25 March, 2019

The Deiana Piano Academy, based in Cork City is striving to offer the highest possible standard of education to Cork's young musicians.

Now in its third year, The Deiana Piano Academy was founded by CIT Cork School of Music graduate, Aligi Deiana. Originally from Italy, Aligi began his studies under the guidance of concert pianist Magdalena Holt at the Scuola di Pianoforte “Homero de Magalhães” (Olbia) receiving a Music Diploma in both Piano Performance, Harmony & Counterpoint, all while studying for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics!

In 2007, following a summer spent in Ireland, Deiana fell in love with the country and decided to pursue his third level studies at CIT Cork School of Music, graduating with a first class honours in 2012 and Master’s Degree in 2015. While pursuing his post-graduate degree, Aligi also studied for a Teaching and Performing Diploma in the Royal Irish Academy of Music of Dublin under Réamonn Keary, one of Ireland’s most respected classical pianists.

Having a keen interest in Musical Analysis and Composition, Aligi also studied with Dr. Séamas de Barra, one of Ireland’s leading composers and musicologists. Aligi’s first major work, Six Lyric Pieces, was premiered in 2015 in the Curtis Auditorium (Cork School of Music) and has found consistent commercial success ever since. Aligi’s keen interest in vocal music led him to collaborate with Lynda Lee, one of Ireland’s foremost sopranos. 

Aligi is active not only on a local and national basis but also at the international level, having performed at classical music festivals in places such as Brindisi (Italy), Saint-Véran (France) and Cagliari (Sardinia). In October 2016 Aligi opened his own piano studio in Cork. The classes at The Deiana Piano Academy host children and young teenagers while also offering one to one lessons as Aligi believes every student has different needs.

Tutoring alongside Aligi at the Academy, are Brian Flanagan, Eoin Smiddy, Aisling Deegan and Geraldine Dennehy, all CIT Cork School of Music alumni and Miah Phelan Sweeney, a current UCC student. Last year The Deiana Piano Academy students performed in their first Feis Maitiú, the Music and Drama Festival held each year at The Father Mathew Hall in Cork City. It was an impressive debut and at this year’s Feis Maitiú some of his students placed very well: one winning 1st place (Under 9), two students winning 2nd place (Under 9 & over 18) and two winning third place (Under 9 & Under 11).

To learn more about The Deiana Piano Academy visit the wesbite here: https://www.dpacork.com/