Martin Taylor's Guitar Retreats are legendary! To date over 130 guitarists have attended a Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat. Here's what one recent retreat student said:
"I’ve had a wonderful experience. Playing at home I found that it’s hard to find other players that are interested in fingerstyle or jazz. When I came here I found many people with similar interests. Martin showed us different ways of approaching accompaniment improvisation and we were able to jam with other students, we were able to play with them as well. As much as I enjoyed my time here I can’t wait to go home and try all the new material that I’ve learned here.”
- George Beasley, USA
MARTIN TAYLOR GUITAR RETREAT
SICILY, ITALY - JUNE 4th-8th, 2018
with Peppino D'Agostino, Alison Burns and James Taylor
with Peppino D'Agostino, Alison Burns and James Taylor
Overview
Players of all levels and styles are welcome at the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat on the gorgeous island of Sicily in Italy. Whether you’ve been playing for years, or you just know a couple of chords, you'll be able to immerse yourself in learning guitar at this four day guitar retreat with two of the world's leading acoustic guitarists; Martin Taylor and Peppino D'Agostino.
From fingerstyle to acoustic to jazz and more, Martin and Peppino will give you insight into the techniques, styles, and tips to inspire and improve your playing. The retreat is designed to gather guitarists of all levels from around the globe with a common goal - learning, playing, eating and sleeping music.
This is the third Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat in Italy and we believe this will be the best yet. Don’t miss this chance to spend a few days on the romantic and historic Italian island of Sicily, home to some of the world's best foods, wines and landscapes. What could be better than a musical holiday where you really learn something and have a great time with like-minded people?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will take place on the island of Ortigia which is the historical heart of Siracusa in southeast Sicily, on the 4th-8th June 2018. The area is about an hour from the international airport of Catania which is easily accessible from the US and the rest of Europe as well as other Italian cities including Rome, Florence and Milan.
During the day you'll learn directly with Martin and Peppino and every evening you can sit back with an Italian wine and enjoy local handmade delicacies and take part in intimate, once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions. Just bring your guitar, get ready to learn, jam, make friends and have fun!
From fingerstyle to acoustic to jazz and more, Martin and Peppino will give you insight into the techniques, styles, and tips to inspire and improve your playing. The retreat is designed to gather guitarists of all levels from around the globe with a common goal - learning, playing, eating and sleeping music.
This is the third Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat in Italy and we believe this will be the best yet. Don’t miss this chance to spend a few days on the romantic and historic Italian island of Sicily, home to some of the world's best foods, wines and landscapes. What could be better than a musical holiday where you really learn something and have a great time with like-minded people?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will take place on the island of Ortigia which is the historical heart of Siracusa in southeast Sicily, on the 4th-8th June 2018. The area is about an hour from the international airport of Catania which is easily accessible from the US and the rest of Europe as well as other Italian cities including Rome, Florence and Milan.
During the day you'll learn directly with Martin and Peppino and every evening you can sit back with an Italian wine and enjoy local handmade delicacies and take part in intimate, once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions. Just bring your guitar, get ready to learn, jam, make friends and have fun!
What Is The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat About?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreats are all about hands-on playing. This retreat is about helping you achieve REAL RESULTS and having fun in the process.
Improved Technique
Improve your technique and gain a new level of confidence as a guitarist.
Multiple Styles
You'll be exposed to learning different styles and techniques to develop your guitar playing.
Inspiration
Spend three days getting inspiration, meeting, and jamming with guitarists from around the world.
Guitar Exercises
You'll learn plenty of new exercises to continue to make progress in your playing.
Guitar Arrangements
You'll learn to take your ideas and craft them into a finished arrangement on the guitar.
Live Performances
Opportunity to perform on stage with Martin, Peppino and other retreat attendees.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
1.
All Workshops
Over 20 hours of guitar workshops with Martin Taylor and his guest teachers.
Over 20 hours of guitar workshops with Martin Taylor and his guest teachers.
2.
Amazing Food
Join Martin and guitar players from around the world for wonderful Italian meals each day and night.
Join Martin and guitar players from around the world for wonderful Italian meals each day and night.
3.
Evening Jam Sessions
Pick up your guitar and take part in once in a lifetime jam sessions.
Pick up your guitar and take part in once in a lifetime jam sessions.
4.
Faculty Performances
Sit back and enjoy intimate performances from Martin Taylor and Peppino D'Agostino.
Sit back and enjoy intimate performances from Martin Taylor and Peppino D'Agostino.
5.
Welcome Goodie Bag
Receive a welcome goodie bag when you arrive at the retreat.
Receive a welcome goodie bag when you arrive at the retreat.
6.
Finale Concert
Join Martin and Peppino on stage to play for a live audience (optional)
Join Martin and Peppino on stage to play for a live audience (optional)
PLUS RECEIVE OVER $1,500 WORTH OF BONUSES UPON REGISTERING!
BONUS #1: HOME-STUDY RETREAT PREPARATION COURSE ($997 value)
You will also receive access to the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat home-study preparation course with video lessons covering some of the concepts and tunes you’ll be learning at the Retreat. This prep-course will help you gear up and get ready for the “Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat” by learning the chords and melody for tunes, and many of the other cool tips and lessons.
You will also receive access to the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat home-study preparation course with video lessons covering some of the concepts and tunes you’ll be learning at the Retreat. This prep-course will help you gear up and get ready for the “Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat” by learning the chords and melody for tunes, and many of the other cool tips and lessons.
BONUS #2: AUDIO AND VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH OVER 40 LEADING GUITARISTS ($197 value)
Recorded as part of the Online Guitar Summit you will receive access to 40+ video and audio interviews with some of the world's finest living fingerstyle, jazz and acoustic guitarists. These in-depth interviews are with guitarists including Andy McKee, Tommy Emmanuel, Ulf Wakenius, Justin Sandercoe, John Knowles, Johnny Hiland, Peppino D'Agostino, Brian Gore, Clive Carroll, Richard Smith, Muriel Anderson, Frank Gambale, Scott Perry, Bill Piburn and Pat Bergeson amongst others.
Recorded as part of the Online Guitar Summit you will receive access to 40+ video and audio interviews with some of the world's finest living fingerstyle, jazz and acoustic guitarists. These in-depth interviews are with guitarists including Andy McKee, Tommy Emmanuel, Ulf Wakenius, Justin Sandercoe, John Knowles, Johnny Hiland, Peppino D'Agostino, Brian Gore, Clive Carroll, Richard Smith, Muriel Anderson, Frank Gambale, Scott Perry, Bill Piburn and Pat Bergeson amongst others.
BONUS #3: CREATIVE PROCESS COURSE ($197 value)
You will also receive 40+ HD Video Lessons from James Taylor as he breaks down each of the five stages of the creative process to help you unlock your creative potential as a guitarist.
You will also receive 40+ HD Video Lessons from James Taylor as he breaks down each of the five stages of the creative process to help you unlock your creative potential as a guitarist.
BONUS #4: ALISON BURNS' VOCAL COURSE ($197 value)
This online course will teach you how to improve the quality of your voice, warmup exercises and ways to look after your singing voice.
This online course will teach you how to improve the quality of your voice, warmup exercises and ways to look after your singing voice.
What They Say...
The Location - Sicily, Italy
Ortigia, a small island off the city of Siracusa, in the South-East region of Sicily, is a year round Italian destination boasting a unique location and timeless beauty encircled by the sea. Called the 'White Pearl of Syracuse', Ortigia is ideal as a base to explore the cultural richness of the region or as a stand-alone short break to immerse in the wonderful ambience, gastronomy and archaeological treasures that are found around every corner.
The charm of Ortigia is also its mix of styles: remnants of Ancient Greek ruins are interspersed near dazzling Baroque piazzas that are fed by a labyrinth of Medieval lanes containing physical evidence of early Moorish, Roman, Byzantine, and Judaic civilizations. The entire small island of Ortigia island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Retreat Hub - Residence Hotel 'Alla Giudecca'
The main hotel and gathering spot for our retreat will be the Residence Hotel "Alla Giudecca", which is centrally located in Ortigia, next to the sea, and a few minutes stroll to all the local sites and piazzas.
The hotel is an ancient building completely restored that has on its premises traces of an underground Jewish ritual bath dating back to the 13th century.
“I’m having a great time here. The camaraderie is great. I’m getting to compare notes with all the other fine players. Being up close and personal with Peppino and Martin, and being able to get into a Q and A with them, and really work out questions that I’ve had, and it’s fabulous. It’s fun. It’s very laid back, and everybody is just so friendly and hospitable.”
- Kent Gunderson, USA
- Kent Gunderson, USA
YOUR RETREAT TEACHERS
MARTIN TAYLOR
Fingerstyle & Jazz Guitar
Martin Taylor is a Grammy nominated fingerstyle guitarist, solo jazz guitar virtuoso and online guitar teacher. Pat Metheny says Martin Taylor is "one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument" while Jeff Beck thinks Taylor "out-shreds all of us put together….I’ve never seen anything like it". As one of the world's most popular online guitar teachers and providers of guitar lessons online, Taylor now helps people in over 58 countries learn how to play guitar and become better guitarists.
He has collaborated with the biggest names in guitar music including Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Frank Vignola, Barney Kessell, Earl Klugh, Herb Ellis, Scotty Moore, Julian Lage, Andreas Oberg, Albert Lee, Ulf Wakenius, Tony McManus, Martin Simpson and Laurence Juber. In addition to this he has been awarded two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, an IAJE Jazz Educators award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and UK, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE 'For Services to Jazz Music' by the Queen of Great Britain. Today his online jazz guitar lessons and fingerstyle guitar videos have been watched by over 1 million guitarists worldwide.
PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO
Fingerstyle and Percussive Guitar
D'Agostino, a native of Italy, has been hailed as “a guitarist's guitarist” by Acoustic Guitar magazine as well as “a giant of the acoustic guitar” (San Diego Reader). This year Guitar Player magazine included D'Agostino in their top 50 list of the best acoustic guitar players of all time. His Peppino D'Agostino Seagull Signature Guitar model was named in June 2014 as one of the 10 best signature guitars by Guitar Player Magazine.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 31 countries; been featured at prestigious international music festivals, and frequently plays with prominent artists around the world, including Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, and Eric Johnson. His 18 recordings include releases on Favored Nations, Mesa/Bluemoon, Acoustic Music Records, and other labels.
When not performing D’Agostino also enjoys teaching. He has made various teaching videos, has individual students, and through the years has been a guest instructor at various guitar programs such as Creative Vacances in La Moreau, France, Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, and Guitar Workshop Plus. Truefire, an online instruction company, has released two courses in which D’Agostino explains his influential guitar techniques and approach to composition. One thing is true – Peppino is always thinking guitar.
JAMES TAYLOR
Creativity Coach
James Taylor M.B.A. F.R.S.A. is a speaker, author, coach and internationally recognized leader in creativity and the music business. For over 20 years, he has been teaching entrepreneurs, educators, writers and musicians how to maximize, monetize and market their creativity. As the founder of C.SCHOOL™ and host of The Creative Life Podcast and TV Show, he’s taught thousands of individuals in over 120 countries through his online courses, books, videos and keynote speeches.
His corporate clients have included Apple, Yamaha, Sony, Bertelsmann and Johnson & Johnson as well as high profile 1-on-1 coaching clients. As an in-demand creativity expert, he has been featured in countless media outlets and was the subject of a 30 minute BBC documentary about his life and work.
Recognized as a leading authority on creativity, innovation and marketing, James is the recipient of The Modern ONTRApreneur Award, the S.D. Southern Award and also holds a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (F.R.S.A.) whose Fellows have included Benjamin Franklin, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Bob Dylan, Adam Smith, Nelson Mandela and Professor Stephen Hawking.
His corporate clients have included Apple, Yamaha, Sony, Bertelsmann and Johnson & Johnson as well as high profile 1-on-1 coaching clients. As an in-demand creativity expert, he has been featured in countless media outlets and was the subject of a 30 minute BBC documentary about his life and work.
Recognized as a leading authority on creativity, innovation and marketing, James is the recipient of The Modern ONTRApreneur Award, the S.D. Southern Award and also holds a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (F.R.S.A.) whose Fellows have included Benjamin Franklin, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Bob Dylan, Adam Smith, Nelson Mandela and Professor Stephen Hawking.
ALISON BURNS
Vocal Coach
Alison Burns is an award-winning singer and vocal coach who has performed and run singing workshops in the USA, Europe and Asia.
A lifelong love of music started at home, with an early education in the Great American Songbook from a father who played guitar and a mother who would carry the guitar case into his gigs! As a young girl in Dundee, an industrial city on the east coast of Scotland, the dreams were of singing and acting in Hollywood and the soundtrack was Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, and Bessie Smith among many others.
Her debut album, Kissing Bug was received with universal acclaim and became the first album by a Scottish jazz singer to reach the Jazz Top 10. So far she has packed her bag to perform in far-flung destinations such as Tokyo, New York, Nashville, Cannes, Italy and Shanghai.
The International Association for Jazz Education has awarded her for Outstanding Service to Jazz Education and in 2013 she received the Brand Personality Award by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation, previous recipients of this award include Aretha Franklin and Steve Jobs.
A lifelong love of music started at home, with an early education in the Great American Songbook from a father who played guitar and a mother who would carry the guitar case into his gigs! As a young girl in Dundee, an industrial city on the east coast of Scotland, the dreams were of singing and acting in Hollywood and the soundtrack was Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, and Bessie Smith among many others.
Her debut album, Kissing Bug was received with universal acclaim and became the first album by a Scottish jazz singer to reach the Jazz Top 10. So far she has packed her bag to perform in far-flung destinations such as Tokyo, New York, Nashville, Cannes, Italy and Shanghai.
The International Association for Jazz Education has awarded her for Outstanding Service to Jazz Education and in 2013 she received the Brand Personality Award by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation, previous recipients of this award include Aretha Franklin and Steve Jobs.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MARTIN TAYLOR GUITAR RETREATS...
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AT THE RETREAT
Improve your technique and gain a new confidence as a guitarist
Plenty of exercises to continue to make progress in your playing
New tunes for your repertoire
Guitar skills to accompany yourself
Improvisation and guitar arranging skills
Ways to unleash your creative potential as a guitarist and overcome blocks
Provisional Schedule
Monday, June 4th 2018
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Students Arrive
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Opening Session
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Workshop I
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Dinner
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Tuesday, June 5th 2018
8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 10:45 am Workshop II
11:00 am -12:30 pm Workshop III
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Lunch and Free Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Workshop IV
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Workshop V
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Wednesday, June 6th 2018
8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 10:45 am Workshop VI
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Workshop VII
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Lunch and Free Time
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Workshop VIII
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Workshop IX
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Thursday, June 7th 2018
8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am – 10:45 am Workshop X
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Workshop XI
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Lunch and Free Time
3:00 pm – 4:45 pm Workshop XII
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm Wrap-Up
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Dinner
9:30 pm - 11:00 pm Optional Performance
Friday, June 8th 2018
8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
Depart
NON-PARTICIPATING
PARTNER PACKAGE
PURCHASE PARTNER PACKAGE PARTNER PACKAGE
Why Not Bring Your Partner
If you would like to have your loved one join you at the retreat but not participate in workshops, we recommend this package. You both dine together with the group for all meals, and attend all evening concerts and jams together. During the days, while one of you is participating in workshops, your partner can enjoy the fun things to do in the Ortigia and Siracusa area. Our on-site local guides can help plan and recommend day trips and special excursions for partners during the day - and even for the two of you if you extend your trip before or after the retreat.
So here's how to register your partner. Firstly register yourself. Then come back to this page and click on the non-participating partner package button and make this a music and culture adventure both of you can enjoy.
So here's how to register your partner. Firstly register yourself. Then come back to this page and click on the non-participating partner package button and make this a music and culture adventure both of you can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does the retreat take place?
A. The retreat classes run from the afternoon of Monday 4th June to the morning of Friday 8th June.
Q. Where does the retreat take place?
A. The retreat classes will take place at the Residence Hotel 'Alla Giudecca'. Upon registration you will receive a Fact Sheet with location information. Six weeks before the retreat you will receive the final retreat schedule.
Q. What is the cost?
A. The cost per participant is US$2749 and US$499 for non-participating partners.
Q. Can my partner attend even though they won't participate in the classes.
A. Absolutely, non-participating partners are very welcome and the price per non-participating partner is $499 which can be purchased at the link below. Partners may also sit in on a workshop session or two as long as there is adequate space in the room. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE PARTNER PACKAGE.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. You can receive a full refund minus any credit card fees within the first 30 days of booking. Please consider getting travel insurance to cover unexpected occurrences.
Q. What about accommodation?
A. Registration includes your accommodation at the Residence Hotel 'Alla Giudecca' or a nearby residence hotel. The Residence Hotel "Alla Giudecca", which will be our main retreat gathering place, is located in the historic center of Ortigia island, in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, next to the sea (with access to a swimming platform), and the major Piazza Duomo a few minutes away. The Hotel, simple yet tastefully restored, is an ancient building that respects the history and architectural origins of this beautiful mediterranean location. Underneath the hotel hides the jewel of the oldest Jewish ritual bath in Europe. The courtyards have an Arabic atmosphere, that improve the spaces of the facility and in the main building there is a conference room, reading room, and piano room available for your use. A continental breakfast will be served at the hotel each morning for all workshop participants and their partners.
Q. What about meals?
A. Your registration includes four Continental Breakfasts, three Lunches, and four Dinners during the retreat.
Q. Who can I contact if I have other questions related to the retreat?
A. Please email dwapner@sbcglobal.net
Q. Can you accommodate those with dietary issues?
A. We are happy to cater for people with diet issues. Vegetarian, vegans and basic diet requirements are included in the price - just let us know at dwapner@sbcglobal.net
Q. Are the retreat venues suitable for those with mobility issues?
A. We are not able to accommodate anyone with severe mobility problems. Please get in touch with dwapner@sbcglobal.net to discuss your particular needs.
Q. How do I get there?
A. You can travel to Sicily by air from all over the U.S. and Europe. Catania (CTA) is the closest international airport. If you are considering some travel before the workshop, you might take one of the low-cost European airlines from another major city such as Rome, Naples, or London. Check out www.skyscanner.com or www.edreams.com for flight times and costs. Or if you want to explore Sicily, another option is to arrive at the Palermo Airport (PMO), which is about 3 hours from Ortigia, and take a leisurely sight-seeing route to the retreat with a return from either Catania or back to Palermo. Upon registration you will receive a Fact Sheet with the various travel options to the hotel once you arrive in Sicily which includes private and shared shuttles as well as public transportation to/from Catania.
The Premier Music Retreat Experiences
This will be our third Music Retreat in beautiful Italy. P3 Music also produces music and creativity retreats for artists including Mike Marshall, Caterina Lichtenberg, Sergio Assad, Peppino D'Agostino and Adam Rafferty. Our Italy team is focused on giving you the very best experience in which to learn guitar.
Other P3 Music retreats take place in London, New York, Italy, Scotland, France and Asia. We are honored to work with Martin Taylor for this retreat in Italy. We hope you decide to join us for four day days of eating, sleeping, learning and playing music.
Other P3 Music retreats take place in London, New York, Italy, Scotland, France and Asia. We are honored to work with Martin Taylor for this retreat in Italy. We hope you decide to join us for four day days of eating, sleeping, learning and playing music.
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