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, John Knowles and our other guest instructors for this unforgettable experience.
Big Indian, New York
August 25th-29th, 2025
August 25th-29th, 2025
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 John Knowles, 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 25th-29th, 2025. 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)!
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 guest teachers.
Provisional Schedule
Monday 25th August 2025
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 26th August 2025
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 27th August 2025
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 28th August 2025
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 29th August 2025
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 are charming in their simplicity, with guest rooms available in a variety of lodges – some simple B&B style with shared hallway baths and others with a more traditional country inn style with private baths. Premium cottages and deluxe rooms are also available and equipped with air conditioning, television, and luxurious bathrooms. All accommodations are equipped with air conditioning and WiFi. For more information on the lodging options at Full Moon Resort, Click Here.
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
JOHN KNOWLES
Fingerstyle Guitar
Guitarists around the world learn from John Knowles’ FingerStyle QUARTERLY and his TrueFire video lessons. He has authored seven books of the music of Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Lenny Breau. John’s music has been recorded by Chet Akins, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, the Romero Family and James Galway. His Gorilla Song (co-written with his son Jay) is an international hit with recordings by Raffi and XUXA. Heart Songs, John’s album of duets with Tommy Emmanuel, was recently awarded Recording of the Year by the National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame.
In 1996, Chet Atkins awarded John an Honorary CGP (Certified Guitar Player) and in 2004, John was inducted into the National Thumb Picker's Hall of Fame for the second time. His work has won a Grammy and two Emmy nominations. John earned his PhD in physics from Texas Christian University in 1968.
“I set out to be a better teacher than most players… and a better player than most teachers.” John Knowles, cgp
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!
An unforgettable four days and four nights of learning and playing guitar.
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 35 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 25-29, 2025. 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 'Latin Jazz Guitar Soloing Etudes' (value $25).
Each chapter offers a carefully arranged solo etude based on classic Latin Jazz standard and some beautiful arrangements of unexpected classics, giving you the tools to understand and engage with the language of Latin Jazz guitar soloing. As Martin Taylor shares his thoughts on each piece, you’ll master all the authentic vocabulary and phrasing you need to bring this vibrant genre to life in your playing.
Copies will be given to the successful first 20 registrants when they arrive at the retreat.
Each chapter offers a carefully arranged solo etude based on classic Latin Jazz standard and some beautiful arrangements of unexpected classics, giving you the tools to understand and engage with the language of Latin Jazz guitar soloing. As Martin Taylor shares his thoughts on each piece, you’ll master all the authentic vocabulary and phrasing you need to bring this vibrant genre to life in your playing.
Copies will be given to the successful first 20 registrants when they arrive at the retreat.
Pricing Options
There are many options to choose from! Choose what best fits your need and budget.
Premium Cottage, Private Bath: Single
$3,635
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Deluxe Cottage, Semi-Private Bath: Single
$3,325
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Standard Room, Private Bath: Single
$3,010
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Standard Room, Shared Bath: Single
$2,805
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Premium Cottage, Private Bath: Double
$2,595
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Deluxe Room, Private Bath: Double
$2,390
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Standard Room, Private Bath: Double
$2,180
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Standard Room, Shared Bath: Double
$1,820
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- Home-study preparation course (valued at $997)
- Bonus bundle (valued at $1,000)
Commuter
$1,560
- All workshops and activities for 4 days and nights.
- 3 amazing meals a day
- Welcome goodie bag.
- 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 25th-29th, 2025 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 25th 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. Rates are per-person and include applicable processing fees. All registrations and payments are 100% non-refundable. Due to the nature of our events and strict cancellation policies, Music Masters Collective strongly suggests purchasing order protection. Music Masters Collective Inc., reserves the right to refuse a sale, reject a sale, deny admission, or remove from an event, any person for any reason, including but not limited to, any harm or potential harm that person might cause, violation of the law, threats, disorderly behavior, failure to make timely payment, illegal activity, or for any other reason that is not prohibited by law.
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 contact@masterscollective.org
Q. How do I get there?
A. Please visit the Music Masters Collective Travel Page: https://www.musicmasterscollective.org/travel
The Premier Music Retreat Experiences
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will be the 47th 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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