Come and join me for a unique once in a lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful locations in Amsterdam, The Netherlands!
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, but an exclusive, high end and intimate retreat where I will be applying some of my new methods to push you 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.
We’ll be rounding off the retreat by attending the 9th Annual Django Amsterdam Festival together on Friday and Saturday nights!
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.
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.
Django Amsterdam All-Access
We'll be rounding off the retreat by attending the 9th Annual Django Amsterdam Festival together on Friday and Saturday nights!
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.
BONUS: Workshop 6 – Ian Date's Django Jazz Masterclass
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 Zoom consultation call where we can chat and assess where you’re at and where you want to go with your gypsy jazz guitar playing.
On The Road To “Gig Ready”
We’ll spend some of our workshop time focusing on all aspects of pulling off a successful gig and leaving the audience wanting more.
You’ll learn how to put together a killer set list and how to make each tune a hit. We’ll even talk about how to deal with nerves, stage-fright. and remembering the chords in a pinch. We’ll then form our own duos, trios and other group ensembles to create a concert programme.
Private Membership Website
I’ve created a unique 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 the workshop video footage plus gig performances here so you can enjoy them for ever.
Wednesday January 18th, 2023
6pm Champagne Reception at Kapitein Zeppos
6:30pm Dinner
8pm Jam Session & Drinks at Kapitein Zeppos
Thursday January 19th, 2023
10am Workshop #1 Rhythm
12.30pm Lunch
2pm Workshop #2 Soloing
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Jam Session in Kapitein Zeppos
Friday January 20th, 2023
10am Workshop #3 Gig Ready Bootcamp
12.30pm Lunch
2pm Workshop #4 Making Music Together
6.30pm Dinner
8:30pm Django Amsterdam - JIMMY ROSENBERG TRIO
Saturday January 21st, 2023
10am Ian Date – The Django Reinhardt Gypsy Jazz Masterclass
12.30pm Lunch
2pm Workshop #5 New Secrets Of Gypsy Jazz Guitar
6.30pm Dinner
8.30pm Django Amsterdam -TCHA LIMBERGER
Sunday January 22nd, 2023
9:30am Amsterdam Scenic Canal Cruise
11am Farewell Group Lunch, Kapitein Zeppos
2:30pm Django Amsterdam - STOCHELO ROSENBERG
The Location – Amsterdam
This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor’s itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world’s only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam’s labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot.
Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world’s most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world.
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
Jan Brouwer is one of the hottest guitarists on the international Gypsy jazz scene. He's played rhythm guitar for many gypsy jazz masters including Fapy Lafertin, Robin Nolan, Paulus Schäfer, and Reinier Voet with whom he has been performing since 2000 in his own group Reinier Voet & Pigalle44.
During his distinguished career Jan has played on various stages around the world. He toured the US, Canada and Indonesia, THE Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois sur Seine, and in 2019 at Robin Nolan's Django Festival in Amsterdam's Bimhuis.
Jan will be Robin's teaching co-pilot on our Amsterdam adventure! Not only will he be with us during every workshop and jam session, but he'll also be delivering his own dedicated Gypsy Rhythm Masterclass designed to help you get your rhythm right!
“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 that spaces are limited so it’s important that I act now before public registration closes!
- YES, I understand the Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat includes one (1) seat for the Amsterdam January, 18-22, 2023 retreat.
- 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 at the retreat. This course will help me gear up and get ready for the retreat (valued at $297)
- YES, I want to join a like minded group of Django lovers and make new musical friends!
- YES, I’m ready to take action and learn Gypsy Jazz the FUN way!
- YES, I want to experience the Ian Date Gypsy Jazz Guitar Master Classes!
- 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 Amsterdam 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 Shipped To Your Door ($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
- Bonus #3: Lifetime Access to the '5 Pillars Of Learning Gypsy Jazz Guitar' Workshop Recordings ($500 value) You’ll be able to continue learning from the retreat with private access to the recorded videos of the five workshops taught at the retreat. This means that you can review all the valuable lessons in your own time and keep inspired. Lifetime access!
- Bonus #4: Django Amsterdam Festival Performances - All Access Tickets ($100)
Hosted by Robin Nolan, the 9th edition of 'Django Amsterdam' will celebrate the legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt's birthday with a weekend of world class concerts at Europe's most prestigious jazz podium The Bimhuis in Amsterdam.The impressive lineup of artists include: Holland's own gypsy jazz superstar Jimmy Rosenberg, Belgium multi-instrumentalist Tcha Limberger, and the great Stochelo Rosenberg.
Our Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat gang will all attend the festival performances together on Friday and Saturday night. You'll also have access to the Sunday matinee performance with Stochelo Rosenberg.
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.
Retail Value Seat
$3,154
Your Registration
$1,699 (Super-Early-Bird)
Q. When and where does the Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat take place?
A.The Gypsy Jazz Breakthrough Retreat takes place in Amsterdam on January 18-22, 2023 at the historic Kapitein Zeppos cafe. Upon registering you will be able to schedule a zoom call with Robin to discuss your guitar playing goals.
Q. Is lodging provided?
A. No. You'll need to arrange your own hotel and travel.
There are several cool and affordable hotels in the area, as well as Airbnb.com.
We have had many students have good experiences at the V Hotel Nesplein and the Rho Hotel (note: you must email or call Rho Hotel for reservations - [email protected]).
Q. Are meals provided?
A. Yes Lunches and Dinners are provided. We’ll all be hanging out and dining together each afternoon and evening. Our hosts Bob & Clare at Kapitein Zeppos roll out the red carpet and treat us great. Everyone loves the meals at Kapitein Zeppos!
Q. Are My Guitar Skills Good Enough To Join This Group?
A. Absolutely. We have guitarists of all levels at my breakthrough retreats. All the workshops are structured to begin with the basics so that everyone moves forward together.
Beginners are welcome! I’ll also spend time with you on your private Zoom call before the retreat to go over what you're looking for.
Q. Do I Need To Bring A Gypsy Guitar?
A. If you don't have a gypsy guitar, or prefer not to fly with your guitar - no worries, I will arrange for you to borrow one of mine!
Q. How large will the retreat group be?
A. We intentionally keep the group small so that everyone will receive my personal attention, and to keep the group intimate. We will all learn more this way and have more time to play and jam - and make friends!
Q. What if I have a question that’s not listed here?
A. If you have additional questions, please email me and my team at [email protected]