Steve Vai

Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, visionary composer, and consummate producer who sculpts musical sound with infinite creativity and technical mastery. At 18 he began his professional musical career transcribing for, and then playing with, the legendary Frank Zappa. More than three decades, 15-million in album sales, and three GRAMMY Awards later, Vai has proven himself, in his own right, one of music’s true originals. While many artists fit easily into a single category, Steve Vai remains unclassifiable. He is a musical alchemist of the highest order. Throughout the years, Steve Vai has awed fans of all genres with his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship. He boasts career sales of over 15 million records, 13 Grammy nominations, and three Grammy wins and has toured the world as a solo artist, as a member of G3, and with Frank Zappa and bands such as Alcatrazz, The David Lee Roth Band, and Whitesnake. As an accomplished audio producer, Vai has written, produced, and engineered all of his solo albums, released via Favored Nations, his own independent record label that has released over 70 albums by legendary musicians such as Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Lukather, Eric Johnson, Billy Sheehan, Larry Carlton and much more. For Vai, virtuosity and versatility are not mutually exclusive. He has created music for blockbuster films, bestselling video games, national sports franchises, and corporate brand initiatives. His career accomplishments have earned him honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute.

Joe Satriani

One of the most influential and respected instrumental rock guitarists to emerge in the past three decades, Joe Satriani is that rare “musician’s musician” who’s crossed over into the mainstream with music sublime and complex, appealing to a wide variety of tastes.

A true master of the six-string, Satriani worked as a guitar teacher in his early career, with a number of his students—among them Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Larry LaLonde, David Bryson (Counting Crows), Charlie Hunter and more—achieving their own considerable successes.

While in considerable demand as a sideman throughout his career—he’s toured with Mick Jagger, Deep Purple and many others—Satriani has pursued his own musical vision over the years through a series of instrumental rock albums (many of them Grammy nominated) which chronicle his evolution as an artist and his eloquence as a guitarist.

A tireless performer who draws strength and inspiration from live shows, Satriani is consistently one of the world’s top concert draws. He is a core member of the rock supergroup Chickenfoot (with Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith) as well as founder of the highly successful G3 tours, each teaming Satriani with a pair of top-flight guitarists with shows often featuring special guest artists and other musical surprises. A nearly annual event, G3 launched in 1996 with Steve Vai and Eric Johnson and has showcased a wide variety of axemen over the years including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, Robert Fripp, John Petrucci, Steve Morse, Neal Schon, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, Steve Lukather and many others. Most recently, the G3 tour played South America in 2012.

Over his career, Joe Satriani has earned 15 Best Rock Instrumental Performance Grammy nominations alongside Platinum (Surfing With The Alien, Flying in a Blue Dream) and Gold (Surfing With The Alien, Flying in a Blue Dream, The Extremist, Time Machine) certifications for his solo recordings. He also racked up Gold and Platinum certifications for the DVD Live in San Francisco and 2 G3 DVDs, G3 Live and Live in Denver.

Andy Timmons

As guitarist for pop-metal band Danger Danger, he toured the world opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper, sold over a million records worldwide, and had two #1 videos on MTV, plus amassing a discography that includes 7 solo releases that range from blazing guitar instrumentals, to blues, and even a Beatles/Elvis Costello-inspired collection of pop tunes.

As a session player, he’s been highly featured on CDs by drumming legend Simon Phillips, a live CD with Olivia Newton-John (Andy has been her music director/guitarist for several U.S. tours), two internationally acclaimed CDs by Kip Winger, recording sessions for Paula Abdul, Paul Stanley, and countless radio and television jingles. He has also played alongside many of his heroes such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani (as a regular guest on their G3 tours in Dallas), Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Mike Stern, Ace Frehley, Ted Nugent, and Pierre Bensusan, as well as some of his fave ’60’s singing stars such as the Beach Boys, Lesley Gore, and Gordon Waller (of Peter and Gordon fame!)

Devin Townsend

Over the course of Devin Townsend’s storied career, a single constant has persevered: change. As far back as Steve Vai’s Sex & Religion, which Townsend fronted, to 2001’s landmark full-length Terria to the multi-instrumentalist’s country rock outfit Casualties of Cool to his stunning new album Transcendence, the Canadian isn’t too interested in keeping an even musical keel. To stay the proverbial course is, well, anathema. For certain, he’s far too impatient to write the same Strapping Young Lad song over and over—which is why he folded the band in 2007—and it’s likely there will never be a fourth or fifth Ziltoid album (a third if we’re lucky) because by that point he’ll be in a totally different frame of mind for galactic puppets gone awry. To understand why Townsend, consciously and subconsciously, favors change is to know the man and his music today.

Larry Mitchell

Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer, and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player.

As an artist, he has released 8 solo records and won a San Diego Music Award for the best pop-jazz artist. Larry is currently touring promoting his 2016 release “The Traveler”

As a producer-engineer, Larry has won 26 New Mexico Music Awards in various categories from pop, adult contemporary, rap, rock, country World music and Native American. He won a Grammy Award for producing, engineering and performing on “Totemic Flute Chants” by Native American artist Johnny Whitehorse, who is better known as Robert Mirabal of Taos Pueblo.

He has many long-standing endorsements and relationships with companies such as Ibanez Guitars, D’Addario Strings, D’Marzio Pickups, Tech 21 NYC, Cord-Lox, Dava Picks, Antares tech, Sennhieser Wireless systems, Pro Bag gig bags, Ultimate Ears, Peavey, Majik Box, Fractal Audio and now with Knaggs guitars and Godin Acoustic guitars, Morrow Audio cables.tt.

Plini

Hello! I am a 25 year old from Sydney, Australia. I like to travel, eat, and make music.

So far, I’ve independently recorded & released one album, a trilogy of EPs and numerous singles, all of which you can hear on Bandcamp, YouTube, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and even, if you like, using the ancient technology of a Compact Disc Player.

Though essentially a solo project, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of very talented people, including Marco Minnemann, Chris Letchford, Troy Wright, Rick Graham and many others. I have also appeared as a guest soloist on recordings by a number of amazing artists, including Skyharbor, Intervals, Modern Day Babylon, David Maxim Micic, Jakub Zytecki, Novelists, Sithu Aye, and The Helix Nebula.

I play .STRANDBERG* guitars, D’ADDARIO strings, SUHR pickups, and use RED BEAR and DUNLOP picks. I use a Line6 RELAY G70, FRACTAL AUDIO AxeFX II + AX8, ATOMIC Amplifire, FOCUSRITE Scarlett 18i20 and YAMAHA HS8 Monitors.

Matt Picone

Matt Picone is a director at Fractal Audio Systems, creators of the Axe-Fx and other industry-leading guitar processor products. In addition to various management and creative roles, he works as a product specialist, sound designer, and musician with over 30 years of experience spanning guitars, amps, effects, synthesizers, software, and other forms of music technology. He takes great satisfaction in supporting Vai Academy performers Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Devin Townsend, Larry Mitchell, and Plini – and also working with the whole gallery of great guitarists who use Fractal Audio products, both pro and amateur. At this year’s Vai Academy, he will be a participant in various artist presentations, and will also offer free one-on-one and small group clinics.

Dave Weiner

Guitarist, engineer, producer and four-time Grammy nominee, Dave Weiner, has been playing guitar and writing music for nearly three decades. Starting at age 10, within three years, Dave had an original band and released a full-length record; another one at age 16. After high school, Dave went to college where his cover band played countless gigs and upon graduating (with an Accounting degree!), he moved to Hollywood to attend Musician’s Institute: Guitar Institute of Technology. While at school, Dave interned for Vai’s manager. Through this work, Dave met Vai and eventually Steve heard a demo Dave had recorded and, impressed, invited him to join his band. That was 1999. 16 years, seven world tours, multiple live DVD and CD releases and Dave is still Steve’s go-to guitarist. Dave also has multiple records of his own released (Daveweiner.com), created and hosts the internet’s longest-running guitar education video series (Guitopia.com), and started the Philly Guitar Club (phillyguitarclub.com).

Jeremy Colson

Jeremy Colson is a world-renowned drummer. In addition to his notable work with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai beginning in 2002, Jeremy has toured across the globe with a long list of diverse bands and musicians, including Billy Idol, Marty Friedman, and Michael Schenker. In addition to touring, Jeremy is a sought-after session drummer who has recorded professionally with a wide range of rock, metal, and pop acts. Essentially a self-taught musician, Jeremy’s distinctive style of drumming originates from his love of progressive rock and metal. He credits his childhood obsession with progressive rock and odd-time signatures for his ability to master the intricate details of the Vai music catalog. After countless international tours and appearances, two full-length studio albums, a concert DVD, and Steve’s Grammy nomination, for “Now We Run” from the iconic live CD “Where the Wild Things Are,” Jeremy remains Steve’s “go to” drummer more than a decade later. In addition to extensive touring with Steve in Russia, Europe, and Japan this year, Jeremy will embark on a drum clinic tour of China. In the Fall of 2014, Jeremy will launch Colson Drums, offering an elite level of custom, private drum instruction from his studio in Burbank, California. When he is not playing drums, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs and cats, and mountain biking in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Phillip Bynoe

Three-time Grammy nominee and Emmy Award-winning bassist Philip Bynoe is a prolific recording and touring musician. Though best known for his work with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai, Philip has played everything from heavy metal to R&B to classical, and has worked with the likes of Kevin Eubanks, The Tonight Show Band, Dorian Holley (of Michael Jackson), Slash (of Velvet Revolver), Charlie Farren, and Ring of Fire with Tony MacAlpine. Music has been the focus of Philip’s life since early childhood. His father played string bass in an orchestra and his mother played the cello. At age six, Philip started to study cello, before later moving to guitar. It wasn’t until he picked up his father’s electric bass in sixth grade that he found his “voice.” He went on to attend The Berklee College of Music in Boston and studied with Wit Brown. Eventually, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme introduced Philip to Mike Mangini and soon, Philip and Mike were playing together in the Rick Berlin Band. It was Mangini who later got Philip an audition with Steve Vai, whom Philip has recorded with and embarked on many world tours with. In 2005, Philip received an Emmy Award for his work on the soundtrack for a remake of Reefer Madness. Philip’s versatility keeps him in high demand with an eclectic range of artists. He also teaches bass and ensemble work at the L.A. Music Academy in Pasadena.

Doug Doppler

With a disc out on Steve Vai’s esteemed Favored Nations label, tours supporting the likes of Michael Schenker, and a session background that includes Guitar Hero, Doug Doppler clearly took the lessons he learned as a student of Joe Satriani to heart.

In 2014 Doug launched GearTunes.com to connect the dots between gear, demos, and dealers. The GearTunes marketing platform helps brands get their message to market by engaging gear enthusiasts in new and innovative ways.

Doug remains a passionate music educator, offering Skype lessons, and teaching one day a week at the same Berkeley teaching studio he inherited from Joe Satriani.

Stig Mathisen

Stig Mathisen is a guitarist and educator from Northern Norway, currently residing in Los Angeles. Stig has a Masters and a Doctoral degree in guitar performance from University of Southern California, where he graduated with numerous awards for outstanding achievements. He studied Classical guitar at Tromso University for over six years, and has worked extensively as a freelance guitarist and University lecturer in both Norway and in the U.S. An eclectic guitarist by nature, Stig is equally comfortable with rock, jazz and classical music, and has rubbed shoulders with numerous world-class musicians over the years. A passionate explorer and a relentless seeker of all knowledge pertaining to guitar, improvisation, composition, music history and music philosophy, he has been on a quest since his formative years to discover the inner mechanics and the deeper secrets of music. Stig is currently the Chair of the Guitar Program (GIT) at Musicians Institute, in Hollywood, California, and he has written several of the books currently in use as core curriculum at the college.

Stephanie Bradley

Stephanie Bradley has been playing guitar for 15 years and teaching for almost as long. Since the moment she first picked up a guitar, she hasn’t put it down. Her instrument is truly a part of her, as you can see in the joy in her face every time she plays.

Stephanie has become a regular exhibitor at NAMM and other trade shows for a wide variety of companies, and has also been a hired gun for multiple bands; performing shows all over the country and at major festivals like Bonnaroo.

Stephanie has studied under some of the world’s top guitar players; Bruce Bouillet (Racer X), Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big/Racer X/Solo Artist), and Chris Broderick (Megadeth/Nevermore). And now, her skill and personality have made her an extremely sought after teacher herself, both online and in person.

While still teaching over 30 students a week, she also worked at award-winning composer Hans Zimmer’s recording studio where she learned how to compose for television and major motion pictures. After her time at the studio, she went on to find her favorite niche, consulting clients in the music industry and making high-quality promotional guitar videos for them. Stephanie has taken her guitar skills and mixed them with her digital media marketing skills to build not only her own guitar career, but help some of the biggest music companies and musicians with theirs. Alongside her husband, their company’s clients include Gator Cases, Levy’s Leathers, Steve Vai, Billy Ray Cyrus, ESP Guitars, Megadeth’s A-Tout Le Mond Beer, and many more.

Stephanie is currently working on an instrumental album, and she recently filmed a lesson series focused completely on speed-picking for JamPlay.com

Chris Cisneros

Rock-Fusion guitarist, composer, and producer, Cisneros has dedicated over four decades to his musical calling with a special love for melding music from various genres with cultures from around the world. This passion fuels his desire to help players uncover the gift of musical self-discovery, connection through performance, and the art of listening.

Cisneros studied Classical guitar, Jazz, Flamenco, and traditional Indian music, and continues to learn each time he picks up the instrument. He enjoys performing with various groups ranging from small ensembles to Latin Jazz Big Bands, Rock bands as well Rock band backed by an orchestra and has been honored to share the stage with many well-known, accomplished names in the business.



Chris delights in being part of the Dreamcatcher Events team and particularly loves helping campers immerse, learn, and cherish the experiences for years to come. Cisneros is blessed with making many friends that will last a lifetime, and looks forward to making more new friends at this camp!

Federico Miranda

Hailing from Costa Rica, Federico Miranda grew up listening to Rock, Classical and Latin music and fell in love with the electric guitar at age 12.

Federico has been active in the music scene for 25 years as co-founder and guitarist in Costa Rica’s rock band, Gandhi. Their newest release is the single “Boicot”, from the upcoming album “BOICOT:VICTORIA”. His instrumental solo album “Baula Project” brings to the table an eclectic blend of rock and jazz spiced with the Latin flavor of his home country. In “Baula Project”, he was inspired by marine life and aims to help preserve the endangered Leatherback Turtle.

As composer and music producer, some of his credits include music for the 2019 TV Series “Playing with Fire” (Telemundo/Netflix), the Award-winning Music Score for the Costa Rican film “El Regreso”, and composing and performing the music for the official opening of the Costa Rica National Stadium.

Federico joined the Dreamcatcher family after attending the first Vai Academy in 2014 – a journey he describes as a one-of-a-kind life-changing musical, spiritual and learning experience.

Guy Brogna

The quote “Music is not what I do, it’s who I am” can be seen all over the world on posters, inspirational websites etc. etc., but few musicians and music enthusiasts can truly say they live by it. Owner and operator of Plainview’s All Music Inc. and internationally touring musician Guy Brogna, however, is one of those few. As a former touring musician turned businessman, his story is one of both interest and intrigue.

Another local musician who grew up going to the All Music Inc.–which was started by local musician Irwin Natman in 1984–Guy was a touring musician with the bands Ludichrist and Scatterbrain, and had albums out on Relativity Records and Elecktra Records as well as music videos on MTV. He made a deal with Irwin to thank ALL MUSIC on the band’s records in exchange for having his bass guitars set up for recording and touring. Fast forward to 2001, Guy is now off the road and Irwin approaches him to join the business. For the next 10 years they built ALL MUSIC into one of the largest guitar stores in NY adding brands like Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Gretsch as well as building the lesson program to over 400 students, renting over 1500 instruments to local budding musicians and doing repairs for guitarists such as Richie Blackmore, Jessie Lacey from Brand New, Toby Walker and Brian Daniels from Madball!

In 2012, Guy took over and continues to run and grow the business throughout even more changes to the musical landscape. He continues to look for up and coming or exclusive companies to work with like Cole Clark, Larrivee, Walla Walla, RocknRoll Amps and more.

With Guy’s ties to Long Island music, he feels the need for community outreach. He partners with radio station WBAB for intimate shows at the store or radio station like Devon Allman and Geoff Tate from Queensryche and does food and toy drives with Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank and ROCKcanROLL. ALL MUSIC likes to also have informative and entertaining clinics in the store and have had guests like Larry Mitchell, Mike Orlando (Adrenalin Mob), John Moyer (Disturbed), Greg Koch, Michael Angelo Batio, Manelli Jamal (Cole Clark endorsee), Joe Rock and Mark Mendoza (Twisted Sister – Joe Rock and the All Stars). With the help of long time staff members, ALL MUSIC is always looking for new and exciting products to bring to their customers. As well, they look for used, vintage and eclectic items to fill their eBay warehouse where they ship these treasures around the globe.

One of Guy’s most recent efforts has been with Special Needs Music Educator and Musician Lee Stockner. They are the founders of “Music Lee Inclined Guy, Inc.” which produced the revolutionary book series Occupational Octaves Piano. OOP is designed for students with Autism and other special needs to be able to easily and effectively play the piano through a new language of music, now with training and certification available for instructors of various backgrounds related to the worlds of Special Education, Music Education, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy and more. They have opened locations in NY, California, Florida and overseas in Bahrain, Jordan, and Ireland.

Teaming with Long Island venue The Space at Westbury, Brogna’s All Music Lounge at The Space has become the new haven for local musicians to perform every genre under the sun on Thursday nights at 8pm!

With over 700 guitars on the floor, Brogna’s store has everything from Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Martin, Spector, Charvel, Music Man, PRS, Dean, Gretsch, Dan Electro, Silverstone and more. Whether its a Fender, Backstar, Vox, Roland, Supro, Peavey or RocknRoll amp, his knowledge as a working musician has helped him stock only the best and has also given him the opportunity to sell guitars to the likes of Keith Urban, Joe Satriani, Anthony Esposito (Lynch Mob, Ace Frehley), and Robert Kearns (Cry of Love, Sheryl Crow) from their ebay store. Want to transform your tone? Take your pick of effects from Fulltone, MXR, Boss, Electro Harmonix, TC Electronics, Tech 21, Ibanez, Moog… Or relax in the climate controlled acoustic room. Need a little change up in your guitar playing? How about a banjo, ukulele or maybe a mandolin from GoldTone, Gretsch, Luna or Martin. You don’t play guitar? No problem! ALL MUSIC has keyboards and synths from Korg and Casio. How about band and orchestra instruments? Sure! Brands like Jupiter, Gemeinhardt, Blessing, Knilling and Mathias Thomas. And there is every type of accessory for every musician. Need a gift? How about a Strat cutting board of a Fender lunch box, Grateful Dead socks, Jimi Hendrix sweatshirt, KISS coffee mugs and much, much more.

With an incredibly helpful staff who is there to help and not sell you, they strive to get customers into an instrument that’s right for them not what they need to get rid of or what makes more money.

Erik Boyd

Mike Boyko

Mike has enjoyed a thirty-year career as a professional drummer/recording artist. He has performed around the world with A-list groups in the music industry. Career highlights include drumming for Smashmouth, heavy metal band Ludichrist/Scatterbrain and UK pop-rock band FAT, which toured with Third Eye Blind and Sugar Ray. Most recently Mike played with hip-hop rock band 2 Skinnee J’s, which opened for Outkast, Ludacris, Jurassic 5, Incubus and 311. He’s also performed with guitar legends Larry Mitchell, Steve Vai, Jeff (skunk) Baxter, Steve Morse and Brian Hardgroove (Public Enemy).

In the past decade, through his company Tempo in Motion, Mike has translated his percussion expertise and refined knowledge of rhythm to athletic training and performance. His system applies the method of utilizing beats and music theory to the practice and mastery of proper swing and tempo. Mike worked with Jordan Spieth as a junior and has been highlighted on the Golf Channel. He works with golfers of all ages and ranges of abilities connecting them to their authentic rhythm and most focused performance.