Tommy Emmanuel's Austin Guitar Camp

Tommy Emmanuel is bringing his guitar camp to the Fairmont Austin this August, running from Thursday, August 27, at 1 PM through Sunday, August 30, at 10:15 PM. It's a four-day immersive experience where he works with a group of students, and the whole thing wraps up with performances open to the public. The opening-night dinner and concert are held at a local Austin restaurant.

Emmanuel is a two-time GRAMMY nominee and one of the world's most celebrated fingerstyle guitarists, with a career spanning five decades. He learned by ear and has never read music, and was dubbed a 'Certified Guitar Player' (CGP) by his hero Chet Atkins, who took him under his wing after they met in Nashville. He recorded with Dragon in the 1980s and released his first solo acoustic album, ONLY, in 2001. He's also an honorary Kentucky Colonel, an Order of Australia Medalist (AM), and holds honorary degrees from Charles Sturt University.

The faculty joining him includes Austin native Eric Johnson, whose 1986 debut Tones earned a GRAMMY nomination and whose 'Cliffs of Dover' won Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1992, and Texas blues legend Jimmie Vaughan, who led the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Rounding out the lineup are Andy Timmons, Clive Carroll, Heaven McCoury, Jaime Hanna, John Knowles CGP, and Trey Hensley.

There are several ways to join in. The Commuter option, with no lodging, is $1,999, plus $500 for meals. A shared room with two beds is $2,899, and a single room is $3,899. The 'Bring Your Loved One' package—one enrolled, one guest—is $5,499. Couple's options range from a Couple's Room at $5,699 to a Couple's Studio Suite at $6,199, a Couple's Jr. Suite at $6,199, and a Couple's 1-Bedroom Suite at $7,199. All prices carry an 11.9% surcharge for taxes and fees, and hotel checkout is Monday, August 31.