Expand Your World With Music

At Music World Retreats we partner with world-class musicians and together create small, intimate gatherings where people come together to play music, learn from the best, and enjoy good food and wine - all while in a supportive, non-competitive environment. These retreats are designed to inspire and delight while helping you tap into your creativity. Being guided by, and having the opportunity to interact and receive feedback from some of today’s most recognized performers will definitely expand your musicality, and take your playing to the next level.

Darol Anger leading a fiddle jam circle.

Some retreats are 3-day weekend getaways, others are longer events that can be considered a music mini-vacation. All are in beautiful locations. Regardless of the length of your music experience, what we value most is connection. Participants come from all over the world and many leave with long-lasting friendships. Some even invite a partner or family member along for the ride. One thing is for sure, there will be plenty of music-making and many extraordinary moments to remember.

Students practicing with Mike Marshall and Caterina Lichtenberg.

Sergio Assad reviews a passage with a student.

Mandolin World Retreat in Benicia, CA

Mike Marshall

Caterina Lichtenberg

March 21 - 23, 2025

Mike Marshall, internationally acclaimed mandolin and multi-instrumentalist, and Caterina Lichtenberg, classical mandolinist extraordinaire, will combine their formidable music and teaching skills for a 3-day exploration into the heart and soul of the mandolin in Northern California. More info coming soon.

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acoustic guitar Retreat: Italy

with

Adam Rafferty

Peppino D’Agostino

July 07 - 11, 2025

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Near Gubbio, Italy in the Umbrian Countryside

Now is your chance to study and play guitar with two masters of the instrument while also immersing yourself in the Umbrian countryside. This will be a special opportunity. Join us. Registration is now open.

mandolin world: sicily

September 1 - 5, 2025

Mike and Caterina are going back to Sicily. They love the inspiration and joy this area brings to their musicality, their creativity, and their life - and they can’t wait to share that with you…

Registration Begins November 16th

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mike Marshall

caterina lichtenberg

Banjo with Tony Trischka: Sicily

September 8 - 12, 2025

Special Guest Instructor: Silvio Ferretti

Siracusa (ortigia), Sicily, Italy

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Tony Trischka, a banjo virtuoso, composer, and educator, who bridges the bluegrass traditions of the 20th century with the banjo fusion of the 21st. This is a rare opportunity to study in an intimate international setting that is sure to create magic and memories for a lifetime…

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*International Performer, Master Guitarist, and Co-Creator of Music World Retreats.*

Whether you are a beginner or advanced musician, proficient at reading music or learn by ear, have formal training or are self-taught, there is something for you at our music retreats.

Surround yourself with others who share your passion. Get a chance to jam with fellow players, learn from performers you might only know from the stage, and expand your musical horizons. You will improve your skills, expand your community, and immerse yourself in the magic of music.

We have been hosting fantastic music retreats in locations across the globe. At some events I am an instructor while at others I provide musical support and act as the “MC of Fun.” Check out the schedule to find the retreat that is right for you.

I hope to meet you soon and get to play some music together!

Peppino D’Agostino

Join some of my favorite musicians and myself to study, play, and travel the world. (drawing by Ada D’Amico - mia Mamma) — Join some of my favorite musicians and myself to study, play, and travel the world. *(drawing by Ada D’Amico - mia Mamma)*

THIS IS WHAT PARTICIPANTS TELL US

Our Retreats have been life changing musical experiences for many who have attended. Here’s what a few say about the Retreats or Learning from the Best…

“The teaching was really great and I was so thrilled with the overall atmosphere - the connection of the students and teachers was really special, and I made quite a few new friends. I know from being in the event business for almost 50 years that this unique, magical, environment doesn’t happen by accident and I realize that you all were the secret sauce. Thank you.”

— John L., guitarist

“Darol Anger is a genius, both musically and in general. He's a great teacher because he can communicate things in such a way that they at first seem very specific and then turn out to apply to a great many things. He's wonderful at articulating ideas in a way that makes total sense but also becomes more profound the more you think about it. And he's really fun and hilarious to boot! It's not often that you find a teacher who can make you laugh so much while not even straying from the course of study. He's endlessly creative, which makes learning from him feel like a joint exploration.”

—Brittany H., fiddler

"Peppino D'Agostino has impacted my guitar playing like no one else. His passion for the guitar is contagious. The breadth of skills and techniques that he brings to his students seems endless. And his ability to make the learning experience valuable, rewarding and fun to an entire group of students with mixed backgrounds and skill levels is second to none. Whether in historic Benicia, California or the Amalfi coast in Italy, every retreat with Peppino strengthens my playing in ways I couldn't have imagined. Peppino's influence has enabled my guitar to bring me "Close to Heaven." Grazie!"

—Miles B., guitarist

Stay in Touch:

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If you have any trouble with this form, just email Donna Wapner at: dwapnermusic [AT] gmail [DOT] com

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Learn From The Best

Mandolin World Retreats with Mike Marshall and Caterina Lichtenberg

Composition and Classical Guitar with Sergio Assad

Darol Anger’s California Fiddle Intensive

Funky Fingerstyle Guitar with Adam Rafferty

Martin Taylor Guitar Retreats: California (in conjunction with P3 Music) — Jazz Guitar with Martin Taylor

Hosts Peppino D’Agostino and Donna Wapner

MUSIC WORLD RETREATS are hosted by Peppino D’Agostino and Donna Wapner. Our goal is to partner with some of our favorite musicians and creative friends - and together develop intimate, supportive, learning experiences. We pick locations that will encourage and inspire one’s creativity. When participants walk away having learned something new, had fun, made new friends, and can’t wait to join us again - we know we have done our job well!!

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

— Plato