Palazzuolo sul Senio Drum Camp

An international drum gathering in the heart of Mugello

The Palazzuolo sul Senio Drum Camp is one of the most unique and highly anticipated events in the Italian music scene: a true training camp dedicated to drums and percussion that brings the village of Palazzuolo sul Senio to life every July. Located in the municipality of the same name in the Province of Florence, nestled in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines about 45 km from the Tuscan capital, the camp was founded in 2021 by drummer and artistic director Michele Soglia. In just a few editions, it has built an international reputation, attracting students from all over Europe and beyond.

Four days of education with drumming legends

The heart of the event is an intensive four-day program reserved for registered participants, who enjoy a total immersion experience: daily lessons with guest artists, warm-up and time-training sessions, vocabulary and repertoire study, pad work, extreme workouts, groove training, group workshops, and moments dedicated to managing a musical career. Participants also enjoy shared meals with the teachers, a personalized workbook, and a certificate of participation. Spots are intentionally limited to ensure a direct relationship between students and masters.

Three evenings open to the public

Even those who don't play the drums can experience the Drum Camp: the three evening events are free and open to the public, representing the most spectacular side of the festival. It kicks off with the Jam Session, where students play accompanied by professional musicians; it continues with The Night of the Drummers, a concert featuring performances by international guests; and it concludes with the Drum Battle, an international competition for emerging drummers who face off before an exceptional jury.

A stage for percussion legends

Since the very first edition, the face of the camp has been the Greek drummer George Kollias of NILE, a leading name in world extreme death metal and co-founder of the project. Over the years, world-class masters have taken the stage, from Hungarian virtuoso Gergo Borlai to performers like Andrea Jr Bessone, Jonathan Tenerini, Daniel Fasano, Sebastian Lanser, Mario Riso, and many others. The line-up spans genres and styles, from metal to jazz, rock to pop, speaking to drummers of every level and background.

A village to discover

Beyond the music, the Drum Camp is also an opportunity to discover Palazzuolo sul Senio, one of the most charming villages in the Mugello, immersed in the Apennine woods on the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Activities take place at the Sala Polivalente Sdruccioli on Via Quadalto, while the village offers the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of a mountain town, ideal for those seeking a musical getaway far from the chaos of big cities.