Martin Taylor's Guitar Retreats are legendary! To date over 500 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
UMBRIA, ITALY - JUNE 17th-21st, 2024
with Peppino D'Agostino and Alison Burns
with Peppino D'Agostino and Alison Burns
Overview
Players of all levels and styles are welcome at the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat in Umbria, 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 fourth 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 in this beautiful and historic region of central Italy, 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?
This retreat will take place on a working family farm or ‘agriturismo’ where almost everything you eat is organic and prepared fresh on site - that means the flour for pasta, the olive oil, cheeses, and of course the wine. There are also two pools for you to cool yourself off after a day of learning guitar as well as lots of areas to walk on the property, and vistas that are simply breath-taking.
This retreat is located in a region that includes cities like Assisi, Spoleto, Spello, Gubbio and the city of chocolate…Perugia - all within an hour's drive and each with their own fantastic historic and artistic culture to experience. The area is about 2.5hr drive from the international airports of Rome, Florence and Pisa which are easily accessible from the US and the rest of Europe as well as other Italian cities including Venice 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 with Martin, Peppino, Alison 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.
After Hours
Join Martin, Peppino and Alison for a final opportunity to play together.
Join Martin, Peppino and Alison for a final opportunity to play together.
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: WALKING BASS COURSE ($197 value)
Martin Taylor will be teaching how to play walking bass lines at retreat. To help you with this technique he has filmed a ten video pre-course for you to watch before you come to Italy so you can get the most from the retreat experience.
Martin Taylor will be teaching how to play walking bass lines at retreat. To help you with this technique he has filmed a ten video pre-course for you to watch before you come to Italy so you can get the most from the retreat experience.
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 - Umbria, Italy
Umbria in Italy is known for its lush landscapes, medieval towns - and of course, truffles, chocolate, and wine. The retreat location is a 20 - 45 minute drive to the historic towns of Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto - or to two well known caves in the area; Parco Monte Cucco or the Frasassi Caves - which was the backdrop for an Andrea Bocelli holiday concert. The nearest airport is in Perugia, although Florence and Rome are only about 2.5hrs away.
The Retreat Hub - Villa Dama
The retreat will take place on family-run farm and resort on top of a ridge in the heart of the Umbrian countryside surrounded by incredible vistas, nature, and other people crazy about the guitar. Everything you eat is organic, cultivated and made fresh on site - from the pasta, bread, wine, olive oil, cheese, vegetables, and other culinary delights. This is “La Dolce Vita” - and the perfect place to allow your imagination to soar.
“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), and holds many top guitar awards - even his Peppino D'Agostino Seagull Signature Guitar model was ranked 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 and writing. He has worked with leading publishers and music instruction leaders such as Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass., Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, Guitar Workshop Plus, Guitar by Masters, and Truefire. 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. 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, Deloitte 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, Deloitte 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
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
RETREAT PARTICIPANT
$3,200
Only 30 spaces available.
- All workshops (over 14 hours).
- 4 Nights Lodging in a Private Room with Bath
- All Meals
- Evening Jam Sessions & Instructor Performances
- Optional Farm Tour
- Time to explore the area
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $500)
PARTNER ADD-ON
$850
Perfect for family and friends
- Time to explore the area
- 4 Nights Lodging (Shared Room)
- All Meals
- Optional Cooking Demonstration/Class
- Optional Farm Tour
Provisional Schedule
Monday, June 17th 2024
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm Students Arrive
4:00 pm - 5:15 pm Opening Session
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Workshop I
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Tuesday, June 18th 2024
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 – 5:15 pm Workshop IV
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Workshop V
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Wednesday, June 19th 2024
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 – 5:15 pm Workshop VIII
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Workshop IX
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
10:00 pm - 11:30 pm Evening Jam/Open Mic
Thursday, June 20th 2024
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 - 4:00 pm Lunch and Free Time
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Workshop XII
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Wrap-Up
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner
9:30 pm - 11:00 pm Farewell Evening
Friday, June 21st 2024
8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
Depart
NON-PARTICIPATING
PARTNER PACKAGE
REGISTER YOUR PARTNER 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 local 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. Where and when does the retreat take place?
A. The retreat takes place near Gubbio, Italy in the Umbrian Countryside, at an agriturismo from June 17-21, 2024. Meals, accomodations, workshops, nightly music jams, and most planned activities will be on-site. Most areas at Villa Dama will be reserved for participants of this retreat only. Lodging will be spread out among various buildings on the property.
Q. What is the cost?
A. The cost per participant is US$3200 and US$850 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 $850 which can be added to the retreat fee when you register. Partners may also sit in on a workshop session or two as long as there is adequate space in the classroom. All planned meals, faculty concerts, jam sessions, and "Umbrian Experiences," are included in the Partner package. Lodging will be in the student's room.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. You can receive a full refund minus any transaction fees within the first 30 days of booking. Please consider getting travel insurance to cover unexpected occurences that may cause you to cancel after the refund period. Martin Taylor Guitar Retreats reserves the right to re-schedule or cancel any event if there should be an "Act of God" or occurence outside our control that makes the scheduled retreat impossible to hold such as a pandemic, natural disaster, earthquake, or any civil unrest that would put our participants "at risk." In these situations (which we hope never occurs), we will reschedule or refund participant payments minus any transactional fees and expenses related to the event that we cannot get reimbursed. If we reschedule, and you cannot make the new date, we will credit your account for the amount paid for up to 1 year, and you can use that credit towards any other retreat that is held during that year. There is a 10 student minimum and 22 student maximum. After purchasing your place at the retreat, please wait to plan airfare or other costs until you get an email from our office letting you know the minimum number of students has been reached.
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 try and accomodate your dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegans and basic diet requirements are included in the price – just contact us. Villa Dama does an amazing job in preparing baked goods and pasta for those who are gluten-free.
Q. Are the retreat venues suitable for those with mobility issues?
A. We are not able to accommodate anyone with severe mobility problems. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs
Q. How do I get there?
A. You can travel to the Umbrian region of Italy by air from all over the U.S. and Europe. Perugia (PEG) is the closest international airport, but most people will probably fly into Florence (FLR) or Rome (FCO), and either rent a car to get to Villa Dama, or take public transportation to Perugia or Gubbio - and then arrange private transport to the agriturismo. If you are considering spending some time before or after the workshop, the easiest option would be to rent a car from whatever airport you fly into in Italy. You will receive more detailed information about getting around the Umbria region, including possible private transport options upon registration. In the meantime, you can check out directions HERE**
The Premier Music Retreat Experiences
This will be our sixth Music Retreat in beautiful Italy. 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.
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