
From fingerstyle to acoustic to jazz and more, Martin and Peppino will give you insight into the techniques, styles, and tips to inspire and improve your playing. The retreat is designed to gather guitarists of all levels from around the globe with a common goal – learning, playing, eating and sleeping music.
This is the second time a Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat has been held in the USA. The last one sold out in 45 seconds! Don’t miss this chance to spend a week-end in the Golden State of California, home of some of the world’s best music. What could be better than a musical holiday where you really learn something and have a great time with like-minded people?
The Martin Taylor Guitar Retreat will take place in Benicia in Northern California, just outside San Francisco on the 15th-17th January 2016. NAMM Show, the world’s premier music products trade show, happens a week later near Los Angeles, and is a great event to attend straight after the retreat finishes.
During the day you’ll learn directly with Martin and Peppino and every evening you can sit back with a California wine or local handcrafted beer and take part in intimate, once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions. Just bring your guitar, get ready to learn, jam, make friends and have fun![/text_block]

You will leave the retreat with:
- Improved technique and a new confidence as a guitarist
- Plenty of exercises to continue to progress your playing
- New tunes for your repertoire
- Inspiration and new friends
- Opportunity to play onstage with Martin & Peppino
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Friday 15th January 2016
2:00 – 3:00 pm Students Arrive
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Retreat Welcome & Introductions
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Afternoon Workshop
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dinner
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm Evening Jam
Saturday 16th January 2016
7:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Morning Workshop
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm Afternoon Workshops
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Dinner
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm Evening Jam
Sunday 17th January 2016
7:30 am – 9:00 am Breakast
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Morning Workshop
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm Afternoon Workshops
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Performance at Local Venue (optional)
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He has collaborated with the biggest names in guitar music including Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Frank Vignola, Barney Kessell, Earl Klugh, Herb Ellis, Scotty Moore, Julian Lage, Andreas Oberg, Albert Lee, Ulf Wakenius, Tony McManus, Martin Simpson and Laurence Juber. In addition to this he has been awarded two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, an IAJE Jazz Educators award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and UK, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE ‘For Services to Jazz Music’ by the Queen of Great Britain. Today his online jazz guitar lessons and fingerstyle guitar videos have been watched by over 1 million guitarists worldwide.[/text_block]

D’Agostino has performed in more than 26 countries; been featured at prestigious international music festivals, and frequently plays with prominent artists around the world, including Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, and Eric Johnson. His 17 recordings include releases on Favored Nations, Mesa/Bluemoon, Acoustic Music Records, and other labels.
When not performing D’Agostino also enjoys teaching. He has made various teaching videos, has individual students, and leads group instruction and vacation learning packages like the Acoustic Guitar Cruises or Creative Vacances in La Moreau, France. Beginning this fall the leading online instruction company Truefire will release a series of videos in which D’Agostino explains his influential guitar techniques and approach to composition. One thing is true – Peppino is always thinking guitar.[/text_block]


- All Workshops (13hrs of instruction)
- Welcome goodie bag
- Sunday night performance slot (optional)
- 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
- Wine/beer at Dinners
- Evening jam sessions!
- All Workshops (13hrs of instruction)
- Welcome goodie bag
- Sunday night performance slot (optional)
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners
- Wine/beer at Dinners
- Evening jam sessions!
- Friday & Saturday Accommodation in Benicia

A. The retreat classes run from the Friday afternoon until Sunday evening.
Q. Where does the retreat take place.
A.The retreat classes will take place in downtown Benicia close to the three main lodging spots.
Q. Can my partner attend even though they won’t participate in the classes.
A. Absolutely, non-participating partners are very welcome and the price per non-participating partner (sharing room) is $295 which can be paid by CLICKING HERE.
Q. Can I rent a guitar?
A. Yes, just contact Donna (dwapner@sbcglobal.net) and she’ll put you in touch with the local music store in Benicia.
Q. What about accommodation?
A.The Shorelight Inn, Benicia Inn, and Union Hotel are in the center of Benicia and a five minute walk from each other. The Heritage Inn, which is less than a mile away will be used only if the other hotels are full. We have negotiated discount room rates with them which is included in the Gold Package. If you would like to request a specific room (filled on a first come-first serve basis) check the websites at: www.theinnatbeniciabay.com www.heritageinnbenicia.com www.shorelightinn.com www.unionhotelbenicia.com. Send your room request and any other accommodation questions to Donna Wapner at dwapner@sbcglobal.net
Q. Can I book extra nights of accommodation?
A. Yes. We have negotiated a reduced rate of $125 per night for any extra nights. Just email Donna Wapner at dwapner@sbcglobal.net with your requirements.
Q. Who can I contact if I have other questions related to the retreat?
A. Please email dwapner@sbcglobal.net
Q. Can you accommodate those with dietary issues?
A. We are happy to cater for people with diet issues. Vegetarians and basic diet requirements are included in the price.
Q. Is the venue and accommodation suitable for those with mobility issues?
A. We are not able to accommodate anyone with severe mobility problems. Please get in touch with dwapner@sbcglobal.net to discuss your particular needs.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. You can receive a full refund minus any credit card/hotel booking fees within the first 30 days of booking. If you need to cancel after the 30 day period then you would receive a refund minus $500 and any credit card/hotel book fees we incur as a result of your cancellation. After September 15, 2015 there will be no refunds unless we have a waiting list. Please consider getting travel insurance to cover unexpected occurrences.
Q. How do I get there?
A. You can travel to Benicia either by air or road.
By air: Benicia is 45minutes from Oakland International Airport and an hour from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Public transportation to Benicia from the airports include: BART (to Pleasant Hill) – www.bart.gov – and Evans Airporter to Vallejo – www.evanstransportation.com.
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