Pop.Nonstop Academy KEYBOARD & SONGWRITING – Mr. Bill Laurance (UK) 2026

Do you want to take your playing or your songwriting to the next level?

The POP.NONSTOP.ACADEMY is a one-of-a-kind academy format in Austria that helps you grow on your musical journey — in creativity, technique, sound, and groove. You’ll be coached by experienced international professionals who know exactly what matters in the music business and who will give you deep insights into the professional world of making music.

One week of intensive one-on-one, group, and ensemble coaching — from pop, rock, blues, RnB, and gospel to groove jazz, every area of pop music is covered. The only thing that matters is which style you feel most at home in — or what personally interests you.

We offer coaching in Songwriting, Producing, Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards, Brass Section & Arrangement.
You have your own band and want to get coaching as a full group? No problem — that’s possible too.

Your COACH for KEYBOARD: Bill Laurance (UK)
(Snarky Puppy, Morcheeba, David Crosby, Lalah Hathaway, uvm.)

– Finding your own voice
– How to stay inspired as an artist / composer
– New ways to improvise
– Sound design
– Film scores

During this week, you’ll get:

• One-on-one coaching

• Band coaching

• Individual tips for your personal playing

• Access to practice rooms and rehearsal booths

• Free admission to the opening concert with LEMO & Band

• Jam sessions right on Lake Ossiach

• Participation in the final concert

Target group:

Students, music educators, professional musicians, music school students, and advanced-level hobby musicians.

Course date:

Sunday, August 9 – Saturday, August 15, 2026

Meet & Greet for all participants and instructors – welcome and course information:
Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

For course placement, two to three audio or video files with representative demo material of your music and/or instrumental skills are required upon registration!
Either send them to michael.mayer@die-cma.at or include a corresponding link in the notes field.

Schedule

Sunday, August 9, 2026
11:00 – Welcome and course information
12:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Meet & Greet for all participants and instructors
14:30 – “Rhythms of the World”
15:30 – “Find Your People”
16:30 – Soundcheck with LEMO & Band (concert hall)
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Concert: LEMO & Band (concert hall)

Monday, August 10
07:30–09:30 – Breakfast
08:15–09:00 – POP.NONSTOP Extra
10:00–12:30 – Group coaching by instrument
12:30–14:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Ensemble assignments (info desk)
14:45–16:30 – Band/ensemble coaching
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
From 19:30 – Open Stage Jam Session (terrace)

Tuesday, August 11
07:30–09:30 – Breakfast
08:15–09:00 – POP.NONSTOP Extra
10:00–12:30 – Group coaching by instrument
12:30–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–16:30 – Band/ensemble coaching
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
From 20:00 – Instructor Concert (terrace)

Wednesday, August 12
07:30–09:30 – Breakfast
08:15–09:00 – POP.NONSTOP Extra
10:00–12:30 – Group coaching by instrument
12:30–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–16:30 – Band/ensemble coaching
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
From 18:00 – Boat trip with jam session on Lake Ossiach

Thursday, August 13
07:30–09:30 – Breakfast
08:15–09:00 – POP.NONSTOP Extra
10:00–12:30 – Group coaching by instrument
12:30–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–16:30 – Band/ensemble coaching
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
From 19:30 – Open Stage for Singer/Songwriters & Participant Bands (terrace)

Friday, August 14
07:30–09:30 – Breakfast
08:15–09:00 – POP.NONSTOP Extra
10:00–12:30 – Group coaching by instrument
12:30–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–18:30 – Soundchecks & stage rehearsals (concert hall)
17:30–19:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Final concert of all ensembles (concert hall)

Saturday, August 15
Departure of instructors and participants

Schedule subject to change

Prices & Booking Options

Your stay at Stift Ossiach – where music, inspiration, and relaxation become one!
Welcome to Stift Ossiach, the perfect spot for a week full of music, creative vibes, and relaxed learning.

Option A: Day Guest

Course: €590 / Meals: €240
Total: €830
EARLY BIRD BONUS (until April 30): €760

Enjoy not only musical input but also culinary highlights — the in-house restaurant serves regional specialties, and Lake Ossiach invites you to the perfect chill-out session.
· 6x lunch
· 6x dinner

Option B:
The room allocation at Stift Ossiach is already fully booked. You are welcome to inquire about accommodation in the surrounding area through the Ossiach tourist information office:Tel.: +43 4243 22 46 316
ossiach@ossiachersee.info

A Week to Remember

POP.NONSTOP.ACADEMY is more than just a course — it’s your chance to dive deeper into the world of music, meet new people, and broaden your musical horizons.
Look forward to a week full of vibes, skills, and unforgettable moments.