Want to escape the winter blues? Join us for the 2024 GWP Winter Getaway! This event is for musicians of all ages, levels and interests looking to immerse themselves in a non-competitive supportive environment in which to learn. Held at superb facilities and beautiful surroundings in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The experience will include:
- All accommodations at the beautiful Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel!
- 3 excellent daily meals and opportunities to form lasting connections.
- Guitar instruction day and night.
- Masterclasses by elite guest artists.
- Students of all levels are encouraged.
- Artist, faculty and student performances daily.
- Immersive ensemble experience with pro rhythm section.
- Various clinics and classes offering focused instruction from renowned artists and faculty.
- Open mic performances.
- Bring your loved ones along and enjoy the beautiful beaches, shopping and local attractions.
About Guitar Workshop Plus
The Ultimate in Music Education
Guitar Workshop Plus is much more than just a guitar camp or music camp. We offer workshops in a musical environment at a superb location in Fort Lauderdale, FLA. We create a non-competitive and supportive environment in which to learn. Our faculty members are professional musicians and instructors with extensive experience teaching in music programs, workshops, private settings, and post secondary institutions. Along with learning from world famous guest artists, our top ranked music program allows students to participate in daily classes, clinics, ensemble and student performances, and evening concerts. World famous guest artists such as Joe Satriani, Alex Lifeson (Rush), John Scofield, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Robben Ford, Billy Sheehan, and many more teach and perform for our participants.
General Course Info
We offer comprehensive classes covering:
- hands-on technique
- theory
- performance
- musicianship skills
- ear training
- rhythm studies
- and more!
In addition, attendees will have performance opportunities including daily coaching in performance lab with a professional rhythm section and our faculty. Students are given the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they are acquiring in class in a performance setting. Attendees also rehearse and perform as ensembles and can rehearse and perform at student concerts during the session.
Classes:
Classes are offered for varying skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. On the first day of the session, all students are evaluated to ensure that they are placed in the appropriate class level thereby maximizing their learning potential. Class sizes are small to promote individualized attention for each student as well as to facilitate ensemble arrangements.
Clinics:
In addition, all students may attend clinics. Clinics are offered covering topics such as improvisation, songwriting, scales and modes, building technique, slide, more. Students are welcome to sign up for these clinics on site.
Concerts:
Each day at the workshop concludes with an evening concert. These include faculty performances, student jams, ensemble concerts, and performances by our amazing guest artists. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s finest musicians in an intimate setting. In addition to the student jams and concerts, many of the artists will invite attendees up to play with them as well so the fun never ends!!
Location & Facilities
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel — Experience Effortless Elegance At Our Renovated Hotel
An easy road trip or perfect for a needed staycation, our Lauderdale-West hotel provides newly-renovated rooms and upscale settings. When you’re ready to unwind, our rooms and suites feature plush bedding and flat-screen TVs for your utmost relaxation. Stay active while on the road by having an invigorating workout at our heated outdoor pool, jogging trail and renovated fitness center.
Discover All The Exciting Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale, FLA
Make the most of your stay by exploring all the great things to see in and around Fort Lauderdale, FLA. Explore miles of pristine beaches. Located just minutes from sunny beaches, and the airport, this location has nearby shopping and casinos and is nearby to Sawgrass Mills®, Nova Southeastern University and BB&T Center. Miami is also located less than an hour away!
Faculty and Artists
We’re very excited to roll out a great list of guest artists that are joining us this year. Make sure to follow us on social media to get the latest announcements!
Our guest artists share their knowledge and experiences with our students while visiting classes, conducting clinics, and performing concerts. Past Guest Artists include: Joe Satriani, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Robben Ford, John Scofield, Steve Vai, Randy Bachman, Paul Gilbert, Andy Summers (The Police), Billy Sheehan, Pierre Bensusan, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), John Abercrombie, Duke Robillard, Andy Timmons, Mike Stern, John Knowles, Rik Emmett, John Jorgenson, Sue Foley, Jennifer Batten, Andy McKee, Orianthi, Paul DeLong, Tommy Emmanuel, Rhonda Smith, Guthrie Govan and more…..
Incredible Guest Artist Masterclasses!
That’s right!…… These amazing artists will actually be teaching the classes! Spend hours each day learning from and playing with some of the finest musicians and educators around. Plus you will have plenty of performance opportunities with the faculty-coached ensembles and open mic performances!
2026 Guest Artists
Matt Schofield
Matt Schofield continues to push the frontiers and reshape the boundaries of the British Blues tradition. Guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and band leader. After 30 years of performing and 20 years into his solo career, Schofield’s impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable. Along with his ever-growing fanbase from performances around the globe comes awards, industry, peer and critical acclaim–three time “British Blues Guitarist of the Year,” “British Blues Album of the Year,” induction into the “British Blues Awards Hall of Fame,” “Blues Album of the Year” and “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time” alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green. Schofield’s inimitable playing and tone have inspired legions of guitarists. His authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance are brought to life with innovative original compositions. A renowned musical educator, Matt released “Blues Speak”, his highly acclaimed instructional series. As a clinician he has taught from Tokyo to Texas and all points in between. Matt’s acclaimed new album, “Many Moons Vol.1” reunites him with his original and much loved organ trio line-up, to mark the 20th anniversary of the album and band that launched his solo career. Don’t miss your chance to learn from this master firsthand and have the opportunity to jam with him in this setting.
Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick is widely considered to be a “guitarist’s guitarist.” Although fluent in a multitude of styles, from blues to funk to flamenco-inspired acoustic, he is best known for his mastery of both heavy metal and jazz guitar. His story is anything but typical: While a sixteen year old student of Joe Satriani, Alex, the son of Ivy League academics, joined Bay Area thrash metal outfit Testament. He uplifted the band with a sense of harmony and technique unheard of in the genre at the time. At eighteen, he recorded the first of five albums with the band’s original lineup, touring almost non-stop until his early 90s departure from the group. During the next decade, he left his touring life and guitar hero status behind in order to become a full-time University student. Inspired by the likes of John Scofield, Pat Martino, George Benson and others, he moved to New York to earn a BfA in Jazz from The New School. In the early 00’s, Alex released the first of several critically acclaimed albums with his eponymous trio. AST would go on to perform worldwide and receive extensive radio play. In the mid-2000’s, Alex reunited with Testament, the impact of which eclipsed the band’s initial run, bringing them closer in status to tourmates such as Slayer, Megadeth and Lamb of God, the latter of whom has featured Alex as guest soloist. The 2020s has found Alex in an exciting new musical collective, PAKT, featuring fretless bass legend Percy Jones, best known for the pioneering fusion group Brand X (with Phil Collins) and work with Brian Eno. In addition, bass master Stuart Hamm – who’d hired Alex back in the 90s for the guitarist’s first instrumental music tour (and opening doors to music beyond metal) – released Hold Fast, Stu’s long awaited LP with Alex on guitar. Whether he’s appearing at sophisticated jazz venues such as Yoshi’s in Northern California or The Blue Note in Milan, Italy or shredding at full volume at heavy music festivals such as France’s Hellfest or Germany’s Wacken Open Air, it’s safe to say that Skolnick has found his own niche as a guitarist.
Tomo Fujita
Tomo Fujita is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, educator, and performer whose influence reaches across genres and generations. A longtime professor at Berklee College of Music, Tomo is known for his clean tone, soulful and funky grooves, and an approach to teaching that connects deeply with players of all levels. His blend of humor, clarity, and insight has made him one of the most trusted and inspiring voices in modern guitar education. Tomo came to the U.S. from Japan on a full scholarship to Berklee, and became the first Japanese winner of the “Boston Guitarist Competition.” He has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists including Phil Collins, Steve Gadd, Will Lee, Bernard Purdie, Susan Tedeschi, Ronnie Earl, Nik West, Oz Noy, Matt Schofield, Cory Wong, and Marty Friedman. His performances and recordings showcase a rare combination of technical mastery and emotional depth, blending blues, funk, and jazz with effortless feel and groove. A dedicated educator, Tomo has guided generations of players including John Mayer, Eric Krasno (Soulive), Adam Smirnoff (Lettuce), and international artists Juanes and Tom Misch. His teaching centers on foundation, musical expression, and personal growth and has inspired countless students to find joy and confidence in their playing. Tomo’s authenticity, deep musical insight, and passion for teaching have earned him a unique place in the global guitar community. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this master firsthand and experience his warmth, groove, and wisdom in person.
Plus GWP Faculty Including
Dennis McCumber
Sungmin Shin
And More!!!
Faculty
Our faculty is carefully selected and comprised of professional musicians and instructors with extensive experience teaching in workshops, private settings, and post secondary institutions. These talented educators have considerable recording backgrounds, perform around the world, author instructional books and write articles for music magazines.
Pricing
2026 Fort Lauderdale Session Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Commuter Package & Meals $1,695.00
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, workshops, presentations, and concerts
- Daily meals
- Wi-Fi
This package does not include lodging. Pricing is per person.
*Registration Fee is non-refundable
Shared Room w/ Two Beds $2,290
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, seminars, workshops, presentations, concerts and entertainment for 4 days and 3 nights.
- Three amazing meals each day.
- Hotel accommodation in a standard room with two beds and a roommate. You may request your roommate or one will be assigned based on age and gender. Roommate must also register for the session.
- Wi-Fi
Pricing is per person.
*Registration Fee is non-refundable
Single Room w/ One Bed $2,550
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, seminars, workshops, presentations, concerts and entertainment for 4 days and 3 nights.
- Three amazing meals each day.
- Hotel accommodation in a private standard room with one bed.
- Wi-Fi
Pricing is per person.
*Registration Fee is non-refundable
Bring Your Loved One w/ One Bed $3,150
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, seminars, workshops, presentations, concerts and entertainment for 4 days and 3 nights for the registrant.
- Three amazing meals each day.
- Hotel accommodation in a private standard room with one bed.
- Wi-Fi
- You share the accommodations, dine together at the meals, and attend the concerts. Your loved one can enjoy the great accommodations, beach, shopping, and other area attractions while you attend the workshop.
Pricing is per couple.
*Registration Fee is non-refundable
What’s Not Included
- Transportation
- Alcohol and snacks
- Parking
- Sighteseeing excursions in the area
- Personal musical gear – all attendees must bring your own instruments
Optional Extras
- Extra Night (Early Arrival): $250
For students arriving from out of town who require accommodation the night before the start of the session. Meals are not provided until the session begins.
Travel Information
Fort Lauderdale Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the workshop. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is the nearest airport located 15 minutes away. Uber and shuttle services are available from the airport. Miami International airport is another option.
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel
Address: 1230 South Pine Island Rd., Plantation, Florida, USA, 33324
Guitar Workshop Plus would like to thank:
