Chopin Academy 2025

Looking ahead to June 30 - July 4, 2025, we invite you to join us for the next edition of the Chopin Academy Vienna, a week-long summer academy devoted entirely to the music of Frédéric Chopin. Dive into the visionary genius of Chopin—his boundless energy, profound humanity, and timeless influence. 

This immersive experience features exceptional masterclasses, workshops, and concerts, led by internationally renowned experts in Chopin’s music.  

In tandem with the intensive musical workshops, participants will enjoy exclusive excursions to Vienna’s cultural landmarks, concert halls, and must-see locales. These day trips provide a deeper exploration of Chopin’s music within the vibrant context of Vienna’s artistic heritage. A special highlight of the program is a visit to Vienna’s Synchron Stage, one of the world’s premier film music recording studios, frequently visited by luminaries like Hans Zimmer. 

In 2025, Vienna once again will host an unforgettable event as we will welcome from around the world, including students, parents, and teachers esteemed Musik21 Conservatory in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Together with the Friedrich Gulda School Vienna, we proudly presented the prestigious Chopin Academy Vienna.  Anyone who is interested can participate at this summer acedemy no matter where he/she is from.

Contact us at events@jammusiclab.com for course fees and application information.

Special master classes taught by

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.

As Marcus Ratka, head of the Friedrich Gulda School of Music, reflects:  
"Few musical destinations possess the magic of Vienna. Generations of creators have come here to study, learn, and draw inspiration from this historic city. At the Friedrich Gulda University of Music, we honor these traditions while pioneering innovative paths to learning, creating an enduring connection to Vienna’s legacy of artistic brilliance."

Discover the magic of music and culture. Embrace the inspiration of Vienna. Join us for Chopin Academy Vienna 2025 and be part of a journey where tradition meets innovation. 

Are you interested in booking our summer academy program in Vienna? Contact us at events@jammusiclab.com. We look forward to offering you and your students an unforgettable musical experience in Vienna.