Chopin Academy in Vienna
Our institution has the honour of welcoming students, parents and teachers from the renowned Musik21 Conservatory in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to Vienna. In close cooperation with the Friedrich Gulda School Vienna, we organise the prestigious Chopin Academy Vienna. From 2025 on, we can officially announce that anyone who is interestedcan participate at this summer acedemy.
Contact us at events@jammusiclab.com for course fees and application information
"Few musical destinations possess the magic of Vienna,” says Marcus Ratka, head of Friedrich Gulda School of Music. “That’s why generations of creators have flocked to this historical destination. They have studied, and learned, and taken inspiration from their time here.
The Friedrich Gulda University of Music celebrates the traditions of our great city, and at the same time encourages the development of new and creative paths to learning. This is a bedrock philosophy that reinforces and extends Vienna’s magnetic charm. Thus, we are pleased to offer workshops in the Chopin Academy, Vienna - a new academic setting that illuminates the progressive principles of this foundational musician.
Chopin was a visionary artist who anticipated the musical language of the 20th century. His work is filled with unbridled energy, yearning, intensity, humanity. So much so, that he remains a model who continues to inspire."
Visit us in Vienna and be part of these unique workshops, taught by the world's leading experts on Chopin and his music. The week-long summer academy offers exceptional master classes and concerts dedicated entirely to the music of Frédéric Chopin. Internationally acclaimed teachers lead the charge. 2025 we are honored to announce the following teachers for the upcoming master classes:
Roman Zaslawsky (University of Music and Performing Arts) achieved international acclaim after winning the "Jose Iturbi" Piano Competition in Spain, leading to concert tours across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Israel. With performances in prestigious venues such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and Berlin Philharmonic, as well as award-winning recordings for EuroArts Music International, he has been celebrated for his technical mastery and profound expressiveness. Since 2017, Zaslavsky has been a professor of piano at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, passionately fostering the development of young pianists.
Image credit: (c) Nirto Karsten Fischer
Christopher Hinterhuber University of Music and Performing Arts) is an internationally acclaimed pianist whose recodings of works by CPE Bach, Hummel, and Ferdinand Ries, as well as performances with renowned orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, have received widespread recognition. Trained by distinguished teachers in Vienna and Italy, he is a laureate of numerous international competitions and has performed globally, including at Carnegie Hall and major festivals like the Ruhr Piano Festival. He is also a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and an active chamber musician as a member of the Altenberg Trio Vienna.
Image credit: © Nancy Horowitz
Piotr Folkert (Art director, Music21 Conservatoy, Chopin Society of Atlanta) is an internationally acclaimed pianist celebrated for his technical brilliance and emotionally nuanced interpretations, performing a repertoire that spans from Baroque to contemporary music, including works specially composed for him. A winner of prestigious awards such as the Young Artist International Piano Award (1995) and the International Chamber Music Competition in Italy (1990), he has appeared at major venues like Carnegie Hall and performed worldwide, including a recital for the King of Malaysia and Gorecki’s Piano Concerto in its New York premiere. With an extensive discography, he has recorded highly praised albums, including J.S. Bach Keyboard Concertos, and is a dedicated interpreter of works by composers such as Brahms, Gorecki, and David Diamond.
Roberto Plano (Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Lugano Conservatory) has performed worldwide with renowned orchestras such as the Kremerata Baltica and Houston Symphony under esteemed conductors like Sir Neville Marriner and Pinchas Zukerman, and in prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall, and Ravinia Festival. A winner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition (2001) and finalist at the Van Cliburn Competition (2005), he is acclaimed for his lyrical artistry and chamber music collaborations with top ensembles like the Takács Quartet. Plano, who has recorded for labels like Decca and received multiple accolades, is currently an Associate Professor of Piano at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
The following renowned teachers will also teach lectures
Paul Gulda (Friedrich Gulda School of Music) studied under Fritz Pauer, Roland Batik, and Rudolf Serkin, developing a distinguished career as a soloist and collaborator with leading orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic and renowned conductors such as Kurt Masur and Zubin Mehta. A versatile artist, he engaged in unique projects blending classical and improvisational styles, including collaborations with jazz musicians, Roma ensembles, and artists from diverse disciplines. Gulda also shared his expertise through masterclasses worldwide and teaching roles, including at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music since 2022.
Oliver Peter Graber (JAM Music Lab Private University) is the head of the "Research Institute for Music Medicine with a focus on Arts for Health," combining interdisciplinary expertise in composition, music theory, neuromusicology, and ballet dramaturgy. His artistic work emphasizes stage productions with scientific foundations, often in collaboration with research institutions, and his research includes "Piano & Brain Health" and algorithmic composition. Previously, he served as a scientific-artistic coordinator at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and as a dramaturg for the Vienna State Ballet.
Rico Gulda (Konzerthaus, Esterhazy Privatstiftung), born in Zurich and raised in Munich, is a pianist and cultural manager who studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, often collaborating with his father, Friedrich Gulda. As a pianist, he performed internationally with orchestras such as the New Japan Philharmonic and the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, with notable appearances alongside Martha Argerich and his brother Paul in tribute concerts. Currently, he serves as Artistic Director at the Wiener Konzerthaus and the Upper Austrian Abbey Concerts, alongside teaching and advisory roles in music and cultural management.
In tandem with the intensive musical workshops, we offer a variety of excursions to important cultural institutions, concert halls, and must-see locales within Vienna. These day trips provide an in-depth exploration of Chopin's music while experiencing Vienna itself. A special highlight is a visit to Vienna's Synchron Stage, one of the world's leading studios for recording film music, which is regularly visited by greats such as Hans Zimmer.
Weekly schedule of the Chopin Academy Vienna
Day 1 till day 4: Intensive lessons and concerts in MusikQuartier
Days 1-4: Intensive lessons and concerts in MusikQuartier. The participants spend the first four days at the MusikQuartier in Mühlgasse. The days are filled with intensive lessons and teaching units. The culmination of their studies is a concert program in the special ambience of the Ehrbar Saal. The Ehrbar Saal, built in 1867, is an architectural jewel and has been an important venue for many important musical events. Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Arnold Schönberg and other outstanding artists of the 20th and 21st centuries have performed here. With its excellent acoustics and magnificent interior, it provides the perfect stage for a special concert.
Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Arnold Schönberg and other outstanding artists of the 20th and 21st centuries have performed here. With its excellent acoustics and magnificent interior, it provides the perfect stage for a special concert.
Day 5: A day full of cultural and musical experiences
Day 5: A day full of cultural and musical experiences. Beginning with an exciting visit to the Synchron Stage, offering a fascinating look into the world of professional music production. Then it's off to Schönbrunn. This cultural highlight provides a journey into the history and architecture of Vienna as the world’s great city of music. The tour then continues to the Wiener Konzerthaus, home of storied performances. The day ends at the campus of the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University. There, participants will have the opportunity to attend an inspiring introduction to media music.
The tour then continues to the Wiener Konzerthaus, home of storied performances. The day ends at the campus of the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University. There, participants will have the opportunity to attend an inspiring introduction to media music.
Are you interested in participating? Contact us at events@jammusiclab.com. We look forward to offering you and your students an unforgettable musical experience in Vienna.