"Summer Campus" June 5, 6, and 7, 2026
(Certificate valid for training credits (CFA) in Conservatories)
Three intensive days of jazz guitar and singing with Alessio Menconi e Stefania Patanè:
masterclass, ensemble music, jam session and final concert.
Il Summer Campus It's not just training, but an experience: every year you grow artistically and create a unique magic made of music, sharing, and friendship.
In the splendid setting of a 800th-century villa all to ourselves, surrounded by a swimming pool, olive trees, cypresses, and breathtaking views, we will experience three days of study, relaxation, and inspiration, where time passes to the rhythm of music.
You can buy the ticket which ensures your participation
a €249 instead of €289
(Price discounted by 20% for members of "Jazz Guitar Studio”
Alessio Menconi - jazz guitar
SUMMER CAMPUS for guitarists from 5th to 7th June
3 Days of guitar masterclass with the teacher Alessio Menconi and ensemble music from the guitar and voice duo to the quartet with bass, drums with Alessio Menconi and Stefania Patanè. Final concert with the students
Stefania Patanè - jazz singing
Summer Campus for singers from June 5th to 7th
3 Days of jazz singing masterclass with the teacher Stefania Patane. Ensemble music from the voice and guitar duo to the quartet with bass, drums with Stefania Patanè and Alessio Menconi. Final concert with the students
LAST PLACES AVAILABLE!
My advice: if you are undecided about where to sleep, reserve your place on campus immediately and then you have plenty of time to decide and organize yourself
Some reviews from participants
The location
Located in a hilly position and surrounded by a luxuriant private park, Villa Alta – Period residence with swimming pool and elegantly furnished rooms.
It is an elegant and imposing historic residence from the 800th century, immersed in a large park full of centuries-old trees, a stone's throw from Pisa and Lucca in a suggestive panoramic position that extends as far as Piazza dei Miracoli and the sea. Refined frescoes with grotesque motifs adorn the interior walls of the entire residence.
The property is 15 km from Pisa International Airport, for which a shuttle service is provided upon request.
The detailed program for the guitarist
- 10:00 Welcome
- 11:00 Guitar Masterclass: "Timing, Pronunciation, and Swing Feel"
- 13:00 Lunch
- 15:00 PM Ensemble music with selection for the concert
- 19:30 Dinner
- 21pm Live Alessio Menconi trio + Jam Session
- 9:30 Guitar Masterclass,
“The comping” in the duo and quartet. - 11.00 “Bebop: What It Is and How It Works” (Part 1)
- 13:00 Lunch
- 15:00pm Ensemble music with Alessio Menconi and Stefania Patanè
- 19:30 Dinner
- 21:30 Live Alessio Menconi-Stefania Patanè + Jam Session
- 9:30 Guitar Masterclass: "Bebop: What It Is and How It Works" (Part 2)
- 13:00 Lunch
- 15:00 PM "On demand" lesson: Alessio and Stefania answer participants' questions
(€249 instead of €289)
Topics for the guitarist
A central part of the campus will be dedicated to the musical relationship with vocalists, both in duo and quartet: one of the most used, intimate and formative formations in the jazz language.
It was in this context that I too took my first professional steps, learning to listen, support, and communicate with my voice until I became truly competent in the role.
We will work on the bebop, on its profound logic and practical applications, but also on many other musical and artistic aspects, with moments of open discussion, questions and answers, and the sharing of real-life experiences. Everything that happens during these days—on the instrument, in music, and in relationships—will remain as a permanent and useful resource for everyone's entire musical life.
The mornings will be dedicated to technical masterclasses related to ensemble music: bebop, comping, guitar solo, timing and study of the pieces to be performed in the final concert.
- The choice of repertoire in the guitar and voice duo
- Accompaniment in all its forms and walking bass
- Playing solos without a rhythmic base
- The quartet with vocals, guitar, bass and drums: how to manage it
- Bebop: exercises and fundamental logic for its development
-
Stage management: from the introduction, to the management of the solos, from the sound to the finale, from the duo to the quartet.
The ensemble music will be supported by my former students Leonardo Bocchia on the double bass e Gabriel Guidi on drums, who will also be the accompanist at the jam sessions and at the concert.
For further information, write to Alessio:
info@alessiomenconiguitarinstitute.com
The detailed program for singer
- 10:00 Welcome
- 11.00 Singing Masterclass:
“Timing and vocality in jazz singing.
13:00 Lunch - 15:00pm Ensemble music with Stefania Patanè and Alessio Menconi
- 19:30 Dinner
- 21:30 Live Stefania Patanè – Alessio Menconi + Jam Session
- 9:30 Singing Masterclass. Repertoire, interpretation, and improvisation.
13:00 Lunch - 15:00 Ensemble music with Stefania Patanè and Alessio Menconi
17:00 PM General rehearsal and sound check for the concert - 19:30 Dinner
- 21pm Concert of students and teachers
- 9:30 Singing Masterclass. “The Vocalist's Instrumental Approach: Insights.”
- 13:00 Lunch
- 15:00 PM "On demand" lesson: Alessio and Stefania answer participants' questions
(€249 instead of €289)
Topics for singers
As a girl I dreamed of becoming a guitarist. I have always sung naturally and as a teenager I had a strong desire to study the guitar and sing accompanying myself: after a few years, studying singing took over! However, my closeness to the magical six-string instrument immediately led me to try my hand at a duo, thus starting my concert career. I have always loved the interaction between voice and guitar, from the essential duo of Ella and Joe, through the poetics of bossa nova, to the famous Tuck & Patti, Noa & Gil Dor and more recent forms of experimentation. The duo voice & guitar allows versatility in the choice of repertoire and creativity in performance, thanks to the many technical and instrumental guitar possibilities, which stimulate the vocalist's natural propensity for expressive research.
I'm therefore thrilled to continue discussing this topic in depth during Summer Campus 2026, where we'll explore various topics related to the art of duo and quartet performance, including the many practical aspects of making music together. And there will be a dedicated space where we'll answer your questions!
Here are the topics of the master class and ensemble music for singers:
- Vocal warm up, technical and stylistic exercises
- Study and interpretation of songs
- Elements for improvisation, scat and vocal drumming
- The Role of the Soloist and Comping Awareness
- The different stylistic areas in the jazz voice and guitar repertoire
- Preparing the repertoire: tonality and layout of the pieces
- The live:
- The importance of the lineup!
- The interplay in the guitar and voice duo
- Conducting by the soloist in a quartet and managing the stage
- Accompaniment of the voice in duo and quartet
For further information write to Stefania:
stefaniapatanemusic@gmail.com
Attention! Availability of places in the villa LIMITED
Those who want to reside in the villa will be able to enjoy an advantageous offer for full board or
you can decide to sleep elsewhere and only enjoy meals. You can call the number
+39 3485901868 (or write via WhatsApp) or send an email to Info@villaalta.it
Questions?
Purchasing the ticket on the website guarantees participation in the event and all the activities that will take place during the 3 days of the campus. The fee does not include accommodation in the facility or the cost of meals or drinks
You can call the number +39 3485901868 (or write via WhatsApp)
or send an email to Info@villaalta.it
Cost of overnight stay starting from €80/person per night.
If you just want to eat, the cost of meals is €25 for lunch and €35 for dinner
Note If you want to find a place in Villa Alta you better hurry. If you can't find a place Click here and download some tips.
Yes, you can pay and book just to participate in the masterclasses and sleep elsewhere. The restaurant fee is paid from time to time. Click here to see alternative accommodation
Certainly. Companions will be able to use the villa's facilities, the swimming pool, the Jacuzzi and the outdoor fitness trail. Bikes. The spa town of San Giuliano Terme is 3 km away. Pisa is 5 km away and can also be easily reached by bus. Pets are allowed.
The location is between Pisa and Lucca. By car, take the A11 motorway and exit at Lucca Ovest. A free shuttle to and from Pisa train station or airport is available upon request.
All you need to bring is your guitar and a desire to have fun! If you want, you can also bring your amplifier or pedal board. If you are a singer, you will find everything you need.
The residence offers rooms:
- Matrimonial
- Suite
- Twin Room
- Double/Twin
- Apartment
- Familiar
Participants alone will be grouped in rooms with single beds unless special requests.
In the event of cancellations, the cost of the ticket will be refunded:
- 50% if communicated by 30/04
- 25% if communicated by 20/05
- No refunds for cancellations after 21/05
Contact us directly on Discord or by mail to info@alessiomenconiguitarinstitute.com or +39 348 590 1868 Mrs. Raffaella (Villa Alta)