"I am beyond grateful to have participated in the Lucca Bel Canto Institute! Everything from the secluded and peaceful environment, the delicious food, the company and camaraderie with other musicians, and the structure of the program encouraged my growth as an artist from a technical, emotional, and spiritual perspective. Julia and Ferdinand are the most thoughtful instructors with whom I’ve ever worked, and they make an excellent team for training singers. I had so many moments of mental and physical transformation, and by the end of one week I’ve become a completely different singer ready to embark on a full time performance career. If you are thinking about participating in Lucca Bel Canto - do it! It just might change your life, like it changed mine."

"As someone who sees the significance of and is passionate about well-rounded pedagogy, Lucca Bel Canto is the program in which I found stability and support in my education as well as encouragement in my career. My first year of Lucca Bel Canto significantly changed my understanding of what is possible, and my second year helped solidify my potential as well as provided direction forward. I cannot wait to see what the third year (and beyond) has in store!”

"The Lucca Bel Canto Institute is for all singers, young and established, who are looking to improve. Each day consisted of a morning and afternoon private lesson, the opportunity to participate in and observe masterclasses, and, on occasion, impromptu evening concerts performed by students. As a graduate from a notable music conservatory and a long-time resident of NYC, and now South Florida, I can assure you there is not another program out there that offers a similar, concentrated and, ultimately, transformative experience. Julia and Ferdinand are not only excellent teachers -- they are also active professional singers who have an intimate understanding of the singer’s journey. Who better to learn from than those who “walk the walk.” I can’t say enough about this experience. My technique has vastly improved and continues to improve as I am able to incorporate more of what I learned in just a short time in the mountains of Tuscany! And if this isn’t enough, I was greatly inspired by my fellow singers -- our shared vulnerability and support of one another, and our mutual passion for our craft. My time at the Lucca Bel Canto Institute will be fondly remembered as a pivotal moment in my journey. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate, just go."

"Working with Julia and Ferdinand was an amazing experience. Julia has so much energy to share with participants - it is incredible. With her not possible becomes possible. Ferdinand is different - very quiet and focused - his patience makes people move their borders and ambitions to the next level. For years I have tried to sing Nessun Dorma, always before my singing class I have decided to leave the scores at home - I've never been ready to practice it. During the courses in Lucca I had a feeling - I can do it! First try - as I thought - was not successful . After the lesson with Julia I achieved my goal and sang beautifully high B.

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Lucca Bel Canto is not only a voice course. This place makes you feel yourself in every way. You forget about your everyday life, you sing, you improve, you talk, you eat and you feel you. Lucca Bel Canto Institute - I miss you!"

"I consider myself a beginner tenor. In the last three years I have had various group and private voice lessons. It was not until the Lucca Bel Canto Institute program I finally learned the ultimate whole-person singing concept. Ferdinand and Julia’s singing methodology was fully supported by the empirical evidence of primate sound production mechanisms and human anatomy. The daily masterclasses of repertoire, technical skills, and song coaching were excellent. At the end of the program, I was able to sing Una furtiva lagrima confidently and emotionally. The one-week immersion learning experience was so powerful and transformational. It has and will reshape the way I sing going forward. The friendships and bonds I built with my peer singers were also incredible. If you like the beautiful Italian countryside, come to Lucca! If you like earthy yummy Italian food, come to Convento dell'Angelo! If you want to cleanse your body, soul, and voice, join the program! Your renaissance is awaiting you in Lucca, Italy!"

"As a young singer, it's difficult to find coaches you can trust with your voice. It is all the more important to have the opportunity to work with wonderful singers like Ferdinand von Bothmer. Working with Ferdinand von Bothmer, I not only developed vocally, but also technically and musically. During the intensive work, you grow beyond your limits and gain security and self-confidence, which helps a lot in the singing profession. Of course, not only the work in the institute is unforgettable. The ambience all around inspires and enchants musicians."