4 days and 4 nights of learning, playing, eating and sleeping fingerstyle, acoustic and jazz guitar in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
Only 2.5 hours from New York City this retreat will be limited to only 30 participants who will join Martin Taylor, Robin Nolan and our other guest instructors for this unforgettable experience.
Big Indian, New York
August 26th-30th, 2024
August 26th-30th, 2024
Overview
Players of all levels and styles are welcome at the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat in Big Indian, New York. Whether you’ve been playing for years, or you just know a couple of tunes, you'll be able to immerse yourself in learning fingerstyle, jazz and acoustic guitar at this four day guitar retreat with Martin Taylor and his guest teachers including Robin Nolan, Jim Cunningham, Alison Burns and James Taylor.
Martin 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 and playing guitar.
This is the seventh year that the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat has been held at the Full Moon Resort (just 2.5 hours from New York City). Don’t miss this chance to spend a week in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, just 30 miles from historic Woodstock. What could be better than a musical holiday where you really learn something and have a great time with like-minded guitarists?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will take place this year from August 26th-30th, 2024. During each day you'll learn directly with Martin and his guest teachers and each evening you can sit back with a wine or local handcrafted beer 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!
To really help you make the most from this event we have created a series of preparatory home study courses and cool bonuses (see below)!
Watch the special message from retreat guest teacher Robin Nolan
What Is The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat About?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreats are all about hands-on playing. Helping you achieve RESULTS and have fun in the process.
Improved Technique
Improved technique and a new level of confidence as a guitarist.
Multiple Styles
You'll be exposed to learning new guitar styles to strengthen your playing.
Inspiration
Spend four days and nights getting inspiration and making new friends.
Progress Your Playing
You'll learn plenty of new exercises to continue to progress your playing.
Learn New Tunes
During the Retreat you'll learn new tunes to add to your repertoire.
Live Performances
Opportunity to play onstage with Martin Taylor and his guitar teachers.
Provisional Schedule
Monday 26th August 2024
3pm - 5.00pm Check In & Registration
5.00pm - 6.00pm Meet & Greet
6.00pm - 7.30pm Dinner
8.00pm - 9.00pm Welcome & Faculty Concert
9.00pm - 11.00pm Jamming
Tuesday 27th August 2024
8.30am - 10.00am Breakfast
10.00am - 11.45am Workshop 1
12.00pm - 1.30pm Workshop 2
1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
2.45pm - 4.15pm Workshop 3
4.30pm - 6.00pm Workshop 4
6.30pm - 8.00pm Dinner
8.00pm - 8.45pm Faculty & Student Concert
9.00pm - 11.00pm Jamming
Wednesday 28th August 2024
8.30am - 10.00am Breakfast
10.00am - 11.45am Workshop 5
12.00pm - 1.30pm Workshop 6
1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
2.30pm - 4.00pm Workshop 7
4.15pm - 5.00pm Workshop 8
5.15pm - 6pm Workshop 9
6.30pm - 8.00pm Dinner
8.00pm - 8.45pm Faculty & Student Concert
9.00pm - 11.00pm Jamming
Thursday 29th August 2024
8.30am - 10.00am Breakfast
10.00am - 11.45am Workshop 10
12.00pm - 1.30pm Workshop 11
1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
2.30pm - 3.45pm Workshop 12
4.00pm - 5.00pm Workshop 13
5.00pm - 6pm Workshop 14
6.30pm - 8.00pm Dinner
8.00pm - 8.45pm Faculty & Student Concert
9.00pm - 11.00pm Jamming
Friday 30th August 2024
8.30am - 10.30am Breakfast
11.00am Checkout
***Note*** - Martin will also be doing 1-on-1 lessons with each student.
THE LOCATION - FULL MOON RESORT
Located one half hour west of Woodstock, is a year-round mountain resort in the heart of the “Forever Wild” Catskill Forest Preserve. Dedicated to the celebration of music and art in nature, this one hundred-acre wonderland of mountains, fields, and streams is a world of its own.
Accommodations
Accommodations are charming in their simplicity, with guest rooms available in a variety of lodges – some B&B style with shared hallway baths and others with private bath options. Also available are the new, deluxe cottages which feature a king bed (or two twins), sitting area with couch, private deck, picture windows with dramatic panoramic views, air conditioning, mini-fridge, coffee maker, Smart TV, WiFi, cell service (AT&T and Verizon) and custom tile bathroom with over-sized, dual head shower and radiant heat.
Dining
Healthy cuisine served by a friendly, professional staff is the trademark of Full Moon Catering. With menus offering – hot buffet breakfasts, lunches and formal gourmet dinners with fresh, natural ingredients.
Accommodations
Accommodations are charming in their simplicity, with guest rooms available in a variety of lodges – some B&B style with shared hallway baths and others with private bath options. Also available are the new, deluxe cottages which feature a king bed (or two twins), sitting area with couch, private deck, picture windows with dramatic panoramic views, air conditioning, mini-fridge, coffee maker, Smart TV, WiFi, cell service (AT&T and Verizon) and custom tile bathroom with over-sized, dual head shower and radiant heat.
Dining
Healthy cuisine served by a friendly, professional staff is the trademark of Full Moon Catering. With menus offering – hot buffet breakfasts, lunches and formal gourmet dinners with fresh, natural ingredients.
YOUR RETREAT TEACHERS
MARTIN TAYLOR
Fingerstyle and Jazz Guitar
Grammy nominated musician Dr. Martin Taylor, MBE, is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, educator and musical innovator whom Acoustic Guitar magazine calls ‘THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation’.
Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence. Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit. Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 4, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world.
In addition to his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genres, including: Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman, George Harrison, Jamie Cullum, Bryn Terfel, Dianne Schuur and Gary Burton. He has been awarded two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and Europe, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE 'For Services to Jazz Music' by Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain.
As one of the world's most recognized online guitar teachers his innovative online guitar school in partnership with ArtistWorks, with its headquarters in Napa, CA, has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and the LA Times and is subscribed to by guitarists in over 58 countries.
'Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument. He's unbelievable' - Pat Metheny
'He out-shred's all of us put together....I've never seen anything like it' - Jeff Beck
"There is a touch of genius in his playing" - Classical Guitar Magazine
"No matter how complex or daring, Taylor's interpretations never short change the melodies; indeed, his remarkable fluid touch imbues a seamless beauty. Martin Taylor is something to behold." - The Washington Post
Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence. Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit. Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 4, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world.
In addition to his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genres, including: Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman, George Harrison, Jamie Cullum, Bryn Terfel, Dianne Schuur and Gary Burton. He has been awarded two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and Europe, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE 'For Services to Jazz Music' by Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain.
As one of the world's most recognized online guitar teachers his innovative online guitar school in partnership with ArtistWorks, with its headquarters in Napa, CA, has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and the LA Times and is subscribed to by guitarists in over 58 countries.
'Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument. He's unbelievable' - Pat Metheny
'He out-shred's all of us put together....I've never seen anything like it' - Jeff Beck
"There is a touch of genius in his playing" - Classical Guitar Magazine
"No matter how complex or daring, Taylor's interpretations never short change the melodies; indeed, his remarkable fluid touch imbues a seamless beauty. Martin Taylor is something to behold." - The Washington Post
ROBIN NOLAN
Gypsy Jazz Guitar
One of the world’s most respected exponents of Gypsy Jazz guitar since Django Reinhardt, Englishman Robin Nolan’s story began in an evacuation hospital in Vietnam in 1968. The son of musical entertainers, Nolan’s nomadic lifestyle has taken him on a romantic and passionate musical journey that’s rarely travelled in these fast-moving, fame-obsessed times. You might even call it a modern-day fairy tale.
Nolan was encouraged and taught to play the standards of Hank Williams and the subtleties of traditional jazz. However, like many journeymen before him, Nolan’s musical path led him down many roads before securing a place at the Guildhall School of Music in London where he established himself on the capital’s local jazz scene with his own swing quartet. But it was a trip to the annual Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-Sur-Seine, France with his father and musical mentor in 1991 that changed Nolan’s whole perspective towards music forever.
Robin Nolan has been praised for his musical genius and creativity by Willie Nelson, Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, and the late George Harrison. In fact Robin became one of George Harrison’s favourite guitarists and was his ‘secret weapon’ at many a party thrown at his English country estate Friar Park.
Legendary in the Django Reinhardt world, Robin has headlined every major gypsy jazz festival across the globe & Nolan’s music is taking gypsy jazz into the 21st Century beyond Django Reinhardt and incorporating influences of The Beatles, Ravi Shankar and AC/DC. In addition to his busy schedule as a performer, Robin is also well known as a passionate instructor. He has published some of the most important gypsy jazz instructional books and video courses that have been the foundation of study and jam sessions for thousands of guitarist worldwide. His new digital magazine Gypsy Jazz Guitar Secrets features highly in the iTunes charts and reaches a wide global audience.
YOUR OTHER RETREAT TEACHERS
JIM CUNNINGHAM
Jazz Guitarist & Luthier
From 1979-2004 Jim Cunningham was the guitarist with The United States Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Maryland before retiring from the Navy as a Master Chief Musician. Today Jim continues to play across the US as well as building and repairing archtop and acoustic guitars.
ALISON BURNS
Vocal Coach
Alison Burns is an award-winning singer and vocal coach who has performed and run vocal workshops in the USA, Europe and Asia. Her vocal workshop for guitarists and 'how to accompany a singer' class is is always a popular one at the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat.
JAMES TAYLOR
Creativity & Music Biz Coach
James Taylor is a speaker, author, coach and creativity expert. He has worked with artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Paul Gilbert, Nathan East, Billy Cobham and coaches and consults to musicians, authors, artists and creative entrepreneurs around the world.
What They Are Saying...
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.”
"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.”
The Retreat Experience
Ever wondered what a Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat is actually like?
Check out this video from a previous retreat in New York which will give you a flavor of the retreat experience!
Check out this video from a previous retreat in New York which will give you a flavor of the retreat experience!
2023 Retreat
2022 Retreat
2021 Retreat
2019 Retreat
2017 Retreat
2016 Retreat
Unforgettable Jam Sessions
Learn Directly From Martin Taylor
2018 Retreat
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MARTIN TAYLOR GUITAR RETREATS...
YES, I understand that spaces are limited to 30 places so it's important that I act now before public registration close!
YES, I understand this includes one (1) ticket to the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat in Big Indian, NY on August 26-30, 2024. I understand I will receive registration information for the Retreat when I register.
YES, I understand my registration includes lodging at the Full Moon Resort for four nights as well as 3 amazing meals a day.
Your Special Bonus Bundle
To ensure your success at the Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat, we’ve created this exclusive and valuable bonus package of online courses and more. Use these to get geared up and ready for New York and beyond!
BONUS: 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: 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: MARKETING FOR MUSICIANS COURSE ($150 value)
Learn how to brand, market and sell your music. Whether you want to get more gigs, release an album or promote your songs this marketing course for creatives will help.
Learn how to brand, market and sell your music. Whether you want to get more gigs, release an album or promote your songs this marketing course for creatives will help.
Special Bonus For First 20 Guitarists That Enroll
- Martin's New Book
- Martin's New Book
The first 20 guitarists that register for the treat will receive a copy of Martin's new book 'Jazz Guitar Licks Phrasebook' (value $25).
Just like any good phrase book, Martin Taylor’s Advanced Jazz Guitar Licks are carefully organised into vocabulary that fits the most common jazz soloing situations – from the shifting major and minor ii V’s of Autumn Leaves, to the cycling dominants and turnarounds of Rhythm Changes. Along with static Dorian licks to tackle vamps like So What and Impressions you’ll learn the perfect guitar licks.
Copies will be given to the successful first 20 registrants when they arrive at the retreat.
Just like any good phrase book, Martin Taylor’s Advanced Jazz Guitar Licks are carefully organised into vocabulary that fits the most common jazz soloing situations – from the shifting major and minor ii V’s of Autumn Leaves, to the cycling dominants and turnarounds of Rhythm Changes. Along with static Dorian licks to tackle vamps like So What and Impressions you’ll learn the perfect guitar licks.
Copies will be given to the successful first 20 registrants when they arrive at the retreat.
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
Standard Room, B&B Style, Shared-Hall Bathroom, Single Occupancy
$2,574 + taxes
B&B style accommodation with no roommate(s).
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Standard Room, En-Suite Private Bathroom, Single Occupancy
$2,779 + taxes
Private accommodation with a private bathroom - no roommate(s).
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights.
- 3 amazing meals a day.
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When and where does the retreat take place?
A. This Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat takes place on August 26th-28th, 2024 at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York which is approximately 2.5hrs drive from New York City. Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email which includes an info sheet with exact directions, timings, etc.
Q. When should I plan to be there?
A. We suggest you arrive between 3pm-5pm on Monday 26th August to check-in. There will be a meet and greet for everyone at 5pm after which we'll have dinner and faculty concert and jam session.
Q. Is lodging provided?
A. Yes, and you can choose from six different lodging options ranging from shared room with a shared-hall bath to a private cottage.
Q. Are meals provided?
A. Yes and everyone sits down for three wonderful meals each day. Menus include hot buffet breakfasts, lunches and formal gourmet dinners with fresh, natural ingredients (many that are organic and local).
Q. What level and style of guitarist is this retreat intended for?
A. The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreats are for all levels of players, from beginners to advanced. Around 25% of the attendees are beginners, 50% are intermediate and the remainder are more advanced players. In terms of styles the retreat will cover fingerstyle, acoustic, jazz and blues.
Q. What is the home-study preparation course?
A. The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat preparation course is a home-study course that you will get access to once you enroll. The idea of this course is to give you a foundation of knowledge and techniques so you can get the most from the four-day retreat. You will get immediate access to a members-only website with over 50+ HD video lessons that are only available to Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat students. In addition to that you will receive access to other bonus online courses to help you get the most from the retreat. We will also record the majority of the workshop and jam sessions and these will be made available to you after the retreat for your continued learning.
Q. Can I buy the home-study preparation course on its own?
A. No, the course and retreat is intended to work together to provide you with a blended learning experience. The home-study course will teach you some of the basic techniques and concepts while the retreat will allow you to go deeper by learning directly with Martin and the guest teachers as well as collaborating and jamming with other fellow students. If you would like to study online with Martin then please check out his online school.
Q. When will I receive a detailed daily schedule and retreat handbook?
A. We will email you the handbook with daily schedule six weeks in advance of the Retreat start date. In that handbook we’ll have details of the individual workshops that Martin and the guest instructors will teach plus other support material!
Q. Is the venue and accommodation suitable for those with mobility issues?
A. Yes it is. Please get in touch to discuss your particular needs.
Q. What should I bring with me?
A. We recommend bringing your guitar, notebook, pens and small snacks to hold you over.
Q. Can I bring my partner with me?
A. Absolutely, we have a non-participating partner package so they can join you. You will be able to purchase this once you register.
Q. What are your registration and payment policies?
A. All rates are per-person, unless otherwise stated. All prices subject to change. Prior sales excluded. We reserve the right to change any price, package or offering at any time without prior notice. All rates are subject to 8.9% surcharge, which includes all local, state, and occupancy taxes. All payments and deposits are final and non-refundable.
Q. What if I have a question that's not listed here?
A. If you have additional questions, please contact the retreat support team at music@fullmoonresort.com
Q. How do I get there?
A. You can travel to the retreat location by plane, car, bus or train.
By car:
From Albany and points North:
Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) South towards New York City
Take Exit 19, Kingston (see below)
From New York City and Points South:
Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) North/West to Exit 19, Kingston
After toll, merge slightly right onto Route 28 West (towards Pine Hill)
Travel approximately 30 miles on Route 28 West to Big Indian/Oliverea
Turn left onto County Route 47 (just after a brown sign on Route 28 which says Oliverea 3 miles)
Proceed 5 miles on County Route 47 (Oliverea Road)
You will see signs for Full Moon on the right-hand side.
By air:
The closest airpots to Big Indian are one hour and thirty minutes away: Albany International Airport and Stewart/Newburgh International Airport. JFK and LaGuardia Airports in New York City are approximately two and a half hours from Big Indian.
For details of travelling to the retreat by bus or train please visit the Full Moon Resort website at http://musicmasterscamps.com/directions
The Premier Music Retreat Experiences
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will be the 45th music retreat that P3 Music has produced. Our team is focused on giving you very best experience in which to learn guitar.
Other P3 Music music retreats take place in California, London, Italy, Scotland, France and Asia. We are honored to work with Martin Taylor and Music Masters Camps on this fourth Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat at Full Moon Resort. We hope you decided to join us for four days and nights of guitar goodness.
Other P3 Music music retreats take place in California, London, Italy, Scotland, France and Asia. We are honored to work with Martin Taylor and Music Masters Camps on this fourth Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat at Full Moon Resort. We hope you decided to join us for four days and nights of guitar goodness.
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