After a forced hiatus because of the pandemic, Guitar Workshop Plus (GWP) has return with its week-long, intensive musician camps around North American, with the Toronto session approaching from July 24-29, 2022. The guest artists who will join students at the Toronto session are jazz virtuoso Mark Whitfield and Canadian modern acoustic and fingerstyle master, Antoine Dufour.

This will be GWP’s 20th year, and of the 2022 program, its director, Brian Murray, says, “We are really excited about the program this year as there are courses available for guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keys, and songwriting in all styles from blues and rock, to country and jazz, to acoustic and classical. We have an incredible guest artist and faculty line up so the attendees are going to love it and walk away with tons of material to improve their skills and a whole bunch of inspiration”.

In addition to a faculty roster of first call musicians and teachers, the list of artists who have worked with the administration includes such high-profile musicians as Joe Satriani, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Robben Ford, John Scofield, Steve Vai, Rik Emmett, Randy Bachman, Andy Summers (The Police), Billy Sheehan, Pierre Bensusan, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Orianthi, John Abercrombie, Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, John Jorgenson, Victor Wooten, Jennifer Batten, Guthrie Govan, Stu Hamm, Albert Lee, Nathan East, and Eric Gales.

Designed for aspiring musicians of all ages, including teenagers, adult hobbyists, students pursuing music careers, semi-professional and professional musicians, the program offers students a unique setting for intense musical and personal growth. As well, this program allows for group development (entire bands will sometimes attend) and the family experience (father and son, mother and daughter, brothers and sisters, etc.). The program provides students with the opportunity to study multiple styles, courses, and levels with leading musicians. By directing instruction to the student’s personal style, level of experience, and musical goals, the program is designed to create a healthy, non-competitive environment in which to learn. Courses are offered for all levels (beginner to advanced), ages (12 through adult), and styles including blues, jazz, rock, acoustic, and classical. The intensive bass, drum, keyboard, vocal, and songwriting courses cover many styles and afford students with many rhythm section and ensemble performance opportunities. Each day consists of morning and afternoon classes that involve a hands-on approach, late afternoon clinics (songwriting, improvisation, vocal, etc.), ensemble performances, and evening concerts.

This year’s schedules, details, and scholarship information is available at www.guitarworkshopplus.com. Various tuition options are available with and without accommodations.

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