Marc Raimann @ Erasmus+ Songwriting Camp 2025 – Creative Songwriting in Sicily

Media Music student Marc Raimann shares his experiences from his Erasmus+ stay in Sicily:

Through Erasmus+, I had the opportunity to take part in an international songwriting workshop in Sicily – a week full of music, exchange, and creative collaboration. The Erasmus+ grant helped me cover travel and food expenses, which made it possible for me to participate in the first place.

The workshop took place in an impressive old estate that had been converted into a kind of creative workspace. I was part of a group with a singer from Naples and a violinist from Argentina – my role was the producer. Together we wrote and produced a song, which we were able to perform live at the final concert in front of a large audience.

We managed to create some truly great songs together. I was particularly fascinated by how different the musical approaches and cultural backgrounds were – and yet, how well everything came together in the end.

One of the strongest impressions for me came from one of the lecturers, a musician from Barcelona, whose calm and open manner brought a wonderful sense of ease to the group. Personalities like his make such projects truly valuable.

At the end of the week, we gave a public concert on the piazza in front of the basilica – a beautiful moment that rewarded all the hard work of the week. Afterwards, some of us were even invited to join a local concert spontaneously – a great chance to meet even more musicians.

All in all, it was an incredibly enriching experience. I learned a lot about international collaboration, musical communication, and cultural differences – and of course, about myself as well.

I am truly grateful that programmes like Erasmus+ exist. Without this support, taking part in such a project would hardly have been possible. I think it’s fantastic that the EU gives young people the opportunity to learn from each other across borders, experience new cultures, and be creative together. For me, Erasmus+ represents what the European idea is all about: openness, exchange, and mutual encouragement. Especially in times when the world sometimes seems more divided, that’s more important than ever.