Additional information about the “Jazz en Gaume” workshop
Come and play jazz with a team of professional musicians in a lively yet focused atmosphere in the heart of the Gaume region, set against a lush, welcoming backdrop, and experience the 42nd Gaume Jazz Festival from the inside.
This course is aimed at amateur musicians, teenagers aged 12 and over, and adults with at least four years’ experience playing an instrument across all musical genres (classical, rock, jazz, brass band, contemporary music…) who are keen to discover or explore jazz in all its forms: swing, bebop, rock, Latin, electro, world music… and jazz’s cousins (rap, slam…).
The workshop takes place from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August 2026 in Virton in southern Belgium, with accommodation or day-course options.
Teaching team of professional musicians*
- François Vaiana – vocals, educational coordination: A singer, composer and teacher well-known on the Belgian jazz scene, he develops an open approach to singing.
- Hughes Maréchal – vocals, piano: A multi-faceted singer-songwriter and musician, spanning jazz, chanson and film music.
- Margaux Vranken – piano, keyboards: A pianist and composer who loves swing and standards as much as contemporary styles. Her teaching style is warm and inclusive, focused on the joy of playing together.
- Joachim Iannello – violin & string instruments: A violinist at the crossroads of classical, jazz and improvised music. Virtuosity, creativity and improvisation are at the heart of his teaching approach.
- Michel Mainil – saxophones, flutes, clarinets: A leading figure in Belgian jazz, specialising in improvisation, jazz harmony and ensemble playing.
- Thomas Champagne – saxophones: A saxophonist with a wide range of influences, from post-bop to contemporary music. A passionate teacher, attentive to the motivation of each musician.
- Pauline Leblond – trumpet, trombone & brass: A trumpeter and composer with a passion for the history of jazz and contemporary forms, she champions a generous approach to ensemble playing.
- Lorenzo Di Maio – guitar: An eclectic guitarist (Octave du jazz 2017 – Sabam Jazz Award 2019) and attentive teacher, he guides participants in developing their jazz vocabulary, with a profound humanity at the service of ensemble playing.
- Fil Caporali – bass, double bass: A native of São Paulo (Brazil), award-winning double bassist and composer (Toots Thielemans Jazz Award). As a teacher, he supports each student and conveys the essence of the bass’s role within a group.
- Bilou Doneux – drums, percussion: A versatile drummer and percussionist (he tours the world with Zap Mama), he teaches with his legendary good humour: learning through fun.
- Ganjo Solo – rap, slam, hip-hop: A DJ, presenter and MC active for over 20 years on the hip-hop, reggae, slam and improvised music scenes. A specialist in freestyle and open mic, he guides participants, creating natural bridges between hip-hop, rap… and jazz.
Overall coordination: Catherine Lejeune – general supervision and liaison coordination
*The team may be adjusted to suit the needs of the course.
Full details of these courses and how to register can be found on the website via the link below.