The 5th Annual Guitar and Bass Retreat is a recreational four days of guitar and/or bass workshops, group classes, one on one sessions, impromptu jam sessions and energizing concerts on the pristine mountain campus of Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. Held in conjunction with Arts in the Mountains, Summer Music and Arts Festival, the Retreat is taylored to adults over 18 and qualifies for a college credit and ACT 48 continuing ed credits.

Students learn in a completely hands-on, relaxed, safe environment without the pressure of being perfect. Our goal is to start or advance your playing in a way that keeps you playing for a long time. As such, our instructors customize your experience to your interests, abilities and goals. See below for instructor bios.

PRICING:
Register before May 15, 2009 - $249.00 Register after May 15, 2009 - $299.00 Affordable on campus housing and meals available (recommended).

Dan Murphy returns for his second year teaching guitar at St. Francis University’s Guitar Retreat with much enthusiasm.  Last year was such a stimulating yet relaxing environment there. 

Murphy offers his two decades of experience as a live performer-he has played bass, electric guitar and acoustic in numerous bands, duos and trios in a variety of settings- from quiet coffee houses to heavy metal and punk events.

It wasn’t until Murphy was in his early twenties that he found himself on the West Coast without an amplifier and accidentally got involved in really listening and learning from folkies, blues and bluegrass players.  It is in the context that he seeks to help students in the retreat find their voice in the guitar and ultimately express themselves at home, around the campfire to the recording studio and finally the stage!  Murphy is currently a member of the Pennsylvania based band and acoustic act, Remaining Green. 

Since beginning his guitar career in his teens, Pennsylvania native Eric Brewer has quickly managed to establish a solid background in music. While still in high school, he attended music theory and classical guitar at Edinboro University evenings and was able to enter Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University with college credits already in hand. As a member of a popular college band, he was fortunate to open for major acts such Motley Crue, Dickey Betts and Pat Travers. Valuable experience was gained at host of great venues. He has also enjoyed countless hours in the recording studio, both on his own works and as a session musician. Eric’s guitar playing can be heard on tracks from many artists from local to national.

Currently as the member of four bands, he has ample opportunity to perform while also working as a busy guitar instructor at World of Music in Erie, PA. He is involved in special projects as they arise such as radio and television appearances, benefits, workshops and clinics. Most recently, he was chosen as a top 10 finalist for Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Superstar 08 held in San Francisco and competed in front of judges such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Andy Summers. Please check Eric's MySpace for more information at www.myspace.com/ericbrewerandfriends.