The Conservatorio’s recognition as a University of Music has laid firm foundations for its continuing growth and rapidly developing initiatives. Flexible programmes of study, avant-garde research projects, teachers who are also top international performers. The growth of the Department of Research and Development has played a crucial part in bringing together musical scholarship and performance, with frequent exchanges of research and expertise. In addition, the Conservatorio is developing a specialisation in contemporary music through its interdisciplinary project Spazio21.