Come and join me for a unique once in a lifetime experience in the historic and cultrualy rich Liverpool in England. Indulge yourself for 4 days & nights with personalized instruction and creative jam sessions designed to inspire breakthroughs whilst removing any doubts or sticking points from your playing.
This is not your standard gypsy jazz workshop. It is an exclusive, high end and intimate retreat where I will be applying my. newest teaching methods to help you build your skills in all areas of your guitar playing. I also want us to work together to bring out your unique voice within the gypsy jazz genre based on your current skill level and guitar playing background.
I’ll help you prepare for the retreat with a personal Zoom coaching session and we’ll set you up with instant access to all the valuable bonus online material so you can start improving right away.
PLUS we'll be taking this golden opportunity to explore the hometown and history of one of our favorite bands, The Beatles! We'll be taking you on The Magical Mystery Tour to experience the landmark locations that gave birth to the band and many of the tunes that are now a deep part of all of our lives. Not to be missed!
Improved Technique
Improved technique and a new level of confidence as a guitarist.
Gypsy Jazz
Together we’ll transport you from where you are now to where you want to be which is a confident jamming and possibly even gigging gypsy jazz guitarist.
Inspiration
Spend four days getting inspiration and making new friends.
Progress Your Playing
You’ll learn plenty of new skills and exercises to continue to progress your playing.
Build Your Repertoire
During the Retreat we’ll build up your stash of hot gypsy jazz tunes to add to your repertoire.
Gig Together
An opportunity to play a LIVE gig on stage with me Robin Nolan, Gary Potter and the other students!
Workshop 1 – Rhythm Refresher Drill and Assessment
This is all about gypsy rhythm and I’ll be showing you how to do it right. We’ll dive into ‘La Pompe’ and Swing as well as the Bossa, Bolero, Samba, Waltz and Funk feels. Forget old bad habits and let me show you up close in detail the techniques needed to get these rhythms sounding great.
Workshop 2 – Soloing – A New Perspective For Fast Results
We’ll be breaking new ground here into the world of soloing and improvising over the most common gypsy jazz chord progressions. This is a 3 pronged approach where we’ll be learning Authentic Gypsy Licks and Phrases, Ear Training Drills and the Art of Flow which when tapped into will give your solos that magic touch of class every time.
Workshop 3 – Gig Ready Boot Camp Session
In this session we’ll be learning all the tools and techniques you need to deliver a stellar live performance. Intros that get the song flying before you’ve played the melody. Endings that guarantee applause. How to deal with Nerves and Stage Fright. How to make a Killer Set List. Key Changes that aren’t cheesy. Mindset and Concentration. How to Memorize Songs plus more practical and useful tricks that will upgrade your performances.
Workshop 4 – Playing Together and Making Music
This is where we’ll learn the art of ensemble playing and the tools we need to make sweet music together. We’ll dig deep into all the different live combinations we find ourselves in on stage or at a jam. The Roles of playing Rhythm and Lead guitar. Duo playing and how to Accompany using Bass Lines. How to successfully play 4’s with another soloist. Rhythm Solos that impress. The Art of Dynamics. How to make your own Arrangements. Telepathy and how to go with the moment plus many more techniques I’ve learnt and want to share.
Workshop 5 – New Secrets Of Gypsy Jazz Guitar
In this last session I’ll be revealing the New Secrets of Gypsy Jazz Guitar. These are some of my most private and close to my heart techniques and ideas that I want you to take home with you. These techniques will make a difference and add that magic sparkle to your playing that others will notice too.You’ll also learn some daily Practice Routines that will insure you retain all the lessons learnt during the retreat.
If you’ve studied any of my online courses or lessons then coming to learn with me is the next step where we can focus on your playing in a secluded environment with no distractions. This is a chance for you to benefit from some tailor made and personalized instruction in one-on-one and group settings.
Getting It Together – “Together”
When you enroll we’ll start off by arranging a private Zoom consultation where we can chat and assess where you’re at and where you want to go with your gypsy jazz guitar playing.
I’ll then know exactly what we’ll be working on together in Liverpool to maximize your results during the retreat and beyond.
The Gig
During the six workshops we’ll be preparing ourselves for the final night gig together which is happening at a local Liverpool night spot in front of a live and appreciative audience. You'll perform on stage with me, Gary Potter, and the whole retreat gang. We’ll be playing a set together and at the end we’ll all join together for the finale ‘Minor Swing’. Expect an audience full of gypsy jazz fans from near and far!
Private Membership Website
I’ve created an online course for you called Gypsy Jazz Foundations. Here you’ll be learning fundamental lessons on gypsy jazz guitar which will ensure we’re ready to breakthrough on the retreat. I’ll also be posting all our gig performances here so you can enjoy them forever.
Monday, November 11th, 2024
6pm Champagne Toast
6.30pm Welcome Dinner
7.30pm Jam Session & Drinks with Robin
Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
10am Workshop #1 Rhythm
12.30pm Lunch
2pm Workshop #2 Soloing
7pm Dinner
8.30pm Jam Session & Drinks with Robin
Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
9am Workshop #3 Gig Ready Bootcamp
11am Magical Mystery Beatles Tour
1:00pm Lunch
3pm Workshop #4 Making Music Together
7pm Dinner
Thursday, November 14th, 2024
9am The Beatles Story Museum
10:30am Workshop & New Secrets Of Gypsy Jazz Guitar
12.30pm Lunch
2pm Gary Potter - Gypsy Jazz Masterclass
5.00pm Dinner
7pm Our Live Show
Friday, November 15th, 2024
8am Farewell Breakfast
The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour - Our Wednesday Morning Adventure!
The Magical Mystery Tour offers fans an immersive journey through the Beatles' Liverpool, featuring iconic locations such as Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, the childhood homes of John, Paul, George and Ringo and ends with live music in the World-famous Cavern Club where the Beatles performed 292 times in their early career. With its rich storytelling and expert guides, the tour provides an unparalleled experience that brings to life the history and magic of the world's most famous band.
Dedicated To Gypsy Jazz Guitar
Robin became one of George Harrison’s favorite guitarists and was his ‘secret weapon’ at many a party thrown at his English country estate Friar Park.
Legendary in the Django Reinhardt world, Robin has headlined every major gypsy jazz festival across the globe & Nolan’s music is taking gypsy jazz into the 21st Century beyond Django Reinhardt and incorporating influences of The Beatles, Ravi Shankar and AC/DC.
In addition to his busy schedule as a performer, Robin is also well known as a passionate instructor. He has published some of the most important gypsy jazz instructional books and video courses that have been the foundation of study and jam sessions for thousands of guitarist worldwide. His new digital magazine Gypsy Jazz Guitar Secrets features highly in the iTunes charts and reaches a wide global audience.
“In these days of ‘cackophony’ it’s great to hear some proper music” – George Harrison
“Robin Nolan is so amazingly good.” – Bill Wyman
“Robin plays a mighty fine guitar!” – Willie Nelson
“You play so beautifully Robin!” – Hank B. Marvin
Gary's extensive musical experience covers jazz, blues, gypsy jazz, country, classical, pop and many other popular styles. He is known for his musical versatility, combining a melodic, lyrical, imaginative musicality with a perfect rhythmic sense.
In the UK he is simply known as "the king of gypsy jazz and swing." Those who are lucky enough to see him live are astounded by his technique.
Just recently (in 2024) he recorded a blistering gypsy jazz solo on Rod Stwerat's new album Swing Fever.
Here's what a few musical legends have to say about Gary's playing.
"He's Brilliant" - George Harrison
"It was George Harrison who introduced me to the music of Ry Cooder and that wonderful Jazz guitarist, Gary Potter" - Gary Moore
"Gary is one heck of a guitar player. He executes his ideas very well. I wish I could do that in a live situation" - Chet Atkins
"One of the most wonderful guitarists in the World" - Martin Taylor
"That guy can really play" - Bireli Lagrene
“I’ve attended two of Robin’s retreats and honestly, I can’t think of a better guy to hang with, play with and learn from. Robin’s approach to learning with the group dynamic is to provide a learning environment where players are grouped according to experience and ability and then move forward. His patience with relative beginners is exemplary.”
- YES, I understand the Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat includes one (1) ticket to the retreat in Liverpool, England in 2024. PLUS a double hotel room at the Holiday Inn Express, Albert Dock Liverpool is included in your ticket price!
- YES, I understand that I will also receive immediate access to the exclusive Gypsy Jazz Foundations course with over 8-hours of video lessons of Robin teaching the 5 Pillars of Gypsy Jazz you’ll be diving into in Los Angeles. This course will help me gear up and get ready for the retreat (valued at $297)
- YES, I’m ready to take action and learn Gypsy Jazz the FUN way!
- YES, I want to join a like minded group of Django lovers and make new musical friends!
- YES, I want a VIP invitation to the Gary Potter Gypsy Jazz Guitar Masterclass.
- YES, I want to join Robin Nolan & Gary Potter on stage for a LIVE gig!
- To ensure your success at the Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat, we’ve created this exclusive and valuable bonus package of online courses and more. Use these to get geared up and ready for Los Angeles and beyond!
- Bonus #1: Gypsy Jazz Foundations Online Masterclass ($297 value)
This is the ultimate Gypsy Jazz Guitar course which will teach you the 5-Pillars of Learning Gypsy Jazz Guitar which I’ve developed over my years of teaching Django’s music. Each pillar covers an essential area of gypsy jazz which will give your playing a rock solid foundation. You’ll learn the ‘La Pompe’ swing rhythm plus all the exciting latin grooves – Soloing skills to ensure success on any tune at the jam – Mindset skills to help you save time and make faster progress – PLUS my new secrets of how to play gypsy jazz without having to spend countless hours learning scales & arpeggios! - Bonus #2: The Gypsy Jazz Songbook System Volume 1 ($197 value)
This book and backing track CD was the first created in the series and is the best place to start playing Gypsy Jazz. I put 11 of THE most played and famous Django and Gypsy Jazz standards in there so as to get you ready for a jam session anywhere. Even before it went to print I had my brother Kevin learn these tunes the way I laid them out in the book and it worked a treat!
Djangology
Minor Swing
It Don’t Mean A Thing
Django’s Castle
Sweet Georgia Brown
Honeysuckle Rose
Oh! Lady Be Good
Nuages
Douce Ambience
Blues For Ike
Dark Eyes
We’ll use our coaching session before the retreat to find out your individual needs and help you with pointers to get ready for your upcoming gypsy jazz adventure.
save BIG when you register before September 22nd, 2024. **
Total Value
Your Gypsy Jazz Club Discount Price Today
Q. When and where does the Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat take place?
A.The Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat takes place in Liverpool, England on November 11-15, 2024. Once you've registered we can set up your zoom call with Robin (your option) to discuss your guitar playing goals and make a plan to achieve them.
Q. Is lodging provided?
A. YES! Your enrollment price includes 4x Nights Double Room & Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Albert Dock Liverpool. That's where we will all be staying and that's where all our workshops and meals together will take place.
Q. Are meals provided?
A. Yes! Lunches and Dinners are provided. We’ll all be hanging out and dining together each afternoon and evening. And the Holiday Inn Hotel will provide you with breakfast each morning
Q. I’m a beginner to gypsy jazz – is it for me?
A. For each of the 5 breakthrough workshops in Liverpool, I will be starting from the beginning. The basics and fundamentals are so important & no one will be left behind.
Beginners and newbies are welcome! I’ll also be spending time with each student on a private
Zoom call before the retreat to go over what each player is looking for.
Q. What should I bring with me?
A. All you need to bring is your guitar and plenty of enthusiasm!
Q. What if I have a question that’s not listed here?
A. If you have additional questions, please email me at [email protected]
Explore The Beatles Story - We'll be going here together Thursday morning!
The Beatles Story, Liverpool is much more than a museum... you're invited to embark on an incredible journey through time into the lives and music of The Beatles.
Experience Beatlemania first-hand with immersive recreations of key locations in the band's career including Hamburg, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios and more.
See fascinating pieces of original authentic memorabilia as you journey down the long and winding road from George Harrison's first guitar to John Lennon's last piano and beyond.