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 San Diego, CA. 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
Alma San Diego Hotel
Looking for a place where work and play seamlessly blend? Look no further than Alma San Diego. Nestled between the historic Gaslamp Quarter and trendy Little Italy, and right next door to the House of Blues, we’re your gateway to the best of San Diego. Explore world-class attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld – all just minutes from our downtown hotel. At Alma, we’ve infused Mexican heritage with the laid-back vibes of Southern California. Our stylish rooms and suites tell a story with rich wood floors, Art Deco touches, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Unwind by our sparkling rooftop pool, explore the city on a complimentary bike, or savor locally-inspired food and drinks at The Café. Experience the vibrant heart of San Diego.
Enjoy a peaceful downtown stay
Discover All The Exciting Things To Do In San Diego, CA
Make the most of your stay by exploring all the great things to see in San Diego, CA. Explore miles of pristine San Diego beaches. Lose yourself in a lush urban oasis of green, bursting with botanical gardens, museums and tranquil walking paths. Go wild at the world’s largest zoo. Check out aquatic creatures great and small, like killer whales, clown fish and sea lions at the country’s best aquatic theme park. The vibrant Gaslamp Quarter with its diverse dining, shopping and nightlife is just a short stroll away. The Lafayette Hotel puts you in the middle of the city’s fun and excitement.
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Zoo
- SeaWorld -Beaches
- Gaslamp Quarter
- USS Midway Museum
- and much more!
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…..
2025 Guest Artists
Phil X
Hailing from Toronto, Canada where it all began, Phil X started out like a lot of teenagers with a guitar in their hands and dreams of the big time. Well… although it took a really long time, it happened. He replaced Richie Sambora and has been the guitarist for Bon Jovi for the past 12 years. Phil first stepped into the limelight as guitarist for some very well known Canadian acts including Frozen Ghost, Aldo Nova, and Triumph. After relocating to Los Angeles, Phil founded the bands Powder as well as The Drills. He also became a much sought after session musician in LA and has recorded and worked with Tommy Lee, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Chis Cornell, Stewart Copeland, Edgar Winter, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Billy Gibbons, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, Matt Sorum and many, many others.
Stuart Hamm
Stuart Hamm is perhaps best known for his recording and touring roles with guitar legends such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. However, for serious students of the electric bass, Hamm’s influence and impact on the instrument are far more extensive. Regarded as one of the most technically gifted bassists to have emerged out of the jazz/rock genre in the last thirty years, Hamm has released a string of impressive solo albums, along the way becoming an ambassador for virtuoso bass playing through his mastery of slap and pop techniques and his pioneering work with two handed tapping and solo bass playing. He has also released several successful tuition videos, beginning with Slap, Pop and Tap for the Bass in 1988 and his more recent series of videos for his Truefire ‘Stu U’ course. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Hamm has been awarded the schools ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’.
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
2025 San Diego Session Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Commuter Package & Meals $2,240.00
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, workshops, presentations, and concerts
- Two meals daily (Lunch and Dinner)
- Wi-Fi
This package does not include lodging. Pricing is per person.
*Registration Fee is non-refundable
Shared Room w/ Two Beds $2,850
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, seminars, workshops, presentations, concerts and entertainment for 6 days and 5 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 $3,280
+ $120 Registration Fee*
Package Includes:
- Classes, clinics, seminars, workshops, presentations, concerts and entertainment for 6 days and 5 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
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
- Amp Rental: $40
- 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
San Diego Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the campus. San Diego International Airport is the nearest airport located 15 minutes away. Taxi and shuttle services are available from the airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario, CA International Airport, and John Wayne International in Orange County, CA are other options.
Alma San Diego
Address: 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Guitar Workshop Plus would like to thank:
