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
Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel
Find an inviting retreat in the center of it all at Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel. Located in the city’s Mission Valley neighborhood, our authentic and elegant hotel places all parts of San Diego at your fingertips. The airport and San Diego University are right outside of our hotel doors, while iconic attractions like SeaWorld, Petco Park, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are a short drive away.
Comfortable and Relaxing
Intuitively designed, our guest rooms and suites set the stage for a productive and relaxing visit; features include a plush Sheraton Sleep Experience Bed and high-speed Wi-Fi. Energize in our modern fitness center, make a splash in our sparkling outdoor pool or sample innovative California cuisine at Cru Bistro, our signature restaurant. If shopping is on the agenda, one of California’s largest upscale open-air retail locations, the Fashion Valley Mall, is steps away. A premier events destination, our hotel also features 12,000 square feet of highly flexible, contemporary venue space.
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…..
2023 Guest Artists
Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick is a musician, composer and improviser of a multitude of styles, particularly metal and jazz guitar. While a sixteen year old student of Joe Satriani, Alex joined Bay Area metal outfit Testament, bringing melody, harmony and technique unheard of in thrash metal at the time. During the next decade, 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. He has since released critically acclaimed albums with his own trio. In the mid-2000’s, he 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 featured Alex as guest soloist on an album. Alex has also worked with superstar acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, Percy Jones (Brand X, Brian Eno), Stuart Hamm, Michael Manring, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and others. As a writer, Alex has contributed to publications including Guitar World and Guitar Player. Alex has his own line of ESP signature guitars and a signature pickup made by Seymour Duncan. Additional product endorsements include D’Addario, Taylor Guitars, Godin Guitars, IK Multimedia, Orange Amps and more. Whether he’s appearing at sophisticated jazz venues such as The Blue Note and Iridium or shredding at full volume at heavy music festivals, it’s safe to say that Skolnick has found his own niche as a guitarist..
Nathan East
Grammy-nominated bassist Nathan East, credited on more than 2,000 albums, is recognized as one of the most recorded musicians in the business. He is a founding member of contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay with Bob James, Lee Ritenour & Harvey Mason. East is known for his musical collaborations with Eric Clapton, Anita Baker, BB King, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, Beyoncé, Quincy Jones, Ringo, Toto & Daft Punk with Nathan’s bass lines driving worldwide hits “Get Lucky”, Kenny Loggins “Footloose” and Clapton’s “Change The World”. East co-wrote “Easy Lover” with Phil Collins & Philip Bailey earning him multiple awards including Britain’s prestigious Ivor Novello Award. In 2014 Nathan released his debut album on the Yamaha Entertainment Group label which went to #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts and won a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. His second solo album “Reverence” (2017) also reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz & Contemporary Jazz charts. East, a graduate of University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music has his own online School of Bass at ArtistWorks.com and was honored by The United States Congress with a Congressional Record for his contribution to the worldwide music community.
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
2023 San Diego Session Fees (U.S. Dollars)
Commuter Package & Meals $1,650.00
+ $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 $2,340
+ $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 $2,770
+ $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): $230
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.
Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel San Diego
Address: 1433 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Guitar Workshop Plus would like to thank:
