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
2025 Guest Artists TBA
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…..
2024 Guest Artists
Larry Mitchell
Larry Mitchell is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and GRAMMY award winning producer/ engineer, who also holds twenty-seven New Mexico Music Awards, a San Diego Music Award, and his recent album “The Light Within” just earned the coveted 2022 “Best Instrumental” Global Music Award. Larry’s guitar textures demonstrate his abilities as a solo artist and as an ensemble player having toured as guitarist for folk pop artist Tracy Chapman, rock singer Billy Squier, pop rock singer of the Cars Ric Ocasek, Latin mega star Miguel Bosѐ, United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, and acclaimed Native American singer Robert Mirabal. He has co-written music for a Broadway children’s musical with World Music and Native American artist Dawn Avery, Indigie Femme and Shelley Morningsong as well as singer songwriters Randi Driscoll, Katie Martin and many others in various musical genres. In 2022, Larry opened shows for guitar great Steve Vai and 2023 saw Larry play many festivals in the US and Australia.
Andy McKee
Andy McKee is one of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists and it’s evident from the accolades he has received throughout his career. It’s his youthful energy, attention to song structure and melodic content that elevates him above the rest. After nearly a decade without releasing new studio recordings, McKee returns with his six-track EP, Symbol. Andy entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique. McKee’s crossover success has helped him to achieve millions upon millions of YouTube viewers, underscoring his emergence as one of today’s most unique and influential artists. His song “Drifting” became one of the first YouTube viral videos with almost 60 million views. He has been featured as a cover story in both Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the U.S. and Acoustic Magazine in the UK. McKee’s tour dates have taken him through Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including tours with legendary acts from Dream Theater to Tommy Emmanuel.
Gary Hoey
World renowned blues/rock guitarist Gary Hoey’s first break came in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne liked Hoey’s tape enough to fly him to LA for an audition. Zakk Wylde eventually wound up with the gig, however Ozzy recommended Hoey move to LA where he was certain he would get noticed, and so he did! In 1992 Gary’s cover of “Hocus Pocus” rocketed into Billboard’s Top 5. With a collection of 21 albums it’s no wonder Gary Hoey is listed as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. In 1994 Hoey scored the successful “Endless Summer II” soundtrack. In 2012, he produced and co-wrote Lita Ford’s release “Living Like A Runaway” to rave reviews. He’s worked with legends like Joe Perry, Roger Daltrey, blues icon Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, and Leslie West to name just a few. He has toured and traded licks with the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May of Queen, Ted Nugent, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, and Dick Dale. Hoey has explored many styles of music in his career, but in 2013, came home to the Blues with his release of “Deja Blues.” 2016’s “Dust & Bones,” is an exuberant fusion of blues and rock. His latest release, “Neon Highway Blues”, carries the confidence and assuredness of a veteran, and the freshness of someone who’s still in the process of discovery and refinement — with the help of famous friends such as Eric Gales, Lance Lopez, and Josh Smith. Whatever style he plays, Gary Hoey is a fiery, charismatic player. Whether he’s playing scorching bluesy originals or blues/rock covers, his solos are thrilling and, one thing that remains consistent is Hoey’s impassioned command of the guitar. He can attack his instrument with feral intensity and then play something very soft and achingly beautiful. This ability to mix feeling, phrasing, technique and tone is the true mark of a master guitarist.
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:
