Jazz Music Studies in Italy – Summer 2025
Instrumentalists and Vocalists – June 8–14 and June 15–21
Welcome to the Jazz Improvisation Workshop in Italy, a premier international jazz camp held at a stunning farmhouse and vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. Participants will enjoy private rooms, gourmet meals, a working vineyard, and two beautiful swimming pool.
Two Exciting Sessions in 2025
New York Jazz Workshop presents two separate weeks of jazz studies in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Participants come from around the globe, with past students hailing from Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and various European countries.
- June 8–14: Led by world-renowned instrumentalists Marc Mommaas, Kenny Wessel, and David Ambrosio. This week is focused on instrumental playing. Skilled vocalists with a strong jazz theory background are welcome to join.
- June 15–21: Led by acclaimed vocalist Michelle Walker, this session is centered on the human voice. Musicians interested in accompanying singers and playing jazz standards are encouraged to participate.
Special Offer: Sign up for both sessions and receive a 20% discount on the course fee. Accommodation costs remain the same each week.
| Accommodation Type | Single Room (No Music Course) | Single Room (Including Music Course) | Bring a Guest in shared room (No Music Course) |
| Entire Apartment (On or walking distance from property) | $1650 | $3300 | $850 |
| Regular Rooms at La Pineta or nearby (may share foyer and bathroom) | $1250 | $2900 | $775 |
| Additional Nights (If arriving early or staying between sessions) | $275 | N/A | $140 |
| Regular Rooms at La Pineta (with shared foyer and bathroom) | $208 | N/A | $129 |
| Airport Transfers from Pisa or Florence | $145 each way | N/A | N/A |
| transfer from San Miniato Train Station | Free | N/A | N/A |
Highlights
The program is ideal for both instrumentalists and vocalists aiming to enhance their skills and become better musicians and improvisers. The camp features:
- Daily music sessions
- Private lessons
- Evening jam sessions
- Wine Tasting
- Pasta Making Class
- Excursions
- A final concert
All jazz workshops are held at “Agriturismo La Pineta,” a working farm and vineyard owned by the family of Marco Chelo, co-founder of the New York Jazz Workshop.
Excursions and Activities
We’ve planned exciting excursions, including:
- Visits to ancient medieval towns
- Wine tastings of local organic wines
- A trip to Roman spa baths or the beach
- A pasta-making class and vineyard tour
The food caters to omnivores, vegetarians, and other dietary needs. Please notify us in advance of any special requests.
Bring Friends and Family: Guests of musicians can enjoy a variety of trips to nearby attractions, including Vinci, Montecatini, Lucca, Pistoia, Florence, and more
Instructor Bios
Marc Mommaas – Tenor Saxophonist/Composer
Marc is a celebrated saxophonist, composer, and co-founder of the New York Jazz Workshop. With albums like Global Motion and Balance under his belt, Marc has toured worldwide, playing on stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. He is also a sought-after educator, regularly teaching at The New School and leading workshops globally.
Kenny Wessel – Guitarist/Composer
Kenny is an internationally recognized guitarist who toured with Ornette Coleman for over 12 years. He’s performed with artists ranging from David Liebman to Donald Fagen and has a deep interest in world music, especially Indian classical music. As a faculty member at NYJW, Kenny brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience to the workshop.
Michelle Walker – Jazz Vocalist/Arranger
Michelle is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist with an impressive global resume, having performed in Russia, Israel, London, and beyond. Known for her unique voice and fresh interpretations of jazz standards, Michelle’s teaching focuses on vocal technique and interpretation. She has been a faculty member at NYJW since 2018.
Program Overview
The Jazz Improvisation Workshop in Italy offers two 7-day, 6-night programs in a supportive and focused setting. Each session includes individual and group instruction, jam sessions, and a faculty/student concert.
Tuition and Accommodation
Tuition: $1650 USD per week, which includes:
- Daily jazz workshops
- 4 incredible teachers from New York
- Vineyard tour and wine tasting
- Jam sessions and final concert
- Coordination of optional excursions
Accommodation Rates:
- Single rooms/apartments: $1250–1650 per week
- Includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, and train station transfers
Guests are welcome! Pricing for non-musician guests starts at $775.
Travel Information
The nearest train station is San Miniato-Fucecchio, with easy access from Florence, Pisa, Rome, or Milan. We offer airport transfers from Pisa or Florence at approximately €100 each way.
Registration
To sign up or receive more information, fill out the registration form.
A $1000 deposit per week is required to hold your reservation.
Daily Schedule Overview
- Day 1: Arrival and welcome dinner
- Day 2–5: Morning swims, jazz workshops, ensemble playing, jam sessions, excursions, and delicious meals
- Day 6: Final concert in Fucecchio
- Day 7: Departure
