Workshop For Jazz Guitar & Vocals 2026

The 2026 Jazz Workshop at the Hotel Steinegger with Jeanne Gies, Paulo Morello, and Bruce Forman proved once again that the combination of intensive instruction and a relaxed vacation atmosphere is an unbeatable formula. Participants traveled from the U.S., Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, England, Austria, and Germany. And for the first time in all the years I’ve been organizing the workshop in Bolzano, we had a participant from Italy! This mix of different nationalities creates the atmosphere that makes our workshop so special.

Classes Meet Vacation

The cozy Hotel Steinegger provided the perfect setting for our workshop: focused work on technique, theory, and expression in the mornings, followed by jamming, practicing, or relaxing together during the day. Our hosts, Verena and Michi, along with their highly attentive staff—Toni, Andrea, and Simon—took excellent care of us and supported us in every way. The exquisite cuisine did the rest to ensure that we felt completely at home.

It’s very pleasant to work in this kind of atmosphere. As a result, learning outcomes are excellent, even though the participants aren’t bombarded with technical information around the clock. And as I observed, everyone involved had a great time during the workshop week.

Two Styles, One Goal

Once again this year, the difference in teaching styles between the two guitar instructors, Paulo and Bruce, was fascinating. Paulo takes an analytical, structured approach and uses handouts, which many participants appreciate. Bruce, on the other hand, teaches spontaneously and places great emphasis on listening and free playing. These two teaching styles complement each other and both challenge and enrich the guitarists in equal measure.

Jeanne And Armin

Jeanne holds a special place in the vocal class. Her sensitive and empathetic teaching quickly helps the singers overcome their inhibitions and insecurities. In this way, she always manages to bring out the best in everyone. Armin Bonner is an indispensable member of the class, supporting the singers on guitar. He has the ability to play any song in any key and accompany it in the appropriate style. He also enriches the lessons with his extensive musical knowledge.

All these years, Armin has done this job for free. Going forward, he would like some financial compensation, which I am happy to provide. Of course, this amount must be spread out among the choir members' participation fees.

Group Dynamics

This year, I noticed that the participants quickly began interacting deeply with one another. There was hardly any period of getting to know each other; the musicians quickly found common ground, formed duos and trios, and filled every corner of the hotel with music.

It was a great group that quickly bonded. Listening, inspiring, and cheering each other on—that creates memories you’ll never forget. The 2026 Jazz Guitar and Vocals Workshop was more than just a class—it was an experience!

I’m already looking forward to next year, when we’ll be able to meet again from May 3–7, 2027, at the beautiful Hotel Steinegger to make music together.