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 Toronto, ON. 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
Toronto Location
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre has exceptional amenities, elegant style and an outstanding location in Toronto, Ontario. Our hotel and conference venue is only three kilometres from Toronto Pearson International Airport and offers free shuttle services for easy commutes to the airport. In addition to the great meals and dining experience at the hotel, you can treat yourself at the full-service Starbucks in the lobby. Maintain your routine at the 24-hour fitness centre or change it up with a dip in the indoor pool or massage and facial at Exhale Spa & Wellness. Your pet-friendly hotel room or suite comes with free Wi-Fi, free bottled water, deluxe bedding, premium bath products and much more. Match the energy of Toronto, Ontario, at our dynamic Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre.
Discover All The Exciting Things To Do Toronto, ON
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre is a short drive from downtown Toronto and Square One Shopping Mall. Within walking distance from the hotel you will find a variety of restaurants and other conveniences including banks, pharmacy and grocery stores. A variety of nearby transport options are available such as buses and subway lines to ensure quick, convenient access to Toronto’s greatest landmarks and shopping districts.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Square One Shopping Mall
- Ontario Science Centre
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Toronto Zoo
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- CN Tower
- Rogers Centre
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Canada’s Wonderland
- Niagara Falls
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
Rik Emmett
After a dozen platinum LPs from ’75 to ’88 with Triumph, Rik Emmett has released 25 more solo projects, continuing to write and record, ranging across many genres. Six decades in the biz landed him in five Halls and two Walks of Fame, with a few ‘Best Guitarist’ awards in various categories along the way. His poetry collection ‘Reinvention’ came out in 2021, followed by his memoir (‘LAY IT ON THE LINE – A Backstage Pass to Rock Star Adventure, Conflict and Triumph’) in 2023. His newest 2024 work is entitled ‘Ten Telecaster Tales’, a combination of ten instrumental pieces with an accompanying book that is arguably the most comprehensive attempt at liner notes in the history of instrumental fingerstyle electric guitar albums. Rik was a Guitar Player magazine columnist for over a dozen years and taught on the Humber College music faculty. The avowed family man has retired from touring and is currently living the dream in Burlington, Ontario.
Joel Hoekstra
New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra currently plays for Whitesnake and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Joel is also well-known for his work with: Cher, Night Ranger, the Broadway show Rock of Ages, his fill in work with Foreigner, Accept, his annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, recording projects like Revolution Saints, Iconic and his acoustic shows with Brandon Gibbs. He has also been a frequent columnist for Guitar World Magazine. Over the years Joel has released 3 instrumental solo albums and 3 critically acclaimed albums with his side project Joel Hoekstra’s 13! Most recently he was the guest guitarist on Dancing with the Stars (Hair Metal Episode) and played with Cher for her Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction.
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 Toronto Session Fees (CDN Dollars)
Commuter Package & Meals $2,035
+ $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 $2,730
+ $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 $3,260
+ $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
- 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
Toronto Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the campus. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is the nearest airport located 20 minutes away. Taxi and limousine services are available from the airport.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
Guitar Workshop Plus would like to thank:
