Masterclasses, jams, and live performances with 17 world-class guitarists. All in one weekend.
Four days built around hands-on playing, real-time feedback, and the kind of musical connections that don't happen over a screen.
Dedicated instruction across multiple rooms and skill levels. Technique, soloing, rhythm, chord melody, songwriting, and more.
Jams built around genres, concepts, and musical challenges. Play alongside mentors and fellow guitarists in a supportive setting all weekend.
Two nights of live performances from Sonora's house band. Then grab your guitar and take the stage for the student jam sessions that follow.
A headline Friday night set and an intimate masterclass over the weekend with Andy Wood, one of the country's most respected guitarists and clinicians.
Personal, one-on-one time with our faculty of industry-professional guitarists and educators. This isn't a spectator event.
Andy Wood joins the retreat for a headline set Friday night and his own dedicated masterclass over the weekend. One of the country's most respected guitarists and clinicians, Andy has toured with Rascal Flatts, Scott Stapp, and many others, and built a deep catalog of his own instrumental records. He's also the founder of the Woodshed Guitar Experience.
Reserve Your Spot →Each day balances structured learning with space to breathe, play, and connect.
Check in from 2 PM, then gather for a welcome dinner and opening remarks. The evening kicks off with the first mentor performance night, followed by the student jam with the house band.
Morning and afternoon masterclasses with Sonora's mentor team, plus structured jams and mentor time. Friday evening features the second mentor performance, a headline set from Andy Wood, and another round of student jams.
More masterclasses, facilitated jams, and dedicated mentor sessions. Saturday night is wide open: acoustic hangs, open jams, and playing until late.
Andy Wood's masterclass and a student showcase anchor the morning. The retreat wraps with 'The Send-Off', a final jam bringing all mentors and students together before goodbyes at 12:30 PM.
Sonora's mentors are touring artists, session guitarists, and educators who have worked with Olivia Rodrigo, John Legend, Madison Cunningham, Scary Pockets, Billy Strings, and more. At the retreat, they're not just teaching. They're performing, jamming, and hanging out alongside attendees all weekend.
Touring and Session Guitarist (currently w/ Olivia Rodrigo)
Currently touring worldwide with Olivia Rodrigo. Has played with Halsey, Nick Jonas, Black Eyed Peas, and performed on SNL. Featured in Guitar Player magazine's "50 Sensational Female Guitarists."
Session/touring guitarist and educator
LA-based guitarist described by Guitar Player Magazine as "a stunning player straddling blues, jazz, and rock." Has performed with Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, and Nigel Hall.
Bluegrass & Acoustic Guitar
Genre-crossing guitarist blending bluegrass, jazz, country, and folk. Toured with Matt Flinner, Jacob Jolliff, Grant Gordy, and more. Acclaimed educator at workshops and music camps nationwide.
Session Guitarist, Songwriter, and Producer
LA-based session guitarist who has performed with John Legend, Michael Buble, and Andrew Bird. House guitarist for Dancing With the Stars. Emphasizes rhythm, form and harmony in his teaching.
Jazz guitarist, composer and educator
Virtuoso jazz guitarist from New Delhi with degrees from Musicians Institute, Berklee, and NEC. Nominated for "Best Jazz Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards. Endorsed by Collings Guitars.
Composer, Clinician & Session Player
Toronto-based guitarist and York University faculty member. Mentor to Grammy-winning students including Billy Strings. Stresses learning music by ear and fretboard visualization.
Guitarist, Producer, and Educator
Nashville-based guitarist, producer, and educator. Curt has collaborated with Fender, D'Angelico, PRS Guitars, and Walrus Audio, and is deeply committed to helping guitarists reach their full potential.
Guitarist and Educator
Paris-born guitarist with degrees from Berklee and Manhattan School of Music. Has worked with Chris Cheek, Gary Burton, and Kurt Elling. Expertise spans jazz, rock, pop, metal, and funk.
Multi-instrumentalist rooted in Bluegrass, Americana, and Jazz
Versatile multi-instrumentalist specializing in bluegrass and jazz. Has performed at Red Rocks, Outside Lands, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. USC Thornton and CalArts graduate.
Instructor, Bandleader, Composer, Sideman
Named one of Canada's Best Jazz Musicians Under 35 by the CBC. Has shared the stage with Seamus Blake, John Abercrombie, and Donny McCaslin. Music Faculty at Humber College.
Improviser at Heart, Mentor by Calling
Ohio-based guitarist and Coordinator of Guitar Studies at Truman State University. 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award recipient. Has performed with Maria Schneider and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.
Composer / Arranger / Performer
Versatile guitarist with nearly 30 years of experience, bridging jazz, fusion, and pop. Featured at the International Musicians Summit alongside Tom Quayle, Mark Lettieri, and Isaiah Sharkey.
Guitarist and Educator
Guitarist with 25 years of experience spanning jazz, blues, folk, pop, and rock. His teaching blends real-world playing experience with a strong foundation in theory.
Guitarist and Educator
Prominent Bay Area musician who has toured with Grammy-winner Jody Watley and collaborated with George Clinton and Narada Michael Walden. Performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
International Educator, Studio Musician, and Performer
Austin-based guitarist known for his work with Arthur Brown, Eric Johnson, and Alejandro Escovedo. DownBeat award-winner who has performed at Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals.
Touring Guitarist and Educator
Toronto-based session guitarist who has performed with Andy Kim, Tanika Charles, and Classic Albums Live. Prioritizes musical fundamentals and individualized learning paths.
Session Guitarist and Educator
LA-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose work blends jazz, songcraft, and experimental textures. Has studied with Julian Lage, George Garzone, and other renowned musicians.
After the 2025 Sonora Retreat, we surveyed every attendee. Here's what they told us.
said the event met or exceeded their expectations
left with new tools and practices to implement
would recommend the Sonora Retreat to a friend
The retreat is open to everyone. All skill levels welcome.
Retreat Ticket
All levels are welcome. Masterclasses are grouped by skill level, and everyone participates throughout the weekend.
No. The retreat is open to the public. Current Sonora students receive additional perks and the best ticket pricing.
Your ticket covers all 4 days of programming: masterclasses, jams, performances, Andy Wood's masterclass, and select meals. Accommodations and travel are not included.
The retreat takes place at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA.
Your guitar, a notepad, and a willingness to learn. If you're bringing an electric, a small battery-powered amp is recommended.
Yes. Sonora students pre-register before the event. Public attendees can sign up on-site for remaining slots. There are two jam nights (Thursday and Friday).
We don't have an official hotel partner, but two options are close to the venue: the Best Western Hollywood Hills is about four blocks away, and the Loews Hollywood Hotel is two blocks away and a more upscale option. Both are walking distance from Musicians Institute.
Early bird pricing won't last forever. Lock in your spot at the lowest rate available.
Reserve Your Spot →