Vai Academy

Steve Vai’s Vai Academy is a unique guitar retreat, open to guitarists of all ages and levels and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with and learn from Steve, Al, Carlos, and many more Vai family friends!

Participants of all ages, levels, interests, and tastes welcome!

Vai Academy 3.0 is an event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and taste! Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environments are non-competitive and are strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!

Tuesday January 2nd, 2016 @ 12:00 PM EST

Featured Artists

For starters, both of these gentlemen are not only incredible players, but phenomenal people. Word around the campfire is, this is Al’s first clinic of any kind, so we’re very excited and honored to have him! We’ll have a handful of the greatest guitar players in the world discussing their technique and then going beyond it. I’m excited! Moreover, Carlos is enabling us to show a different side of the instrument. He’ll be sharing his incredible rhythm technique, offering a well-rounded approach.

Zakk Wylde

Al Di Meola

Carlos Alomar

Stig Mathisen

Dave Weiner

Philip Bynoe

Jeremy Colson

Doug Doppler

Maurice Verloop

Stewart Jean

Schedule

There are certain things that are pretty standard for us. We’ll be learning from each other all day then we’ll be jamming at night! All of the classes in between are scheduled so you won’t miss anything. The classes repeat themselves, giving everybody the chance to experience each instructor and topic. Be ready to jam with me after dinner!

Monday January 02

  • 1:00PM-4:30PM

    Arrival and Check In (3:00 Hotel Check In.  Rooms may be available earlier)

  • 4:30PM-6:00PM

    Steve Vai Welcoming Remarks and Q&A

  • 6:00PM-7:00PM

    Dinner

  • 7:30PM-8:30PM

    Opening Night Concert followed by Camper Jamming with Steve

  • 9:00PM

    Camper Jamming with Doug Doppler, Stig Mathisen, Stewart Jean, Maurice Verloop, Federico Miranda, and Chris Cisneros

Tuesday January 03

  • 7:30AM-9:00AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:00AM-10:30AM

    Steve Vai Master Class

  • 10:45AM-12:00PM

    Carlos Alomar Session

  • 12:00PM-1:00PM

    Lunch

  • 12:30PM-1:00PM

    Pigtronix Clinic

  • 1:30PM-2:45PM

    Steve Vai and Carlos Alomar Joint Session- Lead and Rhythm 

  • 3:00PM-6:00PM

    Jamming with Stewart and Maurice

  • 3:00PM-4:15PM

    Al DiMeola Master Class

  • 4:30PM-5:45PM

    Breakout Sessions- Play with Steve’s Band (see song list below), Carlos Alomar Informal Session, or Gear Company Presentation (Aaron Marino and Jeff Slingluff)

  • 6:00PM-7:00PM

    Dinner

  • 7:30PM-8:30PM

    Concert followed by Camper Jamming with Steve

  • 8:30PM

    Camper Jamming with Doug Doppler, Stig Mathisen, Stewart Jean, Maurice Verloop, Federico Miranda, and Chris Cisneros

Wednesday January 04

  • 7:00AM-9:00AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:00AM-10:15AM

    Steve Vai Master Class

  • 10:30AM-12:00PM

    Breakout Sessions with Al DiMeola and Carlos Alomar

  • 12:00PM-1:00PM

    Lunch

  • 12:30PM-1:30PM

    Pigtronix Clinic

  • 1:30PM-3:00PM

    Group Photo followed by individual shots with instructors and artists

  • 3:00PM-4:00PM

    Zakk Wylde Master Class

  • 4:00PM-5:15PM

    Steve Vai and Al DiMeola Joint Session

  • 5:30PM-7:00PM

    Signing and Merch Session

  • 7:00PM-8:00PM

    Dinner

  • 8:30PM

    Concert followed by Camper Jamming with Steve

  • 9:00PM

    Camper Jamming with Doug Doppler, Stig Mathisen, Stewart Jean, Maurice Verloop, Federico Miranda, and Chris Cisneros

Thursday January 05

  • 7:30AM-9:00AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:00AM-10:30AM

    Steve Vai Master Class

  • 10:45AM-12:00PM

    Breakout Sessions with Zakk Wylde and Carlos Alomar

  • 12:00PM-1:00PM

    Lunch

  • 1:00PM-2:00PM

    T.C. Electronics Presentation

  • 2:00PM-4:00PM

    Jam with the Band! (Maurice and Stewart will be jamming with campers from 2:00-6:00)

  • 2:00PM-3:00PM

    Pigtronix

  • 3:00PM-4:15PM

    Steve Vai and Zakk Wylde Joint Session

  • 4:30PM-5:45PM

    Breakout Sessions- Play with Steve’s Band! (See song list below), Carlos Alomar Informal Session, Stig Mathisen Session, or Gear Company Presentation (Line 6 with Doug Doppler and Thomas Nordegg)

  • 6:00PM-7:00PM

    Dinner

  • 7:30PM-8:30PM

    Concert followed by Camper Jamming with Steve

  • 8:30PM

    Camper Jamming with Doug Doppler, Stig Mathisen, Stewart Jean, Maurice Verloop, Federico Miranda, and Chris Cisneros

Friday January 06

  • 7:30AM-9:00AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:00AM-10:30AM

    Thomas Nordegg Guitar Tech Clinic

  • 11:00AM

    Check Out

Check out the list of songs below that Steve’s band will be able to play with you
during the “Play With Steve’s Band” sessions!

  • Bad Horsie
  • Crying Machine
  • Gravity Storm
  • Whispering a Prayer
  • Liberty
  • Erotic Nightmares
  • The Animal
  • Answers
  • The Riddle
  • Ballerina
  • For the Love of God
  • The Audience is Listening
  • I Would Love to
  • Blue Powder
  • Greasy Kids Stuff
  • Alien Water Kiss
  • Sisters
  • Love Secrets

Location

I decided to hold Vai Academy in January this year because I think people have more free time the first week of the year. Everybody’s fresh from the holidays. In the summer, there are so many camps. This breaks the mold. Carmel is beautiful any time of year. I’m looking so forward to this experience.

  • Fireplace-Room-400

 Setting & Accommodations

Asilomar offers charming, rustic accommodations perfect for anyone dedicated to rest and reflection. In keeping with this tradition, guest rooms are free of modern-day distractions such as telephones and televisions. You can thank us later for the extra focus!  All lodging rooms have been newly renovated, have private baths, and many buildings feature common living rooms appointed with fireplaces and inviting overstuffed chairs. We look forward to watching you inspire each other in your downtime.

Area Attractions

Kayaking, sky diving, deep sea fishing and whale watching are just a hint of wonderful experiences available on the Monterey Peninsula. This spot is the epitome of relaxation brought on by inspiring nature. Feel free to book your own accommodations before or after the event to experience all that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer.

Area Activities

  • Asilomar Walking Tours
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Hiking & Walking Trails
  • Shooting Pool
  • Sunbathing
  • Swimming
  • Surfing

*Visit www.visitasilomar.com for more information!

Travel Directions

Asilomar Hotel & Conference Grounds

Address
800 Asilomar Ave
Carmel, CA 93950

Website
Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

Contact
Contact Us

Get Directions

Open Resort Location In Maps App

Instrument Travel

FAA Rules - Bringing Musical Instruments on Flights

Pricing and Registration

You’re going to get an opportunity to sit there, watch, learn, and interact with these guys. It’s a gathering of a powerful group of achievers who have focused their lives on reaching this level. They’re sharing it here.

Personally, I am looking forward to talking about all of the obtuse quirky technique tools I have, which put me in my own little sandbox at the playground. That quirkiness makes you who you are as a player. Then, you can find those melodies and write songs. It all comes together.

Room Types and Pricing

  • Shared Room with Two Beds
    1,999.00

    A Standard Room with two beds and a roommate. You may either name your own roommate or one will be assigned by Dreamcatcher Events. Roommate matches are based on age and gender. If signing up with a roommate in mind, please enter their name in the “Roommate” field as you continue registration. Pricing is per person.

  • Single with One Bed
    3,100.00

    Standard room with one King bed. Pricing is per person.

  • Bring Your Loved One
    3,500.00

    If you would like to have your loved join you at Asilomar but not participate in workshops, we recommend this price point. You both share the accommodations, dine together with the group for all meals at Asilomar, and attend all evening concerts together. During the days, while one of you is participating in workshops and living out your guitar hero dreams, your loved one can enjoy the wonderful accommodations and interesting things to do in the Carmel area. Your choice of one King Bed or two Queen Beds.  Pricing is for one participant and one non-participant.

  • Couples Room
    3,899.00

    A standard room with a King bed meant to be shared by a couple. Pricing includes registration for two people.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • 3 amazing meals a day
  • FULLY LOADED JAM ROOMS!!
  • All workshops, activities and entertainment for 4 days and nights (unless otherwise noted)
  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Alcohol and snacks
  • Sighteseeing excursions in the area
  • Personal musical gear – please bring your own instruments

Pricing and Registration Policy

  • Registration & Payments
    • All rates are per-person, unless stated otherwise.
    • All prices subject to change. Prior sales excluded. Dreamcatcher Events reserves the right to change any price, package or offering at any time without prior notice.
    • All rates are subject to 8.9% surcharge, which includes all local, state, and occupancy taxes.
  • Installment Payment Plans
    • Upon registration, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total purchase amount is charged to your credit card.
    • 100% of the remaining balance due on installment sales is automatically charged to the credit card on file on Dec 1, 2016.
    • Any registrations received after Dec 1, 2016 must be paid in full at the time of registration.
  • Minor Policy
    • 16 and 17 year olds are permitted with consent forms. Participants under 16 are permitted if accompanied by legal guardian/chaperone and a consent form.
  • Cancellations
    • All payments and deposits are final and non-refundable.

For complete details please see our Registration and Payment Policy