July 28, 2026

Unplug and Create: Why Song Camp Europe 2026 is the Ultimate Creative Retreat for Songwriters

<p>For musicians looking to sharpen their craft, elevate their lyrics, and collaborate in an unforgettable environment, the <strong>3rd Edition of </strong><a href="https://songcampeurope.com/">Song Camp Europe</a> (<strong>September 28 – October 4, 2026</strong>) promises an extraordinary week of music-making in Northern Italy</p><p><strong>A Picture-Perfect Setting in Veneto Wine Country</strong></p><p>Located just 30 minutes east of historic Verona, Song Camp Europe takes place at the <strong>San Felice Resort</strong> in Illasi, Italy. Nestled just below the medieval ruins of Illasi Castle and surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards, the location provides a quiet escape from daily distractions.</p><p>Between co-writing sessions and masterclasses, participants can walk scenic trail paths through the hills or recharge while taking in sweeping valley views. The quiet landscape serves as an ideal canvas for creative focus.</p><p><strong>Mentorship from Industry Legends</strong></p><p>What sets Song Camp Europe apart is its lineup of faculty mentors.&nbsp;</p><p>Spearheaded by Founder and Event Director <strong>"Chicago" Mike Beck</strong>, one of <a href="https://www.tappi.music/artists/mike-beck">Tappi&apos;s featured artists</a>, an award-winning songwriter, longtime educator, and music-industry connector, Beck created Song Camp Europe to bring serious creative development into an intimate, highly collaborative setting.</p><p>The week features intimate instruction, direct feedback, and hands-on workshops with legendary artists:</p><ul><li><strong>Carlos Alomar:</strong> Music Director, guitarist, and co-writer with David Bowie</li><li><strong>Freebo:</strong> Acclaimed singer-songwriter and legendary bass player for Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr, and Crosby, Stills &amp; Nash.</li><li><strong>Sarah Jane Morris:</strong> Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her commanding contralto and three Number One hits in Italy.</li><li><strong>Matt Backer:</strong> Session guitarist, songwriter, and on-site producer at <i>Studio Guzzo</i>.</li><li><strong>Alice Howe &amp; Sam Robbins:</strong> Celebrated touring songwriters and fingerstyle guitar instructors.</li><li><strong>Halley Neal, Jenn Cleary, &amp; Rahel-Liis Aasrand:</strong> Expert instructors covering vocal performance, career and release planning, and classical/modern violin.</li></ul><p>Whether you&apos;re refining melodies, tracking parts at the studio, or learning the business side of releasing music, this faculty offers direct mentorship tailored to your project.</p><p><strong>Italian Hospitality &amp; Shared Dining</strong></p><p>Creativity requires good fuel, and Song Camp Europe makes gathering around the table a core part of the daily schedule. Every day, students and faculty come together on the <strong>open-air terrace at San Felice</strong> to share authentic Italian meals paired with fine local wines from the Veneto region.</p><p>These communal lunches and dinners are where stories are swapped, spontaneous jams happen, and lifelong artistic partnerships begin.</p><p>If you&apos;re looking to transform your songwriting surrounded by world-class instruction, rolling vineyard views, and outstanding food,<a href="https://songcampeurope.com/index"> Song Camp Europe 2026</a> offers an ideal setting.</p>
San Felice Terrace
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<p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,51,51);">San Felice offers peerless relaxation, equestrian stables, horse-drawn carriage rides through the Italian countryside, bike excursions, nature trails, art, ancient traditions, and excellent food and wine. Every guest can live their own personal experience in the </span><i>Val d&apos;Illasi </i><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,51,51);">with San Felice&apos;s tailor-made offerings. Find out more about </span><a href="https://songcampeurope.com/lodging"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,51,51);">Lodging and Meals at Song Camp Europe</span></a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,51,51);">.&nbsp;</span></p><p>Go To: <a href="https://songcampeurope.com/lodging">https://songcampeurope.com/lodging</a></p>

"Oh my gosh, I can hardly believe what you pulled off... and with such grace and humor amidst all the elegant workings!"

Renee F. (Student / Participant)
Song Camp Europe Official Website
Get to know our amazing teachers!
Carlos Alomar is best known as David Bowie’s longtime musical director, rhythm architect, and songwriting collaborator. At 23 years old, Carlos (along with John Lennon) co-wrote Bowie’s first #1 hit in America “Fame” from his “Young Americans” album. He shaped the sound and feel of multiple eras of Bowie’s career. As a first-call session guitarist and songwriter, Alomar’s work appears on over 30 international gold and platinum records.
Carlos Alomar is best known as David Bowie’s longtime musical director, rhythm architect, and songwriting collaborator. At 23 years old, Carlos (along with John Lennon) co-wrote Bowie’s first #1 hit in America “Fame” from his “Young Americans” album. He shaped the sound and feel of multiple eras of Bowie’s career. As a first-call session guitarist and songwriter, Alomar’s work appears on over 30 international gold and platinum records.
Freebo is a Folk / Blues / Rock icon, best known for his decade of touring and recording with Bonnie Raitt, and has distinguished himself as one of the great bassists of our time, playing on recordings with Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, and Neil Young as well as appearing on Saturday Night Live, The Midnight Special, The Muppet Show, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap.
Freebo is a Folk / Blues / Rock icon, best known for his decade of touring and recording with Bonnie Raitt, and has distinguished himself as one of the great bassists of our time, playing on recordings with Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, and Neil Young as well as appearing on Saturday Night Live, The Midnight Special, The Muppet Show, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap.
The words “Rock Star” get tossed around frequently these days, but Matt Backer is someone who has unequivocally earned the moniker. Matt Backer is an esteemed session musician and songwriter who has recorded and performed with a diverse range of artists including Julian Lennon, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Sinead O&apos;Connor, Joe Cocker, Aimee Mann, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Bananarama, Cher, Bob Geldof, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, and Kermit the Frog.
The words “Rock Star” get tossed around frequently these days, but Matt Backer is someone who has unequivocally earned the moniker. Matt Backer is an esteemed session musician and songwriter who has recorded and performed with a diverse range of artists including Julian Lennon, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Sinead O'Connor, Joe Cocker, Aimee Mann, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Bananarama, Cher, Bob Geldof, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, and Kermit the Frog.
Song Camp Europe 2026 is thrilled to welcome the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Sarah Jane Morris to our masterclass lineup for an exclusive two-day teaching engagement on September 30th and October 1st. Renowned for an astonishing vocal range and a rich, commanding contralto that goes from strength to strength, Sarah Jane is the consummate performer. Her music has earned her three Number One hits in Italy and extraordinary chart success worldwide.
Song Camp Europe 2026 is thrilled to welcome the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Sarah Jane Morris to our masterclass lineup for an exclusive two-day teaching engagement on September 30th and October 1st. Renowned for an astonishing vocal range and a rich, commanding contralto that goes from strength to strength, Sarah Jane is the consummate performer. Her music has earned her three Number One hits in Italy and extraordinary chart success worldwide.
Jenn Cleary is an award-winning singer-songwriter, music business coach, and seasoned educator with a passion for empowering artists at every stage of their creative journey. She has been a featured speaker at AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance events, a longtime student-turned-faculty member at the Rocky Mountain Song School, a voting member of NARAS, the Recording Academy which awards the Grammys™, and a returning instructor at Song Camp Europe. Jenn is known for blending creative artistry with practical, real-world music industry strategy.
Jenn Cleary is an award-winning singer-songwriter, music business coach, and seasoned educator with a passion for empowering artists at every stage of their creative journey. She has been a featured speaker at AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance events, a longtime student-turned-faculty member at the Rocky Mountain Song School, a voting member of NARAS, the Recording Academy which awards the Grammys™, and a returning instructor at Song Camp Europe. Jenn is known for blending creative artistry with practical, real-world music industry strategy.
To hear Alice Howe sing is to be enraptured by the natural, unaffected beauty of her voice. There&apos;s no artifice, no histrionics -- just honest, authentic, emotionally resonant singing in the tradition of the roots music that shaped her. Named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards, Alice has honed her craft as a performer and composer over ten years of tireless touring across the USA and Europe.
To hear Alice Howe sing is to be enraptured by the natural, unaffected beauty of her voice. There's no artifice, no histrionics -- just honest, authentic, emotionally resonant singing in the tradition of the roots music that shaped her. Named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards, Alice has honed her craft as a performer and composer over ten years of tireless touring across the USA and Europe.
Halley Neal is an award-winning folk singer and songwriter and a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in vocal performance. The formerly-Nashville-currently-Boston-area-based artist has gained national recognition from touring listening rooms and folk festivals across the country and from her viral 2019 song “Lover” (written and sung by Halley and released by her former band Rose & Kennedy) which since its release has amassed over 80 million streams across all audio platforms.
Halley Neal is an award-winning folk singer and songwriter and a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in vocal performance. The formerly-Nashville-currently-Boston-area-based artist has gained national recognition from touring listening rooms and folk festivals across the country and from her viral 2019 song “Lover” (written and sung by Halley and released by her former band Rose & Kennedy) which since its release has amassed over 80 million streams across all audio platforms.
Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A 2025 “Artist of The Year” nominee at the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, accomplished fingerstyle guitarist and 2019 graduate from the Berklee College of Music songwriting program, Sam teaches songwriting and guitar workshops across the country at venues, retreats such as The Folk Project&apos;s Fall Acoustic Getaway and the Songtraveler&apos;s Retreat and online through his successful educational Patreon page.
Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A 2025 “Artist of The Year” nominee at the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, accomplished fingerstyle guitarist and 2019 graduate from the Berklee College of Music songwriting program, Sam teaches songwriting and guitar workshops across the country at venues, retreats such as The Folk Project's Fall Acoustic Getaway and the Songtraveler's Retreat and online through his successful educational Patreon page.
Rahel-Liis Aasrand is an acclaimed and celebrated songwriter, performer and recording artist who has toured throughout Europe and North America for over a decade. She has performed with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles in the classical tradition in Italy, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Estonia, but has also performed and recorded with an eclectic and diverse range of artists in a wide variety of genres.
Rahel-Liis Aasrand is an acclaimed and celebrated songwriter, performer and recording artist who has toured throughout Europe and North America for over a decade. She has performed with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles in the classical tradition in Italy, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Estonia, but has also performed and recorded with an eclectic and diverse range of artists in a wide variety of genres.
"Chicago" Mike Beck is an ASCAP award-winning songwriter, international touring recording artist, bandleader and frequent speaker / panelist at music industry events like AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance International, SXSW, and Tallinn Music Week as well as educational institutions including UCLA, Berklee College of Music in Boston and Tartu University&apos;s Cultural Academy in Viljiandi, Estonia. He has served on the faculty at the Rocky Mountain SongSchool in Colorado for 20 years. Mike has toured Europe over 30 times, performing in Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Bulgaria, Estonia and Luxembourg.
"Chicago" Mike Beck is an ASCAP award-winning songwriter, international touring recording artist, bandleader and frequent speaker / panelist at music industry events like AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance International, SXSW, and Tallinn Music Week as well as educational institutions including UCLA, Berklee College of Music in Boston and Tartu University's Cultural Academy in Viljiandi, Estonia. He has served on the faculty at the Rocky Mountain SongSchool in Colorado for 20 years. Mike has toured Europe over 30 times, performing in Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Bulgaria, Estonia and Luxembourg.
Where is Song Camp Europe? Illasi, Italy
<p>Song Camp Europe takes place in Illasi, a historic village just east of Verona in the heart of Veneto wine country. Surrounded by vineyards, Italian villas, and medieval castle ruins, it offers an inspiring setting for a week of music and creativity.</p><p><a href="https://songcampeurope.com/sanfelice">Getting to San Felice</a></p>
Find out more about Song Camp Europe
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<p>Ready to spend a week writing, collaborating, and learning in the Italian countryside?&nbsp;</p><p>Explore the full schedule, accommodations, and registration details at: <a href="https://songcampeurope.com/">https://songcampeurope.com</a></p>
What to Pack for Song Camp Europe
<p>Keep your luggage practical and leave room for inspiration:</p><ol><li><strong>Your primary instrument</strong> — Plus extra strings, picks, a capo, tuner, and protective travel case.</li><li><strong>Phone or portable recorder</strong> — Capture melodies, lyrics, and spontaneous collaborations.</li><li><strong>Notebook and pens</strong> — Sometimes the best ideas still begin on paper.</li><li><strong>Laptop or tablet</strong> — For lyrics, demos, recordings, and project files.</li><li><strong>European power adapter</strong> — Italy uses Type C and Type F outlets.</li><li><strong>Closed-back headphones</strong> — Include a ¼-inch/6.35 mm adapter for studio equipment.</li><li><strong>Layered clothing</strong> — Expect comfortable days and cooler autumn evenings.</li><li><strong>Walking shoes</strong> — Helpful for cobblestone paths, hills, and vineyard trails.</li><li><strong>Light rain jacket</strong> — Be prepared for an occasional autumn shower.</li><li><strong>Water bottle and daypack</strong> — Carry your daily essentials between workshops and sessions.</li></ol>