[1] In its earliest incarnation, it was a small group of artists and musicians who assembled to perform and discuss music, largely for their own pleasure, with their meetings including abundant food and wine.
During the hours prior to nones (three o'clock) he had free time, but if a majority of the members wanted his services he was required to be available.
[4] Some of the other notable musicians who served as maestro di musica for the academy in the 16th century included Alessandro Romano, Ippolito Chamaterò, Pedro Valenzuela, and Paolo Bellasio.
[1] The academy flourished with little competition for the first twenty years of its existence, having regular meetings, giving public performances, and having an annual celebratory mass at a local church – always freshly composed – on the anniversary of their founding (1 May).
While they were initially a private club, rarely admitting outside visitors, they increased the number of public performances over the years, expanding their reputation.
[7] In addition to hosting live performances, the Accademia maintains a museum and library, with sections both on 16th- and 19th-century music.