Greetings and welcome to year NINE of the most unusual, forward-thinking, open-minded guitar camp on the planet!
This gathering offers an opportunity to not only be in close contact with great guitar teachers, it offers the chance to develop a sense of community that can last a lifetime. You’ll also witness one-of-a-kind performances that will be as powerful as any you are ever likely to see.
What people are saying.
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This is the most enjoyable and inspiring educational experience I’ve ever been a part of.
— Julian Lage (Artist)
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There has been no more fervent a champion of guitar, in all of its myriad colors and expressions, over the past 20 years than Joel Harrison.
— Bill Milkowski (Downbeat)
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Everyone should go to this camp, not just guitarists!
— Mike Stern (Artist
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The AGS is a peak experience for aspiring jazz guitarists. The faculty is absolutely stellar—but also accessible and interactive. The vibe is supportive by both faculty and fellow student travelers. Kudos to Joel Harrison for his commitment to the music and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.
— Michael S (Participant)
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Composer, arranger, bandleader and founder of the Alternative Guitar Summit, an annual showcase of inventive players “celebrating the road less taken on guitar,” Harrison also promotes the instrument through his annual Alt Summit Guitar Camp, a summer gathering for players of all levels that features master classes by notable guitarists at a 100-acre wilderness retreat in upstate New York.
— Bill Milkowski (Downbeat)
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It has been exciting to watch the Alt Guitar Summit emerge as one of the most interesting and distinguished forums for our instrument on the planet. The work that Joel has done with this festival, is a testament to the almost unlimited sonic dimensions the word “guitar” can invoke in the imagination of musicians and fans alike.
— Pat Metheny (Artist)
We have another round of extraordinary teachers this summer joining us in the glorious 100-acre wilderness retreat that Music Masters has cultivated over the past two decades.
who’s coming back
Back again are two of our core teachers, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Gilad Hekselman, two of the finest and most inventive improvising guitarists in the world. They are worldwide avatars for the instrument. Also returning is Anthony Pirog. Anthony is best known these days for his group The Messthetics, a gripping avant jazz -rock outfit. However, he has been at the forefront of creative work in a number of capacities for at least a decade, most notably a collaboration with his partner, Janel. We have performed together many times.
And… we’re excited to introduce some wonderful new teachers.
Matteo Mancuso is a young firebrand whose technical prowess, speed, soaring melodies, and dramatic compositions have brought high praise from around the world. He lives at the intersection of prog rock and jazz. Steve Vai has said “the evolution of guitar is firmly secure in the hands of these kind of players… it’s just a new level, the tone, the touch, the notes!”
The great Ben Monder will rejoin us. Ben lives in a world all his own. He is without peer in some of the things he’s been able to do on the guitar. He took the mantle that Mick Goodrick presented in terms of harmony and essentially fulfilled Mick’s wildest dreams. Here is somebody who’s able to create counterpoint in multiple voices on the guitar in a way nobody’s done before. And so much more.
Cecil Alexander is one of the most celebrated young jazz musicians. Since his debut on Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Heartcore label he has proved astonishingly adept in a number of styles and approaches. He is particularly skilled in the world of bebop, having immersed himself in the lineage of George Benson and Pat Martino.
Oz Noy seems to be able to play anything. Oz is a great straight- ahead player, but he specializes in a jazz funk hybrid that is as fun as it is thrilling. His residency at The Bitter End with a host of special guests has turned into one of the most resonant guitar scenes in the city.
And we welcome someone who takes a different approach to the guitar than most of our teachers, and in fact a different approach than anyone, Kaki King. She was described by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself.” She has a singular tapping ability, she presents dramatic solo shows full of emotionally charged soundscapes. She’s a fearless and visionary advocate for what is possible with the guitar.
Jerome Harris will be back as our “house” bassist. And this year we have the great Allison Miller on drums. Allison is one of those drummers who seems capable of anything: swing, raging rock, serious funk. She is a wonderful teacher and engaging presence.
Like last year we’ll have four different spaces for after-hours jamming. And I’ll be there, too, of course, teaching and producing, and answering any questions you may have. We’ll be starting a monthly zoom meeting in January for any attendees who wish to not only meet each other, but begin to talk about the camp and its profuse learning opportunities. See you soon.
- Joel Harrison
Founder and Artistic Director Alternative Guitar Summit