Get ready for an amazing week writing songs in Italy!

Detailed class descriptions appear below the schedule.

Click here for Song Camp Europe’s schedule overview to make sure you don't miss anything!

The schedule overview includes the full Song Camp Europe schedule of meals, breaks, open mics, song circles, the group excursion and other activities.

Times, details and instructors are subject to change. The information posted reflects the most up-to-date information currently available. Outdoor activities are "weather permitting". Alternative locations will be announced for these activities if the weather is not cooperative.

Daily Schedule | Class Descriptions

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2026 Song Camp Europe

Class Descriptions

Carlos Alomar

Come be curious again.

Music does not begin with rules. It begins with curiosity. For five days, Carlos Alomar invites you to explore music through story, collaboration, harmony, rhythm, songwriting and technology. Bring your ears, your experience, your questions and your willingness to play.

• King Root and the Kingdom of Numbers
• The River of Rhythm and the Power Line
• The Chord Family and the Mirror World
• Welcome to Musicadium
• What If? AI & Me

Carlos touches on the meaning of each of these mysterious titles in his "From Instinct to Intention" document, but will dive deeply into each topic during his daily class sessions.

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Shotgun Co-Write, with Freebo

It's one thing to talk about co-writing, but actually observing the process from start to finish while watching two great songwriters with extensive co-writing experience is another thing altogether, and possibly the best way to really understand the dynamics and give-and-take needed for a productive co-writing session. Carlos Alomar and Freebo have both co-written extensively with other songwriters, although they've never written together (or even met before, for that matter!).

This "Shotgun Co-Write" will give you the opportunity to witness first-hand how two professional veteran songwriters approach a "blind date" co-write. Don't miss it - It's sure to be a revelation! Thursday morning, Sarah Jane Morris, Tony Rémy and Matt Backer will also be teaching a class on co-writing, which will include the opportunity to co-write with another fellow student.

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Freebo

Thinking "Bottom Up"

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Shotgun Co-Write, with Carlos Alomar

It's one thing to talk about co-writing, but actually observing the process from start to finish while watching two great songwriters with extensive co-writing experience is another thing altogether, and possibly the best way to really understand the dynamics and give-and-take needed for a productive co-writing session. Carlos Alomar and Freebo have both co-written extensively with other songwriters, although they've never written together (or even met before, for that matter!).

This "Shotgun Co-Write" will give you the opportunity to witness first-hand how two professional veteran songwriters approach a "blind date" co-write. Don't miss it - It's sure to be a revelation! Thursday morning, Sarah Jane Morris, Tony Rémy and Matt Backer will also be teaching a class on co-writing, which will include the opportunity to co-write with another fellow student.

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Partial Capo Magic

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What About The Music?

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The Doctor is IN: Song Doctor Sessions

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Alice Howe

Crowdfunding & Kickstarter 101

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Painting With Words: Writing Lyrics That Go Deeper

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Singing From The Heart: Cultivating Style & Performance Skills

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Alice Howe & Freebo

Creating A Compelling Melody

The two most important elements of a song are the lyrics and the melody. Essentially, that’s all a song is. So often in folk music, writers come up with great lyrics and a few chords, but don’t put much thought into the melody. In this class, Freebo and Alice will focus specifically on creating a simple yet compelling melody that goes with the chords and beautifully compliments the emotion of the lyrics.

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Act Natural: The Art of Phrasing

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Preparing for the Studio & Beyond

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The Art of Acoustic Accompaniment

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Halley Neal

Finding Your Voice

In this group vocal workshop, I’ll teach simple and real ways to navigate singing techniques to ensure that students walk away with tools they can use to find their true voice. Using techniques I’ve gathered from years of vocal training - including my four years as a Vocal Performance major at Berklee College of Music - along with the experience I’ve gathered from years of full time touring at venues both big and small (festival stages to unplugged house concerts,) to teach valuable tips and tricks to make students’ singing feel easier and freer. A more intentional perspective on singing is not only important to the vocal health of a singer, but also enhances a performer’s stage performance, songwriting, and overall confidence. Three simple tricks make a world of difference in any singer of any performance level, and they are what I swear by myself when performing - breath support, vowels, and pronunciation.

We’ll start with a group sing, emphasizing my three lesson points, and then move into workshopping individual students in front of the class to showcase the drastic difference that can be seen in a vocalist by adjusting just a few things!

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Finding Inspiration OFF Stage / Finding Inspiration ON Stage

Class 1: Finding Inspiration Off Stage
Class 2: Finding Inspiration On Stage

Creativity can sometimes be overwhelming and make us feel vulnerable. This class will start with a lesson on finding songwriting inspiration in everyday life with some parameters we can look at to break down our emotions and thoughts to create specific song ideas. I’ll lead the class in some object writing and offer prompts that can encourage new and simple ways of looking at songwriting.

I’ll also reveal one of my tried and true songwriting techniques: the art of “showing” and not “telling.”

Then, I’ll dive into stage performance techniques and ways to feel inspired and empowered on stage. I’ll introduce my favorite tips that capture and hold the attention of an audience. With the help of students who are willing to try out my techniques in front of the class, I’ll demonstrate the nuances of connecting to your own song and how that, in turn, allows you to connect with your audience.

During this lesson, I’ll reference my experience as a full-time independent artist in the current touring world, and how I personally navigate finding my own inspiration!

NOTE: This class works as a two-parter, the first being “Finding Inspiration OFF Stage” and the second “Finding Inspiration ON Stage.” With the same core idea of “feeling inspired,” the first class details ways to find inspiration while writing songs and fighting writers block while the second covers on-stage inspiration and confidence, audience connection, and other tips and tricks.

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Sam Robbins

Offsetting Your Songs: Tactics to Give Your Songs Maximum Impact

If you’re a performer, I’m sure you’ve felt it – you’re playing a set, and some songs just grab people and hold their attention, while some just DON’T, no matter how great they are! The lyrics might be very passionate and honest, the melodies and chords might be amazing, and still, people just tune out.

But every once in a while, a song will grab an audience and just not let go. I found this first with two of my own early songs, which I will go into specifically in the workshop. These were the first songs of mine that anybody actually liked!

It felt like magic - so I set out to discover WHY these songs were having such a greater impact than everything else I had written. Was it truly just “song magic” as we like to think?? Some ethereal energy in the music and lyrics that just grabs people?

After years of analyzing, I found that with these songs, there were very clear and observable tactics, used both consciously and subconsciously, that had made audiences unable to turn away. Once I discovered this, I started looking around and found these techniques being used in so many songs that I love!

I found that listeners want to be comfortable, but not TOO comfortable. They want to feel “held” by the performer and songwriter, but they don’t want it all to be too predictable. There are very simple techniques that are used in many great songs to keep the listener on their toes, but comfortable. The use of these techniques, which are not complicated, were a mind blowing revelation to me. Ever since, I’ve used these tactics that I call “offsetting” to help with writing, editing and performing my own songs, and I want to help you! SO! Let’s dive into the three different tools that you can use to “offset” your songs to help keep audiences engaged in your songs and performances.

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Free Your Fretboard

If you play guitar, you probably know about Barre chords. They’re a good thing to learn – it builds up strength in your hands because you have to hold down ALL the strings at once – it allows for a strong chord to ring out. They’re great!

Except...

I’ve found that they are limiting. There is a whole world of chords and chord voicings just waiting for you outside of Barre chords, chord voicings that allow for a much freer hand and a lot more FUN on the guitar. You can go up the neck and really experience the full voice that your guitar has to offer.

These voicings are built around simple, three note groupings, called triads, that go up the neck in a specific pattern. So much of my playing these days is built around these triads. Once I learned these simple shapes up the neck, I started messing with them – changing one note at a time and seeing how it sounded.

Learning these building blocks and seeing how they interlock blew my mind and allowed me to play up the neck on the guitar. It completely opened up my playing and my hand to be SO much more free... I never looked back, and I don’t think you will either!

I have a diagram of the triads and how they interlock, and we’ll go over this diagram and talk in depth about these shapes up the neck in this workshop!

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Finesse Your Fulcrum

In "Finesse Your Fulcrum," I'm going to show you why your right hand is the true powerhouse of your guitar playing and the ultimate keeper of the groove. While your left hand handles the mechanics of chords and melody, I've always found that your right hand dictates the feel, tone, and magic that makes a song truly work. We'll examine the varied right-hand techniques of legendary players—from the floating fingerstyle of James Taylor to the exacting flatpicking of Billy Strings—to see exactly why maintaining a consistent, deep groove is the single most important element of any performance.

To help you achieve that consistency, we'll focus on a core concept I call "limiting your fulcrums." Because our hands and arms have so many moving joints, using too much motion can quickly lead to tension, poor tone, and a lost groove. I'll share practical, methodical advice for both fingerpicking and flatpicking—like powering your fingerstyle from your first knuckles or driving your flatpicking from a stable wrist—to help you eliminate unnecessary movement. Through slow, focused practice, we'll work on balancing rigidity and looseness so you can refine your touch and lock into an unbreakable groove that lets your songs shine.

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Sarah Jane Morris, with Tony Rémy

Harmony in Action: From Workshop to Stage, with Tony Rémy

Join acclaimed vocalist Sarah Jane Morris and virtuoso guitarist Tony Rémy (Jack Bruce, Annie Lennox) for an immersive, two-hour masterclass dedicated to the art of building and arranging three-part harmonies. This hands-on session is designed for singers and musicians eager to explore the mechanics of vocal blending, chordal structure, and dynamic arrangement. Under the expert guidance of Sarah and Tony, participants will collaboratively arrange one or two selected songs, transforming them into rich, multi-layered vocal pieces.

The learning doesn't stop in the rehearsal room, as this class is built entirely around live application. After perfecting the arrangements during the class session on Wednesday afternoon, the participants will take the stage together at Wednesday evening's open mic performance to debut their work. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of bringing a freshly arranged harmony to life in front of a receptive, supportive and attentive audience.

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Co-Writing, with Tony Rémy and Matt Backer

Co-writing is one of the most powerful tools in a songwriter's arsenal, but it can also be one of the most intimidating. When you step into a room with other writers, you're bringing your own unique strengths—whether that's a gift for melody, a notebook full of lyrics, or a killer groove—and learning how to blend them with someone else's vision. Tony, Matt and I have spent decades collaborating, writing, and performing together and with artists all over the world. In this class, we're going to share the secrets of a successful co-write and show you how to leave your ego at the door so the best idea in the room always wins.

We’ll walk you through the practical steps of starting a collaborative session from scratch, whether you're bringing in a half-finished song or just a single word. We'll explore how to navigate creative disagreements, how to communicate your ideas clearly, and how to lean on your co-writers' strengths when you hit a creative wall. Through live demonstrations and interactive exercises, we'll help you break out of your usual songwriting habits and discover the magic that happens when you trust the collaborative process. By the end of our time together, you'll be ready to jump into any writing room with confidence.

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Jenn Cleary

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Please RELEASE ME! Current Best Practices for Releasing Music with Maximum Impact, with Chicago Mike Beck

Musicians releasing new music today are faced with a bewildering array of options, challenges, choices and chores: Album vs EP vs singles? Videos? Which one of the 20+ distributors to use? On which streaming service(s) should you focus? On which social media platform(s) should you promote your new release? Radio – Is anybody listening? DIY vs hiring someone? And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Ugh!!!

In this workshop, Jenn Cleary and "Chicago" Mike Beck will walk you through step-by-step current best practices for sharing your new music with the world. Releasing music in 2026 is nothing like it used to be and the process, marketplace, opportunities and best practices are continuously evolving for the independent singer-songwriter.

What are the best ways to get your music to "rise above the noise", get heard by the largest possible audience and impact your music career with the most positive possible outcomes? This workshop will outline the realities of how to share your music in this brave new world and give you an action plan that will eliminate the mysteries, misunderstandings and mis-steps, helping you maximize the impact of your new music.

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All Ages Welcome: Bringing Children's Songs Into Your Repertoire

You don’t have to be a children’s musician to include songs for kids and families in your repertoire. This class explores how singer-songwriters can create and incorporate family-friendly music while staying true to their own musical style. We’ll look at what makes a song connect with both kids and adults, where these songs can create new performance opportunities, and how they can fit into live shows, recordings, and even sync licensing. Come ready to think beyond the traditional “kids’ song” and discover how writing for all ages can expand your creativity, your audience, and your opportunities.

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Matt Backer

Recording Sessions in Studio Guzzo

Studio Guzzo is ready to go! A-list session musician and producer Matt Backer alongside studio engineers Scott Munson and Tommy Mitoraj will record one of your original songs with you.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED FOR THIS CLASS AND REQUIRES ADVANCE SIGN-UP AND SUBMISSION OF SONG MATERIALS! To request a reservation for this class, email info@songcampeurope.com. You will be notified if your reservation is accepted. Students who are not accepted for this class will be put on the waiting list in the order in which their reservation requests were received. Limited opportunities for "Session Observers" are available.

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Co-Writing, with Sarah Jane Morris and Tony Rémy

Co-writing is one of the most powerful tools in a songwriter's arsenal, but it can also be one of the most intimidating. When you step into a room with other writers, you're bringing your own unique strengths—whether that's a gift for melody, a notebook full of lyrics, or a killer groove—and learning how to blend them with someone else's vision. Sarah, Tony and I have spent decades collaborating, writing, and performing together and with artists all over the world. In this class, we're going to share the secrets of a successful co-write and show you how to leave your ego at the door so the best idea in the room always wins.

We’ll walk you through the practical steps of starting a collaborative session from scratch, whether you're bringing in a half-finished song or just a single word. We'll explore how to navigate creative disagreements, how to communicate your ideas clearly, and how to lean on your co-writers' strengths when you hit a creative wall. Through live demonstrations and interactive exercises, we'll help you break out of your usual songwriting habits and discover the magic that happens when you trust the collaborative process. By the end of our time together, you'll be ready to jump into any writing room with confidence.

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Rahel-Liis Aasrand

From Prompt to Song: You Will Write A Song Today, with Chicago Mike Beck

Mike and I are excited to guide you through this hands-on song prompt workshop and writing session! The concept is simple but powerful: We’ll offer you a choice between two different song prompts, which will serve as your jumping-off point for a timed writing session. You can fly solo or team up with a co-writer — whatever feels right for you.

The prompt isn’t a strict rule -- it’s simply a doorway into your creative process. We’ll spend most of the session writing, letting the creative energy of the camp inspire us, before returning at the end of the session to reflect on the experience.

Perhaps our biggest piece of advice: leave your inner editor at the door. Give yourself permission to write freely. Follow the themes, images and ideas that naturally spark your imagination. Don’t worry about getting it right. This is about embracing the messy, imperfect first draft — and discovering where it might lead.

Then, on Saturday, the final day of Song Camp classes, we’ll come together for Part 2: our Song Share circle, where everyone will have the opportunity to share what they wrote. Whether you end up with a fully structured song or a brave, half-finished verse, this class is all about giving yourself the dedicated time and permission to create without overthinking. Whatever you bring, it’s all welcome. We were inspired to offer this workshop by Hope Dunbar, an amazing songwriter and the host of the songwriting podcast Prompt Queens. Mike attended Hope’s brilliant song prompt workshop at the Little Grassy Songwriting Retreat in Southern Illinois last February, and found it exhilirating, fun and only a little terrifying! But facing his fears, Mike crafted a song that had everybody singing along by the second chorus and he was surprised and frankly blown away by the amazing songs everyone shared that day.

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Play the Violin!

Have you always wanted to try the violin but felt a little intimidated about where to begin? In “Play the Violin!”, we’ll take a relaxed first look at this beautiful and fascinating instrument and explore what it feels like to play.

In this focused, 30-minute session, we’ll start with the basics: getting comfortable with the violin, finding a natural posture, learning how to hold the bow, and exploring how bow movement and finger placement create sound. There’s no need to have any previous experience — and no pressure to get everything right.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a songwriter or musician curious about adding the violin to your musical world, this is an easygoing opportunity to pick up the instrument, try some things out, and discover whether you enjoy playing it. You’ll leave with a better feel for the instrument, a few basic techniques to explore, and hopefully a little more confidence about where you could go from here.

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Chicago Mike Beck

Please RELEASE ME! Current Best Practices for Releasing Music with Maximum Impact, with Jenn Cleary

Musicians releasing new music today are faced with a bewildering array of options, challenges, choices and chores: Album vs EP vs singles? Videos? Which one of the 20+ distributors to use? On which streaming service(s) should you focus? On which social media platform(s) should you promote your new release? Radio – Is anybody listening? DIY vs hiring someone? And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Ugh!!!

In this workshop, Jenn Cleary and "Chicago" Mike Beck will walk you through step-by-step current best practices for sharing your new music with the world. Releasing music in 2026 is nothing like it used to be and the process, marketplace, opportunities and best practices are continuously evolving for the independent singer-songwriter.

What are the best ways to get your music to "rise above the noise", get heard by the largest possible audience and impact your music career with the most positive possible outcomes? This workshop will outline the realities of how to share your music in this brave new world and give you an action plan that will eliminate the mysteries, misunderstandings and mis-steps, helping you maximize the impact of your new music.

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From Prompt to Song: You Will Write A Song Today, with Rahel-Liis Aasrand

Rahel and I are excited to guide you through this hands-on song prompt workshop and writing session! The concept is simple but powerful: We’ll offer you a choice between two different song prompts, which will serve as your jumping-off point for a timed writing session. You can fly solo or team up with a co-writer — whatever feels right for you.

The prompt isn’t a strict rule -- it’s simply a doorway into your creative process. We’ll spend most of the session writing, letting the creative energy of the camp inspire us, before returning at the end of the session to reflect on the experience.

Perhaps our biggest piece of advice: leave your inner editor at the door. Give yourself permission to write freely. Follow the themes, images and ideas that naturally spark your imagination. Don’t worry about getting it right. This is about embracing the messy, imperfect first draft — and discovering where it might lead.

Then, on Saturday, the final day of Song Camp classes, we’ll come together for Part 2: our Song Share circle, where everyone will have the opportunity to share what they wrote. Whether you end up with a fully structured song or a brave, half-finished verse, this class is all about giving yourself the dedicated time and permission to create without overthinking. Whatever you bring, it’s all welcome. We were inspired to offer this workshop by Hope Dunbar, an amazing songwriter and the host of the songwriting podcast Prompt Queens. I attended Hope’s brilliant song prompt workshop at the Little Grassy Songwriting Retreat in Southern Illinois last February, and found it exhilirating, fun and only a little terrifying! But facing my fears, I crafted a song that had everybody singing along by the second chorus and I was surprised and frankly blown away by the amazing songs everyone shared that day.

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Times, class offerings, details and instructors are subject to change. The information posted reflects the most up-to-date information currently available. Outdoor activities are "weather permitting". Alternative locations will be announced for these activities if the weather is not cooperative.