4 Days and Nights of Non-Stop, Next Gen Guitar

Vai Academy 7.0 is a 4-day event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and tastes! Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four-day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environment is non-competitive and is strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!

Your registration to Vai Academy includes:

  • Master classes with Steve
  • A special signing session and photos with Steve and the other artists
  • Concerts every night
  • Intimate breakout workshops with our next Gen Faculty and Dreamcatcher All-Stars – Larry Mitchell, Dave Weiner, Doug Doppler, Stig Mathisen, and Madi Schifferstein . Breakout sessions will be organized by skill level to ensure all players are in the right environment. You’ll have the choice of beginner, intermediate, or advanced!
  • Camper jamming every night with the Dreamcatcher All Stars – rock out until dawn!
  • Matinee concerts every day led by our Faculty
  • Deluxe accommodations at one of Orlando’s most popular 5-star hotels
  • Great food and great company – make lasting memories every day!

Invitation from Steve

Hello again friends, and welcome to Vai Academy 7.0! Yup, we are doing it.

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that this year’s event is all about celebrating the young, cutting-edge guitarists who are pushing the boundaries and reinventing the instrument today. I have a ton of respect by this new generation of players and am fascinated by their talent, technique, and creativity. It’s inspiring to witness the incredible potential and innovative spirit that these young guitarists possess. Joining us at Vai Academy 7.0 will be an extraordinary group of talent, each bringing their unique flavor to the stage. Amongst the many players from all over the planet we will have Marcin, Mohini Dey, Tim Henson and Scott Lepage, Matteo Mancuso, Mateus Asato, Yvette Young, Sarah Longfield, Ichika Nito, and Daniele Gottardo. And of course, I will be there with my band.

At Vai Academy, we believe in nurturing creativity, fostering growth, and empowering the next generation of guitarists. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from these trailblazers as they share their insights, techniques, and experiences. Throughout the event, you will have the chance to attend workshops, masterclasses, and jam sessions led by these exceptional musicians. Dive deep into their distinctive playing styles, expand your musical horizons, discover new ways to express yourself on the guitar, and find your note! Join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you energized, motivated, and ready to explore the limitless possibilities of the instrument.

And as our Vai Academy tradition dictates, you and I will jam!

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary gathering of musical talent. Mark your calendars and secure your spot at Vai Academy 7.0, where the future of guitar playing begins.

Warm regards,

Steve Vai

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Artists

Steve Vai

Mateus Asato

Mohini Dey

Daniele Gottardo

Tim Henson

Scott LePage

Sarah Longfield

Marcin

Matteo Mancuso

Jordan Rudess

Yvette Young

Jeremy Colson

Phillip Bynoe

Dante Frisiello

Larry Mitchell

Dave Weiner

Doug Doppler

Stig Mathisen

Chris Cisneros

Sample Schedule

Vai Academy begins on January 2 at 3pm. It concludes the morning of Jan 6 at 11AM. Your registration includes accommodations at Omni Championsgate the nights of Jan 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Schedule subject to change

Tuesday January 02

  • Afternoon

    Registration Opens

  • Steve Vai Intro session with other Faculty

  • Evening

    Dinner

  • Opening night concert followed by Jam with Steve

  • Dreamcatcher All Stars – Doppler, Weiner, Mitchell, Rudess, Mathisen, Madi Schifferstein

Wednesday January 03

  • Morning

    Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika

  • Steve Master Session

  • Afternoon

    Lunch/Matinee Concert- Mateus, Marcin and Ichika

  • Steve Master Session

  • Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika

  • Evening

    Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika……Or Jam with Steve’s band

  • Dinner

  • Concert followed by Jam with Steve

  • Dreamcatcher All Stars- Doppler, Weiner, Mitchell, Rudess, Mathisen, Madi Schifferstein

Thursday January 04

  • Morning

    Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika

  • Steve Master Session

  • Afternoon

    Lunch/Matinee Concert- Mohini & Jordan, Polyphia guys

  • Steve Master Session

  • Photos

  • Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika…..

  • Evening

    Dinner

  • Concert followed by Jam with Steve

  • Dreamcatcher All Stars- Doppler, Weiner, Mitchell, Rudess, Mathisen, Madi Schifferstein

Friday January 05

  • Morning

    Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika

  • Steve Master Session

  • Afternoon

    Lunch/Matinee Concert- Matteo, Yvette

  • Steve Master Session

  • Signing

  • Breakouts with Matteo, Mateus, Marcin, Scott, Tim, Sarah, Yvette, Mohini, Daniele, Ichika….

  • Evening

    Dinner

  • Concert followed by Jam with Steve

  • Dreamcatcher All Stars- Doppler, Weiner, Mitchell, Rudess, Mathisen, Madi Schifferstein

  1. Steve Vai Announces Vai Academy 7.0
  2. Vai Academy 5.0 Recap!
  3. Vai Academy 4.0 – Day 1 Highlights
  4. Vai Academy 4.0 – Day 2 Highlights
  5. Vai Academy 4.0 – Day 3 Highlights
  6. Vai Academy 4.0 – Day 4 Highlights
  7. Tommy Emmanuel shredding with Steve Vai & Larry Mitchell

Omni Orlando Resort

Setting & Accommodations

Spread across 15 sprawling acres of lush palms and sparkling water, the Four Diamond-rated Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is a haven of rest and relaxation. Two championship golf courses, a full-service spa, sparkling resort pools and a lazy river make this Orlando resort the perfect rock n’ roll getaway.

Pricing and Registration

There are still a few registrations available for Vai Academy and we can’t wait to see you in Orlando for 4 days and nights of total guitar. At this point, all spots to jam with Steve are taken. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Rooms

  • Commuter Package
    1,999

    Stay wherever you like but be at Vai Academy for all daytime activities, workshops, concerts, signings, etc. does not include accommodations or jamming with Steve, but does include everything else! Pricing is per person.

  • Shared Room With Two Beds
    2,699

    Standard Room with two beds and shared with a roommate. You may either name a fellow registrant as your roommate or one will be assigned by Dreamcatcher Events. Roommate matches are based on age and gender. If signing up with a roommate in mind, please enter their name in the “Roommate” field as you continue registration. Roommate must also register for Vai Academy. All attendees must stay at Omni Orlando Resort. Pricing is per person.

  • Single Room With One Bed
    3,699

    Standard room with one bed for one person. All attendees must stay at Omni Orlando Resort. Pricing is per person.

  • Bring Your Loved One (2 people)
    4,699

    If you would like to have your loved one join you at the Omni Orlando Resort but not participate in workshops, we recommend this price point. You both share the accommodations, dine together with the group for all meals, and attend all evening concerts together. During the days, while one of you is participating in workshops and living out your guitar virtuoso dreams, your loved one can enjoy the wonderful accommodations and interesting things to do in the Orlando area.

    You have your choice of one king bed or two queen beds to be chosen at checkout. Pricing is for one participant and one non-participant.

  • Couple’s Room (2 people)
    5,099

    Similar to the Bring Your Loved One price point, except both participants are fully able to attend workshops, concerts, and dine with the group.

    Pricing is for two participants.

Suites

  • Bring Your Loved One Jr. Suite (1 participant, 1 non-participant)
    5,699

    Sunset Lodge Studio Suites have two queen beds and a living area with a twin sleeper sofa. They are also equipped with a dinette set, a kitchenette with sink, mini-refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, toaster, blender and microwave oven. The spacious bathroom features a large vanity and a tub with a shower.

    Registration is for one participant and one non participant.

  • Couple’s Jr. Suite (2 participants)
    6,099

    Sunset Lodge Studio Suites have two queen beds and a living area with a twin sleeper sofa. They are also equipped with a dinette set, a kitchenette with sink, mini-refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, toaster, blender and microwave oven. The spacious bathroom features a large vanity and a tub with a shower.

    Pricing is for two participants.

  • Full One Bedroom Suite (2 people)
    6,699

    Pricing is either Couple’s style for two participants, or Bring Your Loved One style for one participant and one non participant, to be chosen at checkout.

    For more comfort and luxury, Executive King Suites include one king bed and a separate large living area with a full-size sleeper sofa and a lavish marble bath with separate shower and vanity. Balconies feature stunning golf and pool views.

What's Included

  • All workshops, activities and entertainment for 4 days and nights
  • Late night jamming with the Dreamcatcher All Stars
  • Great Accommodations
  • Jam rooms stocked with amps
  • Amazing lunches and Dinners
  • Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to Vai Academy
  • Parking
  • Breakfast
  • Alcohol and snacks
  • Sightseeing excursions in the area
  • Personal musical gear – bring your own guitar and cables

Additional Information

Vai Academy is an all-ages event, and players of any age are welcome to attend. However, anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Pricing and Registration Policy

  • Registration & Payments
    • All rates are per-person, unless stated otherwise.
    • All prices subject to change. Prior sales excluded. Dreamcatcher Events reserves the right to change any price, package or offering at any time without prior notice.
    • All rates are subject to 9.9% surcharge, which includes state and local taxes plus service fees.
  • Installment Payment Plan – Upon checkout, you have the option to pay in full or one 50% installment.
    • Upon registration, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total purchase amount is charged to your credit card.
    • The remaining balance will be automatically charged to the credit card on file on November 1, 2023.
  • Cancellations
    • All payments and deposits are final and non-refundable unless you enroll in the Active Cancellation Insurance program. The Active Cancellation Insurance program is a program that will enable you to receive a full refund should you cancel your registration for any reason as long as you file your claim no less than 48 hours before the event.
    • To enroll in this program, you can purchase the Insurance at check out. The cost to consumers is 20% of the cart total after any discounts have been applied. It will clearly spell out the amount in dollars it will cost at the time of checkout.

If you have any questions, please call our customer service number (+1) 800-852-9277, or send us an email at info@dreamcatcher-events.com

For complete details please see our Registration and Payment Policy and Cancellation FAQ

Travel Directions

Omni Orlando Resort

Address
1500 Masters Blvd,
Championsgate, FL 33896

Website
Omni Orlando Championsgate

Contact
Contact Us

Open Resort Location In Maps App

Instrument Travel

FAA Rules - Bringing Musical Instruments on Flights