Sicily Creative Guitar Retreat
Learn · Create · Jam
September 1st - 6th 2026 · Sicilian Mountains
The retreat
Imagine sitting on a mountain overlooking the Sicilian landscape, instrument in hand, surrounded by inspiring people who share your passion for music and creativity.
This is an opportunity to dedicate time to your own musical growth; whether that's improving your playing, developing a creative project, building confidence, or simply reconnecting with why you make music in the first place.
Through workshops, collaboration, shared practice, and spontaneous jam sessions, you'll learn new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and create lasting connections. Together we'll share music, food, conversation, and the experience of jamming in the beautiful South Sicilian Mountains.
Think:
Guided sessions, not lectures, on improvisational and instrumental techniques
Playing with people, improvisation and creativity
Work on your project or instrument in beautiful inspiring scenery
Jam Sessions
Local Musicians
The Location
The retreat would take place at beautiful Meraki - Testa Dell’ Acqua, in the South Sicilian mountains with:
A stage
Rehearsal rooms & studios
A cinema / listening space
On-site accommodation
Access to nature, swimming, walking, running
There are lots of local Sicilian musicians in the town, and there has been lots of reports of jam sessions — grounding the week in a community based and real, lived music experience.
Who This Is For
This retreat is designed for:
Guitarists or any instrumentalists aged 18+
Confident beginners through advanced players
People who want to:
Play with others more confidently
Improve feel, rhythm, and musicality
Escape into the music, mountains and local village life
Learn by doing, not just watching
Not required:
Advanced theory
Virtuoso technique
Endless scales
How the Learning Works
The best practice is playing with other people. Playing with others is the essence of life.
Sessions are instructional but informal, designed so that:
Everyone is stretched at their own level
Mixed abilities become a strength, not a problem
Learning happens naturally through playing, listening, and responding
There’s no hierarchy — just guidance, encouragement, and lots of music, in beautiful surroundings
A Typical Day
Wake Up in Accommodation, morning to yourself in Testa Dell’ Aqua, find some breakfast in a local cafe or bar, grab a coffee, shop in the local village, take a walk.
Late Morning
Group warm-ups
Rhythm, groove, timing, feel
Simple ideas that apply at all levels
Lunch Together
Early Afternoon – Jam Labs
Small group guided jams
One musical focus per session (e.g. groove, space, interaction)
Coaching in real time while playing
Afternoon
Free time / Your time:
Swim in nearby River Beach, Walk or Run the many beautiful paths in the area
Studio time - keep the juices flowing
Optional 1–1 lesson
Rest / Hang Out
Evening
Open jams
Guest local musicians
BBQ + Drinks
Listening sessions / films
Informal performances and hanging out
Nothing is compulsory — but music is always happening.
nitty gritty:
PRICE £649.99
DISCOUNT FOR EARLY BIRD BOOKERS
INCLUDES: Shared accommodation - Arrival Dinner - Brunch (day 1) - 3 Days Lunch - BBQ on the final final night - 6 x 90 min tuition (with optional 121 extra lessons) - 4 day jam / Project Room’s with tea coffee & light snacks
EXCLUDES: Accommodation upgrades - Flights - Transfer/Car rental - Meals not mentioned - Excursions
For accommodation upgrades (recommended) email: meraki.testadellacqua@gmail.com