About Guitar Workshop Plus
The Ultimate in Music Education
Guitar Workshop Plus is much more than just a guitar camp or summer music camp. We offer week long workshops in a musical environment at superb facilities in Nashville, TN. Our faculty members are professional musicians and instructors with extensive experience teaching in summer music programs, workshops, private settings, and post secondary institutions. Along with receiving visits from world famous guest artists, our top ranked summer 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
Currently instruction is provided for:
- guitar
- bass
- drums
- keyboard
- vocals
- songwriting
Students elect to study a class or seminar each session. The guitar program is extensive and unique in that students elect to study the style that they enjoy most.
Guitar styles include:
- rock
- blues
- jazz
- acoustic
- classical
- country
We offer comprehensive classes covering:
- hands-on technique
- theory
- performance
- musicianship skills
- ear training
- rhythm studies
- and more!
In addition, most of these classes include a one-hour per day rhythm section class in which students are given the opportunity to play with the faculty rhythm section and apply the skills and knowledge they are acquiring in class to a performance setting. Attendees also rehearse with ensembles throughout the week which will perform at the end of 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.
Seminars:
Seminars are courses which concentrate on specific topics and will sometimes feature guest instructors. Generally, seminars are designed for the intermediate to advanced player although some may be open to all levels. Students are evaluated to ensure that they are at an appropriate level for the course. Seminar students meet with the instructor all day and, because there is no restriction to class size, do not take part in rhythm section classes. Faculty led ensembles for seminars depend upon class size and format.
Clinics:
In addition, all students may attend clinics. Each day, two or three clinics are offered covering topics such as improvisation, songwriting, vocals, scales and modes, building technique, slide, percussion, hand drumming and more. Students are welcome to sign up for these clinics on campus.
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
Nashville Facilities
Cumberland University is located just outside of Nashville, TN – Music City USA! In addition to the great location, this campus features great housing, a brand new dining cafe and has fantastic facilities including an auditorium and stage, large classes, and beautiful historical buildings. Nearby attractions include museums and several annual festivals. Famous Nashville attractions include Music Row which is filled with legendary honky tonks, bars, and music venues, The Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Discover All The Exciting Things To Do In Nashville!
- Grand Ole Opry
- Music Row
- Broadway
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- RCA Studio B
- Ryman Auditorium
- Johnny Cash Museum
Faculty and Artists
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…..
2026 Guest Artists
Greg Koch
Greg Koch is a guitar player’s guitarist known for his blues-infused, stylistically diverse compositions and electrifying guitar performances. With a prolific career spanning over 20 records, Koch has carved out a unique niche in the music world, blending elements of blues, rock, and jazz into his signature sound. His latest album, Blues, showcases his artistry with standout collaborations, including “Can’t Be Satisfied” featuring Larry McCray and “Can’t Lose What You Never Had” with Jimmy Hall andthe Memphis Horns. At the helm of the Koch-Marshall Trio, Greg is joined by his exceptionally talented son, Dylan, on drums, and Hammond organ virtuoso Toby Lee Marshall. Together, they deliver powerful live performances that captivate audiences both domestically and internationally. Their shows brim with bold improvisation, spirited interplay, and a dynamic energy that resonates with blues purists, guitar enthusiasts, and lovers of off-the-cuff musical synergy alike. Beyond the stage, Koch has earned widespread acclaim for his signature gear, which has become a staple for guitarists seeking exceptional tone. His line of signature guitars with Reverend, Fishman pickups, and the Kochness Monster pedal by JAM of Greece reflects his dedication to quality and innovation. Throughout the years Koch has also been known for his clinician skills partnering with gear manufacturers for in-store and industry demonstrations. He is also featured in many book and video teaching resources published by Hal Leonard and TrueFire. In the digital realm, Koch’s influence continues to grow, with over 100,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram and millions of views on YouTube. He connects with fans through engaging guitar videos for Wildwood Guitars, weekly jams in the Orange Room, his own “Chewing the Gristle” podcast, and popular appearances on platforms like Rick Beato’s Channel, That Pedal Show, and Andertons. With each note, Greg Koch inspires musicians and fans alike, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene and shaping the next generation of guitar enthusiasts.
Larry Mitchell
Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player. As an artist, he has released 9 solo records, 2 EP’s and won a San Diego Music Award for best pop jazz artist. As a producer-engineer, Larry has won 26 New Mexico Music Awards in various categories from pop, adult contemporary, rap, rock, country and Native American. He won a Grammy Award for producing, engineering and performing on “Totemic Flute Chants” by artist Johnny Whitehorse, who is better known as Robert Mirabal of Taos Pueblo. Larry is currently touring with his own trio as well as with Native artists Shelley Morningsong, Dawn Avery, Joy Harjo and Robert Mirabal. He has many long-standing endorsements and relationships with companies such as D’Marzio Pickups, Tech 21 NYC, Dava Picks, Majik Box, Fractal Audio, Composite Acoustics, Hotone, Keeley Electronics, Knaggs Guitars and Godin Acoustic Guitars.
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.
Sample Daily Schedule:*
| Breakfast Classes & Seminars Lunch Classes & Seminars Ensemble Rehearsals Clinics/Free Time Dinner Clinics Concert |
8am – 9am 9am – 1pm 1pm – 2pm 2pm – 3pm 3:00pm – 3:30pm 3:30pm – 5:30pm 5:30pm – 6:30pm 6:30pm – 8pm 8:30pm |
*Times may vary according to course selection, facilities, etc. The first and last day of the session follow a different schedule to accommodate registration and check-out.
Pricing
2026 Nashville Session Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Registration Fee (non-refundable): $120
Tuition (Per Session): $1295
On-campus Room & Board (Per Session): $630
Students attending multiple sessions receive a $100 discount.
Amp Rental (optional): $40
For those students who do not have a small portable amplifier for use in the classroom or dorm.
Meal Package (optional): $325
For off-campus students requiring lunch and dinner.
Extra Night: Early Arrival (optional): $110
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.
Private Room (optional): $350
Travel Information
Nashville Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the campus. Nashville International Airport is the nearest airport located 25 minutes away. Uber and shuttle services are available from the airport.
Cumberland University
Address: 1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA
Guitar Workshop Plus would like to thank:
