Songwriting Masterclass with Chris Jagger & Charlie Hart
A Week of Music and Conversation
We invite you to spend a week in Tuscany with musicians Chris Jagger and Charlie Hart, exploring the art of songwriting in a setting designed for creativity, focus, reflection, and change.
The residency takes place at Casa Berti, a private villa near Lucca, surrounded by olive groves and open countryside. It’s a place owned and curated by artists Benham & Nicole Gooder, where time slows — days shaped by writing, playing, and shared meals, with music at the centre.
A week for those who write, listen, and take pleasure in good company.
When
May 9-16, 2026
Six day workshop with excursions. 8 spaces available with or without partners.
The Artists
Chris Jagger has spent five decades moving between music, theatre, and journalism. Together they’ve made 6 albums that draw on folk, blues, and country traditions, and Chris’ collaborations include work with brother Mick Jagger, David Gilmour, and other members of The Rolling Stones.
Charlie Hart, is a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist whose career includes long associations with Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance and a wide range of projects across jazz, folk, and world music.
Together, their partnership combines the curiosity and humour of musicians who have lived deeply within the craft.
The Week
Over seven days, participants will work closely with Chris and Charlie to develop songs — individually and in small groups. Sessions explore both musical structure (melody, harmony, rhythm) and lyrical form (theme, shape, and narrative), as well as performance and production.
There is time for listening, reflection, and the quiet satisfaction of finishing something worth keeping. The studio space is generous and we have a good selection of instruments available. Afternoons often give way to conversation in the garden, or a glass of wine as the light fades.
Midweek, a day’s excursion offers a pause — lunch, wine, and the Tuscan landscape — before returning to prepare for recording.
The final two days are devoted to capturing and recording demos ending with an intimate concert on the last evening together.
Included:
Transfer to and from Casa Berti from Lucca railway or coach station.
Expert tuition and artist support by Chris Jagger and Charlie Hart
7 night stay in luxurious accommodation at Casa Berti (double bedroom and ensuite bathroom) - all meals with seasonal local produce prepared in house and includes wines and other beverages
Afternoon trip to Lucca. With free time to explore this beautiful medieval walled city with plenty of shops, churches and museums
Workshop fee including full board and excursions:
Cost is all-inclusive and does not include flights to Pisa:
EARLY BIRD PRICING €3,950 participants | €2,950 accompanying partners
Payment
Attendees can assure their place on this limited access workshop by contacting Casa Berti.
Terms of payment: 50% down payment on sign up. The balance is due 6 weeks before start date.
