Masterclasses 2025

The master class is aimed at pupils and students of all ages. The repertoire can be chosen freely.
The course focuses on solo works, orchestral pieces, work on the "basics", reed making and bassoon ensemble.
Another focus is performance coaching in the group and, if desired, also individually. The aim is to make you feel more comfortable in public performances, such as auditions, and thus improve your performance. Only those who feel comfortable in their own skin and on stage can really present their personal best performances without being disturbed. The following aspects are integrated: Learning an efficient stress reduction technique so that you have a technique on board that leads to rapid self-soothing (e.g. PEP according to Dr. Michael Bohne); analyzing performance-limiting beliefs and transforming them into performance-enhancing core beliefs; working on your inner attitude on the topics of: Performance, perfection, error-friendliness and success.
Each participant receives daily individual bassoon lessons, accompaniment and the opportunity to perform in the final concert. 

In this masterclass, explore the balance between technical precision and musical expression. The goal is to enhance technical skills while making interpretations more vibrant and expressive.

This master class is aimed at pianists of all ages, students and prospective students. The focus is on the artistic and technical development of piano works from all eras. The course is particularly suitable for preparing for concerts, examinations or competitions.
At the end of the masterclass there will be a final concert by the participants.

- All musical styles (from baroque to contemporary music) are welcome

- Working on an equal footing, joint exploration of musical works

- Insight into the technical problems and physical tensions

- General questions (e.g. program design, nervousness, preparation for the performance, breathing exercises)

A warm welcome to a harp masterclass in which we will explore sound, musical expression and technique among others.

Ideal also for competition and audition preparation

Final concert

Daily individual lessons, listeners always welcome.

As a group we will talk about warming up, exercises, performance preparation , experiences on auditions and contests

The master class is open to both singers and pianists. Both existing duos and individual singers and pianists are welcome to apply. The entire repertoire of song, concert, opera, and operetta will be taught in the disciplines of voice and piano accompaniment. Up to 6 piano accompanists will collaborate with up to 12 singers. In the morning, each duo will receive instruction alternately from Prof. Lindner and Prof. Wierig, and in the afternoon, the works developed will be taught in a plenary session by both course instructors. At the end of the one-week, intensive collaboration, a diverse and exciting public concert will be presented.

Singers are requested to prepare:
- 3 arias from the opera/operetta repertoire
- 2 arias from the concert repertoire
- 3 songs of their choice

Upon receiving confirmation of participation from the Accademia Musicale di Montepulciano/Palazzo Ricci, singers in the vocal department are kindly asked to submit a binding list of the pieces they have prepared. This will enable the piano accompanists to adequately prepare. The deadline for submitting the list of works to be studied is July 10, 2025.

The course primarily involves vocal training, completely detached from an intellectual approach. The focus is on a very own organ movement, which is visualized in the repertoire with a lot of joy in making music. Five opera arias must be prepared by heart!
There are up to three sessions a day: vocal technique, repetition and audition training in plenary.
Admission to the course will be decided after the lecturer has assessed the documents, including the audition. You will receive information on the required documents when you register.

Course content: Comprehensive work on vocal technique, musical style, expression, interpretation and performance. The aim is to achieve a free, relaxed sound, a personal musical style and a convincing stage presence. 

Repertoire: prepare at least 6 works (arias and/or songs) from the international opera, operetta, oratorio or song repertoire as desired. The number of active participants is limited to 14. Everyone receives daily lessons.   

Poetry, melody and instrumental piano commentary merge in the song. It presents singers and pianists - and their listeners - with special challenges. Music-making in partnership, chamber music listening and breathing together are required, but also playing words or singing colors, which can develop into a fascinating adventure.

The rich repertoire of piano songs from Schubert to Rihm, from Fauré to Britten or from Dvořák to Shostakovich offers a wide range of possibilities for lively narration and animated interpretation, with each song unfolding its own cosmos.

Lied duos as well as individual singers and pianists who want to deepen their understanding of the style, form and interpretation of the Lied can go on a journey of discovery. Students of voice, piano, lied, accompaniment and conducting are particularly welcome, as are professional or particularly ambitious musicians. Lied duos are given priority when allocating places on the course.

At least 6 songs should be prepared for the course (including at least one song by Franz Schubert).

Please send your application with CV and photo to the course office.

The course can be combined with Prof. Ulrike Sonntag's singing course.

It all starts with a vision. The course is aimed at music students and young musicians who are in private or public professional music training. There are no repertoire restrictions. The focus will be on practical performance issues and individual practice methods. Aspects of stylistics, phrasing, articulation, fingering, pedaling, breathing, body awareness, etc. will be discussed as required. Every evening there will be internal auditions to gain as much experience as possible and at the end of the course there will be a final public concert.

Singing, Lied interpretation

Gerhild Romberger, Manuel Lange

Prof. Gerhild Romberger and Prof. Manuel Lange offer a free choice of repertoire for the master class in singing and song interpretation from all eras and languages of art song, with a focus on the German-language song repertoire. If required, concert and opera repertoire can also be worked on in the singing lessons. Lessons from both teachers are offered both separately and together.

It is recommended to apply as a duo, but individual applications are of course also possible. An attempt will be made to find piano or vocal partners from the applications received. The course is therefore also suitable for pianists who are looking for an introduction to song accompaniment.

Applications with an artistic CV, a repertoire selection of at least five songs and a short, meaningful sound recording can be sent by e-mail with attached files. Pianists who apply without a singing partner should only submit their artistic CV and the recording.

The course focuses on the musical, instrumental and artistic deepening of the violin repertoire from 1650-1950. Each solo participant prepares at least 2 movements from one of the solo sonatas/partitas by J.S. Bach and, if possible, a movement from a classical or romantic violin concerto or a sonata. Further repertoire as desired.
Existing chamber ensembles are also welcome. Here the repertoire is freely selectable.

Students as well as younger participants (e.g. in preparation for their studies etc.) and graduates can register for this master class. Existing chamber music ensembles can also register on request. The repertoire can be chosen freely.

Masterclass for Violin. No restrictions on repertoire selection. Preparation for concerts, exams, and competitions.

Focus will be on Bach and Britten Suites and the great sonata and concerto repertoire.