. Giorgio Albiani (for all kind of Erasmus procedures) e-mail: erasmus@consfi.it
Pror.ssa Donatella Debolini (Head of the Voice Department) e-mail: d.debolini@consfi.it
Prof. Leonardo De Lisi (information about didactics /artistic matters) e-mail: l.delisi@consfi.it
The vocal department of the HEM of Geneve offers singers a journey back to the origins of theatre with a module concentrating on Commedia dell’arte. Rafael Bianciotto, a specialist of this art form, accompanies the singers to the universe of Pantalon, Harlequin, Pulcinella and other characters of commedia dell’arte.
Participants in this module will be familiarized with the theatrical work with masks and build up scenes with spoken and sung texts.
This module ends with a staged concert on 14-15 February 2026 for which the participants prepare operatic repertoire with connection to Commedia dell’arte characters.
To complete the module, the participants have the possibility to take part in a concert version of Ravel’s l’Enfant et les Sortilèges with the Orchestre de Suisse Romande in January and in March in a concert version of Meyerbeer’s Prophet with Orchestre de Chambre de Genève.
Kind of voice and role:
All voices
For Ravel we are mainly looking for tenors and barytons.
We will specify the information on the Meyerbeer production later in the spring 2025.
Speciality of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe
French language.
Names of the professors of this module:
Clémence Tilquin, Stephan MacLeod, Marius Brenciu, Heidi Brunner, Susanne Schimmack, Andreas Wolf, Marcin Habela – vocal studies
Sacha Michon, French phonetic coaching
Nina Uhari, Juliette Journaux – French Art Song repertoire and role studies
Rafael Bianciotto, stage director
Possible extras:
Possibility to assist to rehearsals at the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
Number of ECTS within master:
To be checked with HeMGeneva
Entrance examination:
If the participant wants to do the production of the scenic project and the concert projects he/she should send a good quality video with a French aria by 1st of May 2025.
Description of the final examination:
Progress examination
Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/ excluded in this price:
Full-time module: free for students in the Erasmus Programme (Swiss Mobility Programme)
From 26 January 2026 to 08 May 2026 (Easter holidays from 02 April to 13 April 2026)
Description of the EOA module:
Specific training as repetiteur working in the preparation of a fully staged opera production (title to be announced).
This includes:
Attendance at individual Singing and Repertoire lessons of the cast. Vocal coaching
Language training
Musical rehearsals with the conductor and singers
Stage rehearsals with the stage director, the conductor, and the singers
Chorus rehearsals with the chorus director
The specialty of this module in comparison with other courses:
Valencia is a major cultural center and encourages immersion into the professional opera and music scene: Palau de les Arts Opera House, concerts, and presentations by prominent international musicians.
In addition, there are many events and festivals throughout the year (i.e., Las Fallas). With a rich history in modern architectural masterpieces (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia’s deep, multicultural roots, cosmopolitan flavor, and warm climate make it a true Mediterranean gem.
Valencia is also one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most affordable cities for student accommodation.
Names of the professors of this module:
Singing: Gloria Fabuel, Patricia Llorens, Mª José Martínez de Velasco, Amparo Quevedo, Ofelia Sala, Charo Vallés
Opera coaches: Mercedes Bernabeu, Carles Budó, Miquel Carbonell, Francesc Gamón, Pablo García-Berlanga, Adrià Gràcia, Diego Sánchez,
Conductor: Nadie Stoyanova
Stage director: Eugenia Corbacho, Jaume Martorell
Possible extras besides the module
Masterclasses
Concerts at different venues in Valencia
Attending opera performances at Palau de les Arts
Exchange and collaborate with other students of the Conservatory working on the same production.
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students
Minimum 1 student
Maximum 3 students
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:
Teaching: The first 8 weeks
Working with the singing teachers
Working with the opera coaches
Working with the conductor and vocal coaches
Working with the stage director and vocal coaches
Production: The following 4 weeks
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and conductor
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and stage director
From 26 January 2026 to 08 May 2026 (Easter holidays from 02 April to 13 April 2026)
Description of the EOA module:
Professional training and preparation for an opera role, concluding with the performance of a fully staged opera production (title to be announced).
This includes:
Singing lessons
Repertoire lessons
Acting
Language coaching
Musical rehearsals with the conductor, pianists, and the orchestra.
Stage rehearsals with the stage director, the conductor, and the pianists.
In order to study the specific roles of the production.
Kind of voice and role (Title and roles to be announced in late May):
Mezzo
Tenor
Baritone
Bass
The specialty of this module in comparison with other courses:
Valencia is a major cultural center and encourages immersion into the professional opera and music scene: Palau de les Arts Opera House, concerts, and presentations by major international musicians.
In addition, there are many events and festivals throughout the year (i.e. Las Fallas). With a rich history in modern architectural masterpieces (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia’s deep, multicultural roots, cosmopolitan flavor, and warm climate to make it a true Mediterranean gem.
Also, Valencia is one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most affordable cities for student accommodation.
Names of the professors of this module:
Singing: Gloria Fabuel, Patricia Llorens, Mª José Martínez de Velasco, Amparo Quevedo, Ofelia Sala, Charo Vallés
Opera coaches: Mercedes Bernabeu, Carles Budó, Miquel Carbonell, Francesc Gamón, Pablo García-Berlanga, Adrià Gràcia, Diego Sánchez,
Conductor: Nadie Stoyanova
Stage director: Eugenia Corbacho, Jaume Martorell
Possible extras besides the module
Masterclasses
Concerts at different venues in Valencia
Attending opera performances at Palau de les Arts
Exchange and collaborate with other students of the Conservatory working on the same production.
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students
Minimum 1 student
Maximum 3 students
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:
Teaching: The first 8 weeks
Working with the singing teachers
Working with the opera coaches
Working with the conductor and vocal coaches
Working with the stage director and vocal coaches
Production: The following 4 weeks
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and conductor
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and stage director
Professional training and preparation for an opera role, concluding with the performance of a fully staged chamber opera production (title to be announced).
This includes:
Singing lessons
Repertoire lessons
Acting
Language coaching
Musical rehearsals with the conductor, pianists, and/or instrumental ensemble.
Stage rehearsals with the stage director, the conductor, and the pianists.
Performance with piano accompaniment or instrumental ensemble
In order to study the specific roles of the production.
Kind of voice and role (Title and roles to be announced in May):
Mezzo
Tenor
Baritone
Bass
The specialty of this module in comparison with other courses:
Valencia is a major cultural centre and encourages immersion into the professional opera and music scene: Palau de les Arts Opera House, concerts and presentations by prominent international musicians.
In addition, there are many events and festivals throughout the year (i.e., Las Fallas). With a rich history in modern architectural masterpieces (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia’s deep, multicultural roots, cosmopolitan flavor, and warm climate make it a true Mediterranean gem.
Valencia is also one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most affordable cities for student accommodation.
Names of the professors of this module:
Singing: Gloria Fabuel, Patricia Llorens, Mª José Martínez Velasco, Amparo Quevedo, Ofelia Sala, Charo Vallés
Opera coaches: Mercedes Bernabeu, Carles Budó, Miquel Carbonell, Francesc Gamón, Pablo García-Berlanga, Adrià Gràcia, Diego Sánchez,
Conductor: Nadia Stoyanova
Stage director: Eugenia Corbacho, Jaume Martorell
Possible extras besides the module:
Masterclasses
Concerts at different venues in Valencia
Attending opera performances at Palau de les Arts
Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory working on the same production
Minimum and maximum number of EOA students
Minimum 1 student
Maximum 3 students
Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module:
Teaching: The first 8 weeks
Working with the singing teachers
Working with the opera coaches
Working with the conductor and vocal coaches
Working with the stage director and vocal coaches
Production: The following 4 weeks
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and conductor
Ensemble rehearsals with the singers and stage director
23 February – 07 June 2026 (with possibility to begin from 19 January 2026 for the full term)
Open to:
1 or 2 vocal students
This course offers an opportunity to perform an opera role in a full-scale production with a professional symphony orchestra at a Swedish theatre. The module consists of a period of musical preparation with vocal coaching and musical interpretation sessions, followed by role analysis and stage rehearsals led by a professional director and conductor. The performance is produced with an orchestra, sets, lighting, costumes, and makeup.
The repertoire will be decided in Autumn 2025.
Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module
Patrik Sörling, Assistant Professor of Music Dramatic Performance
Christine Morgan, Assistant Professor of Musical Interpretation
Martin Hellström, Assistant Professor of Musical Interpretation
Possible extras besides the module:
Seminars on aspects of opera as an art form and of the opera singer’s profession
Audition training
Individual artistic reflection project (documented by short essay) under supervision
ca. 170 hours
24-30 ECTS
Entrance examination:
We choose our EOA students via recorded material. With the application, we need sound and video recordings.
Formats:
Sound: Wav or AIFF
Video: Mov or mp4
Description of the final Examination:
Students are examined through the staged performance and a group seminar on the course’s learning outcomes.
Teaching language/ Required level of language:
Communication language: EN, level 5
Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price: