Masterclasses 2026
In spring and summer of 2026, the international master classes return to the picturesque mountain town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany. Discover detailed information about our instructors, as well as registration, accommodation and transportation.
Active and passive participation is possible
In addition to active participation, passive participation is usually also possible. The course fee per course and week is 760 euros (passive: 380 euros), for students 385 euros (passive: 192,50 euros) plus 80 euros registration fee. This includes a wine tasting. If two or more courses are taken, a 25 percent discount is granted on the second and all subsequent courses.
The course includes at least 3 lessons of 45 minutes each.
Our partner agency Terre Toscane arranges reasonably priced accommodation in Montepulciano, on request also beyond the duration of the course or for accompanying persons. Each master class ends with a public final concert. The courses for solo instruments are accompanied by a répétiteur.
For the safe conduct of the courses and projects, the academy has an always up-to-date hygiene concept that implements both Italian and German requirements and with which we have already gained experience in the past year.
Scholarships
Scholarships are again available for this masterclass season. To apply, please first register for your desired course following the instructions above. Once registered, you can submit a scholarship request to the course office and receive additional details. Be sure to observe the following deadlines for scholarship applications: June 15, 2026, or July 15, 2026.
The master class explores the relationship between musical text and interpretation and delves into the connection between textual analysis and performance practice. Work on resolving key technical challenges is always approached with an eye toward sound, dynamics, and expression, with a particular focus on the Classical and Romantic repertoires. Each participant will receive at least five lessons.
This masterclass is aimed at pianists of all ages, as well as students and prospective students. The focus is on the artistic and technical development of piano works from all periods. The course is particularly suitable for preparing for concerts, exams or competitions. At the end of the masterclass, there will be a final recital by the participants.
A warm welcome to a harp masterclass, where we will be working on tone, musical expression and technique, amongst other things. Also ideal for preparing for competitions and auditions. Final concert. Daily one-to-one lessons; observation is welcome at any time. Group sessions: warm-ups, exercises, performance preparation, and sharing experiences regarding auditions and competitions.
The course aims to provide students with an intensive space in which they can reflect on their musical identity outside their usual environment, gain fresh inspiration for their further development and, ideally, continue to explore their own love and passion for music. It is particularly important to me to inspire the students and support them in their artistic development. The repertoire may be chosen freely and should be submitted before the course begins.
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, 2026.
The course focuses primarily on vocal training, entirely free from any intellectual influence. The emphasis is on developing a natural vocal technique, which is brought to life in the repertoire with a genuine joy of making music. To this end, participants must learn five opera arias by heart!
There are up to three sessions a day: vocal technique, rehearsal and audition training in a group setting.
Admission to the course will be decided following the lecturer’s assessment of the application documents, including an audio sample. You will receive information on the required documents upon registration.
Course Content: Comprehensive work on vocal technique, musical style, expression, interpretation, and stage presence. The goal is to achieve a free, relaxed tone, a personal musical interpretation, and a compelling stage presence.
Repertoire: At least 6 works (arias and/or songs) of your choice from the international opera, operetta, oratorio, or art song repertoire. The number of active participants is limited to 14. Everyone receives daily instruction.
The course can be combined with Prof. Thomas Seyboldt’s art song interpretation course.
In the art song, poetry, melody, and the piano’s instrumental accompaniment blend together. This presents singers and pianists—as well as their audience—with unique challenges. It calls for collaborative performance, an ear for chamber music, and synchronized breathing, but also for playing with words and singing with color, which can evolve into a fascinating adventure.
The rich repertoire of the piano song, from Schubert to Rihm, from Fauré to Britten, or from Dvořák to Shostakovich, offers a wide variety of opportunities for lively storytelling and soulful interpretation, with each song unfolding its own unique world.
Song duos, as well as individual singers and pianists who wish to deepen their understanding of the style, form, and interpretation of the song, are invited to embark on this journey of discovery. The course is particularly aimed at students majoring in voice, piano, song, accompaniment, and conducting, as well as professional or particularly ambitious musicians. Song duos will be given preference when course spots are allocated.
Participants are expected to prepare at least 6 songs for the course (including at least one song by Franz Schubert).
Please submit your application along with a resume and photo.
The course can be combined with Prof. Ulrike Sonntag’s vocal course.
The masterclass is aimed at vocal students, freelance singers and singers currently in engagement. We aim to provide clear guidance on understanding and optimising the voice as an ‘instrument’, with a view to integrating musical and interpretative aspects—including those relating to diction, timbre and presence—on this basis.
Please prepare 4–6 pieces of your choice from the fields of opera and/or concert repertoire and/or art song for the course.
Admission to the course will be decided following a review of your application documents (CV and two audio samples of different character) and an assessment of the audio samples.
The course comprises one-to-one lessons, lessons with piano accompaniment, and group lessons covering key technical fundamentals, practice methods, reading and understanding musical notation, and interpretation.
The course atmosphere encourages open and respectful interaction among all participants.
The well-being of each participant with their instrument and their body whilst playing, lively breathing, an alert mind and the greatest possible artistic presence on stage are also key elements of the lessons.
The repertoire ranges from Bach to the present day, from solo pieces to concertos, orchestral parts and programmes for orchestral auditions.
The masterclass with Elena Margolina is aimed at advanced piano students, conservatoire students and aspiring professional musicians who are seeking fresh inspiration and creative ideas as they prepare for exams, competitions or concerts.
Particular emphasis is placed on stylistic clarity, work on tone production, an in-depth exploration of the content and structure of the piece, and psychological support for course participants.
