Trapped In Nashville

October 7-11

Nashville

Tennessee

Where serious guitarists come to play, listen, and learn in real musical settings.

Hands-on instruction, live band sessions, and real-world guidance from working musicians.

What to expect

Hands-on playing

This experience is built around real playing, not lectures. You’ll spend the week listening, playing, and learning in supervised musical settings.

Hands-on playing

This experience is built around real playing, not lectures. You’ll spend the week listening, playing, and learning in supervised musical settings.

Small-group instruction

Intimate breakout sessions with each instructor, focused on feel, tone, harmony, and musical decision-making.

Small-group instruction

Intimate breakout sessions with each instructor, focused on feel, tone, harmony, and musical decision-making.

Live band sessions

Play with a professional rhythm section while receiving real-time feedback from the instructor who created the song.

Live band sessions

Play with a professional rhythm section while receiving real-time feedback from the instructor who created the song.

Want to be involved?

Core Instructors

Each instructor brings an original song and a distinct musical approach.

Guthrie Trapp

Tom Bukovac

Jedd Hughes

Jack Ruch

Brett Papa

Agenda

Day 1

Morning

  • Arrival

Afternoon

  • Orientation and overview

  • Meet the instructors

  • Event walkthrough

Evening

  • Welcome hang

  • Informal meetups

Day 2

Morning

  • Track immersion sessions

  • Small-group instruction

Afternoon

  • Instructor breakouts

  • Hands-on playing

Evening

  • Group dinner

  • Community time

Day 3

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Observation and refinement

Evening

  • Hosted night out

Day 4

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Continued band work

Evening

  • Sunset cruise on Old Hickory Lake

Day 5

Morning

  • Optional one-on-one lessons (add-on, first come)

Afternoon

  • Optional one-on-one lessons

  • Wrap-up and goodbyes

Day 1

Morning

  • Arrival

Afternoon

  • Orientation and overview

  • Meet the instructors

  • Event walkthrough

Evening

  • Welcome hang

  • Informal meetups

Day 2

Morning

  • Track immersion sessions

  • Small-group instruction

Afternoon

  • Instructor breakouts

  • Hands-on playing

Evening

  • Group dinner

  • Community time

Day 3

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Observation and refinement

Evening

  • Hosted night out

Day 4

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Continued band work

Evening

  • Sunset cruise on Old Hickory Lake

Day 5

Morning

  • Optional one-on-one lessons (add-on, first come)

Afternoon

  • Optional one-on-one lessons

  • Wrap-up and goodbyes

Day 1

Morning

  • Arrival

Afternoon

  • Orientation and overview

  • Meet the instructors

  • Event walkthrough

Evening

  • Welcome hang

  • Informal meetups

Day 2

Morning

  • Track immersion sessions

  • Small-group instruction

Afternoon

  • Instructor breakouts

  • Hands-on playing

Evening

  • Group dinner

  • Community time

Day 3

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Observation and refinement

Evening

  • Hosted night out

Day 4

Morning

  • Live band sessions

Afternoon

  • Breakout rooms

  • Continued band work

Evening

  • Sunset cruise on Old Hickory Lake

Day 5

Morning

  • Optional one-on-one lessons (add-on, first come)

Afternoon

  • Optional one-on-one lessons

  • Wrap-up and goodbyes

FAQ

Still got questions? Feel free to reach out. We're happy to help.

Who is Trapped in Nashville for?

Trapped in Nashville is designed for experienced guitar players who care deeply about sound, feel, and musical context. Most participants are serious hobbyists or semiprofessional musicians who want meaningful time playing, listening, and learning in a small, focused environment. This is not a beginner workshop.

What is the format of the teaching?

The experience is built around handson playing. In advance of the event, participants receive four backing tracks and preparatory guidance from the instructors. On site, the first teaching day focuses on small breakout sessions with each instructor. The following days center on live band sessions, where participants play two at a time and receive realtime feedback, alongside breakout rooms led by the other instructors. Observation is an important part of the learning, and playing all four songs is optional.

How much will I actually get to play?

Every participant is guaranteed meaningful time playing with the band during the event. Many participants will play multiple times across multiple songs. The structure allows flexibility so players can choose how often they want to participate, while ensuring the experience stays musical rather than rushed.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

Yes, light preparation is encouraged. Backing tracks and short guidance videos will be shared privately with participants in the months leading up to the event. These are meant to help you arrive familiar with the material and ready to engage, not to memorize fixed parts.

How many people will attend?

Trapped in Nashville is intentionally limited in size. While the exact number may vary slightly, the group is capped to ensure personal attention, smooth rotations, and a highquality experience for everyone.

Is this a performance or competition?

No. There is no pressure to perform, no grading, and no expectation that everyone plays every song. The focus is on learning, listening, and growth in a supportive environment.

What’s included with registration?

Registration includes all scheduled teaching sessions, access to instructors, live band sessions, curated evening programming, and hosted events listed on the schedule. Travel, lodging, and personal expenses are not included unless explicitly stated.

What about food and social events?

Group dinners, hosted evenings, and shared experiences are an important part of the event. Specific venues and details may vary, but all are thoughtfully selected to complement the overall experience.

Can the schedule or instructors change?

While we do our best to deliver the event exactly as described, schedules, venues, instructors, or guests may change if necessary. Any changes will be made with the integrity of the experience in mind.

What is the cancellation policy?

Due to the limited capacity and advance commitments required, cancellations are subject to a tiered refund policy. Please refer to the full Registration & Cancellation Policy for details. We strongly recommend independent travel insurance.

Will photos or videos be taken?

Yes. Photos and videos may be captured during the event for promotional and archival purposes. By attending, you consent to this use.

What if I have more questions?

We’re happy to help. Please contact us using the information on the registration page and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.