SAVE THE DATE
Sunday 9th of August to Saturday 15th of August 2026
Dear Musician,
Do you sing, write songs and/or play an instrument — maybe for years already — and have now reached a point where you’re looking for new input and tips to further develop your instrumental or songwriting skills?
Then the POP.NONSTOP.ACADEMY is exactly the right place for you!
This one-of-a-kind program in Austria is now taking place for the third time, offering you a rare behind-the-scenes look that musicians seldom get. You’ll be coached by international professionals who, thanks to their vast experience, know exactly how to help you improve on your instrument and what really matters in the music business. You’ll gain valuable insights into the professional world of music-making and take home a wealth of know-how for your own artistic journey.
During this ACADEMY WEEK, our goal is to meet you exactly where you are — that’s why we value stylistic openness. From Pop and Rock to Blues, R’n’B, Gospel, and Groove Jazz, all areas of popular music are covered. It’s up to you to decide which style feels like home and where your personal interests lie. In addition to comprehensive songwriting courses, our flexible modular system offers group and individual coaching sessions every morning for vocals, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Over the course of a week, you’ll receive intensive individual, group, and ensemble coaching sessions packed with tips and creative ideas that will inspire you for the rest of the year. Some experience in improvisation is welcome, but not required.
Each afternoon, we’ll focus on ensemble playing. The range of options to choose from is broad and varied, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect fit for you. For the first time, in addition to singer/songwriter ensembles, there will also be theme-based and/or style-specific ensembles at different levels of difficulty. When registering, please upload 2–3 audio files (mp3s, videos, or links to your performances or rehearsal recordings) so that we can get to know you, understand your style and skill level, and create an ensemble offering that truly suits you. This way, we can guarantee the right match for everyone. Do you already have your own band and want to be coached together as a full group? No problem — that’s possible too!
After composing and producing our own POP.NONSTOP.SONG 2026 last year, this year’s focus in the Producing Module will be on live recording of the ensembles. In addition, there will once again be many side activities such as Morning Yoga, Kort-X Training, or a jam session on one of the Ossiacher See boats! Our clear goal at the POP.NONSTOP.ACADEMY is to support you on your musical journey. Together, we’ll experience an exciting week of inspiring music-making and creative exchange — all in the stunning setting of Lake Ossiach.
So sign up now and become part of the POP.NONSTOP.ACADEMY 2026!
Your Artistic Director,
Horst-Michael Schaffer
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our
Musical and Educational Director Michael Mayer at michael.mayer@die-cma.at!
THE COACHES
LEMO (AT) – SONGWRITING:
Austria’s most successful contemporary singer-songwriter. He scored major chart hits in Austria with “Himmel über Wien” and “So wie du bist” and is a multiple Amadeus Award winner.
FLO DAUNER (DE) – DRUMS:
Longtime drummer of Die Fantastischen Vier. He has toured with Joss Stone, Seal, Sarah Brightman, and Paul van Dyk. Member of the house bands for “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” and “The Voice of Germany”.
ANDREAS SEE (AT) – SAXOPHONE / BRASS SECTION:
One of Austria’s most accomplished saxophonists and head of the Jazz Department at the Upper Austrian Music School Network. He performs successfully with his band Jazzodrom and numerous other groove-based projects.
FELIX REISCHL (AT) – GUITAR:
Guitarist for Lemo, Josh, Julian Le Play, Conchita Wurst, Ness, Thorsten Einarsson, Mathea, and many more. Member of the Dancing Stars band and Vereinigte Bühnen Wien.
PHILIPP SAGEDER (AT) – VOCALS:
One of the country’s finest and most creative vocal coaches. CTV-authorized vocal coach, Amadeus Award winner with the a cappella group Bauchklang, working across the crossover spectrum of pop, jazz, and world music.
JULIA HOFER (AT) – BASS:
Austria’s Bassist of the Year. Performs with Lemo, No Angels, and in duo with David Helbock. Member of Vereinigte Bühnen Wien. Bass influencer for My.Groove and Thomann Music.
LUKAS HILLEBRAND (AT) – PRODUCING / SONGWRITING:
Producer and pop guitarist working with Lemo, Julian Le Play, Ina Regen, Conchita Wurst, the Poxrucker Sisters, and many others. Amadeus Award winner for Best Engineered Album and live guitarist for Starmania.
BILL LAURANCE (UK) – KEYBOARDS / SONGWRITING:
Internationally acclaimed keyboardist and pianist for Snarky Puppy, Bokanté, and David Crosby. Currently touring worldwide with his trio and solo projects.
ANJI HINKE (AT) – VOCALS:
Two-time Eurovision Song Contest participant and one of the most in-demand live and studio vocalists, collaborating with Die Fantastischen Vier, Gregor Meyle, Thomas D, and Lena Meyer-Landrut.
HORST MICHAEL SCHAFFER (AT) – BRASS SECTION / BANDCOACHING:
Trumpeter, singer, and arranger. In addition to his own band projects, he works as a band coach at iPOP – Institute for Popular Music in Vienna. Artistic Director of the Jazz Bigband Graz and the POP.NONSTOP ACADEMY.
