join tony trischka and friends

You are invited to join Tony Trischka for four days and four nights of Banjo in Sicily!! Ortigia, the historic heart of Siracusa, Italy (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a small, mostly pedestrian, island that has been inhabited since the 14th century B.C. Imagine meandering through narrow streets, swimming in the calm, warm waters, sleeping above ancient Jewish baths, visiting archaeological sites, and getting to play your banjo for hours. This the perfect place to allow your imagination to roam, your musicianship to expand, and your appreciation for roots and bluegrass fusion music to go deeper.

It's a rare opportunity to get to study and play with Tony Trischka in an intimate, multi-day international setting. Actually, it’s his first banjo retreat in Sicily. Registration is limited to 25 students to ensure high quality learning, and to give each participant plenty of exposure to the instructor’s musical styles, knowledge, and passion for their instrument.

Banjo in Sicily is built around Tony’s participatory and engaging teaching style. He'll dive into topics like Earl’s Pearls, Single String Style, History of the Banjo, Playing the Syllables (and with others), tune variations, modern expression of the traditional style - and everything in between!

Our goal is to create a relaxed, fun, and non-competitive environment that encourages each participant to take the next step in their banjo playing; where community is built on the shared joy of playing music, and the beauty and history of the place inspires one’s creativity . Add to that good food and wine, and you got the recipe for a memorable musical experience.

In addition to your classes, there will be plenty of time for jamming with other students, practicing new arrangements, and just hanging out with your banjo and strumming awhile. And if you want, you probably can even get the chance to play with Tony or one of the guest artists - now that will be a photo opportunity!

Don’t miss out. Claim your spot soon. This retreat doubles as a unique Italian vacation making it ideal for friends and family - two and a half thousand years of history calls to all who visit!

meet your instructors

tony trischka

One of the most influential banjo players in the roots music world, Tony Trischka has spent over half a century as a consummate banjo artist. His stylings have inspired generations of bluegrass and acoustic musicians. His seventeen solo albums are part of every banjo-lover’s musical reference. His latest release, Earl Jam, a tribute to his “North Star”, Earl Scruggs, has been released to glowing reviews and features Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Vince Gill and Del McCoury.

Tony has recorded and performed with Earl Scruggs, Pete Seeger, Steve Martin, Ed Helms, John Denver, William S. Burroughs, The Allman Brothers, Miley Cyrus and many more. He’s a three time Grammy nominee and produced Steve Martin’s Rare Bird Alert, featuring Paul McCartney and the Chicks.

He was the musical director of the documentary The Banjo Project, which aired on PBS in 2011.
Tony has performed multiple times on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as appearances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Madison Square Garden.

In addition to his skills as a composer and performer, Tony is one of the instrument’s top teachers, and has created numerous instructional books, DVDs and CDs. The ground-breaking Tony Trischka School of Banjo, launched in 2009, is the on-line banjo home for students around the world.

He is excited to combine his love of all things Banjo with his connection to all things Italian and promises to pepper (and pasta you) with many tasty stories of all the banjoistas he has played with and met through the years.

Guest instructor: Silvio Ferretti

Silvio Ferretti began his musical journey at age six with classical piano before transitioning to acoustic guitar at fourteen. In 1974, he started performing publicly as part of the duo Beppe & Silvio with renowned guitarist Beppe Gambetta. A year later, he discovered the 5-string banjo, an instrument he has passionately embraced ever since. In 1978, he co-founded the band Red Wine and also played with the international bluegrass group Freewheelin’, alongside mandolinist Martino Coppo.

From 1981 onward, Silvio contributed as a columnist for notable Italian music magazines such as *Il Mucchio Selvaggio*, *Hi Folks!*, and *Country Store*, while also publishing articles in US outlets like *Bluegrass Unlimited* and *Banjo Newsletter*. He has taught extensively for over 30 years, leading banjo and band workshops across Italy and at various European festivals. Recently, he completed writing a banjo instructional book in Italian.

A dedicated member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) since 1994, Silvio became a Lifetime Member in 2009 and served on the Board of Directors as an International Member in 2016.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Silvio has been a partner in a luthier shop in Genoa since 1996, specializing in repairing and restoring string instruments, as well as crafting guitars and banjos. He is also known for his innovative Scorpion Banjo Bridges.

special guest: PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO

Peppino D'Agostino, a native of Italy, has been hailed as “a guitarist's guitarist” and recognized as “One of the 50 Transcendent Acoustic Guitarists” by Guitar Player Magazine. Even his Peppino D'Agostino Seagull Signature Guitar model has won accolades as one of the 10 best signature guitars.

Peppino tours regularly and gives guitar workshops, master classes, and seminars worldwide. As co-host and co-founder of Music World Retreats, Peppino will add his flare to this flat-picking extravaganza and share his love of music (and Sicily) throughout the retreat.

pricing and plans

*EARLY-BIRD pricing ends november 30th. You can pay 50% of the fee upon registration with the remaining balance due 30 days later. Contact us if you need a 3-payment plan.

THE LOCATION

Ortigia is the ancient, historic center of Siracusa, in the South-East region of Sicily. It is a small, UNESCO island joined to the mainland by two small pedestrian and car bridges. This jewel, is a year-round Italian destination and often called the ‘White Pearl of Syracuse.’ The charm of Ortigia is also due to its mix of styles: there are Ancient Greek ruins interspersed near dazzling Baroque piazzas that wind through a labyrinth of Medieval passageways where there are visible remnants of Moorish, Roman, Byzantine, and ancient Judaic civilizations.

Duomo Piazza at Night

Ortigia and Siracusa

Fresh Sicilian delicacies Daily

This is What Participants tell us…

Our Retreats have been life affirming musical moments for those who have attended. Here’s what a few had to say about their experience with Music World Retreats and studying with Tony Trischka.

Aaron C.

"Every single thing you said really helped, and things started coming together immediately. I can’t believe what improvement I’m seeing just from you pointing out a few screws to turn. I am really starting to have that signature sound that always managed to elude me. I love it!"

Richard J.

“Tony. Thank you so much for your comments, ideas, and motivation! Saying 'thank you' feels like such a small gesture but I mean it deeply.”

Doc S.

“It has been a great honor to have known you and studied with you. You are well deserving of all the praise and attention for your work & skill, as well as your ability to connect with others in such a deep manner.”

Marc H.

"What an honor and opportunity to have my banjo playing assessed by Tony Trischka! Thank you, sir. The feedback was very helpful, and I loved your fancy schmancy solo at the end.”

Greg K.

“Thank you, Tony, for your coaching all along the way! It's so exciting to realize that we can all grow with focus and time, no matter our age. Well done, teacher!”

Duncan S.

“Thank you for all of your efforts, attention to detail, and hard work to make the retreat such a success. It was an extraordinary experience for me. The teaching was inspiring and the camaraderie was wonderful. There was great playing by teachers and students alike.”

Scott P. (Sicily 2023)

I want to properly thank Peppino and Donna for providing my wife and I one of the most magnificent experiences we’ve had in our 31 year marriage. Quite frankly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life! I know you put a lot of effort into providing us the best possible experience and it really showed. I also really liked my fellow students and their families. I got to know Peppino over breakfast every morning. I never would have imagined that when I was a cheering fan in the audience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

Learn From The Best

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!!