Even after 52 years,

There is no better place to learn music than the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop

NY Retreat on Hiatus This Year

See below for more information.

Northwest Writers' Weekend

November 5-8 2026, For all writers -- the shy and the curious, the experienced and the intrepid alike.

a Wonder of Songwriters

Jan 23-24, 2027 -- Exploring the art, craft, and community of songwriting through classes, conversation, and concerts!

For more info

Donate to PSGW

Now Available Online via PayPal or by credit/debit card

You can now donate online to PSGW!
Or you can still donate by sending a check to PSGW, P.O. Box 896, Bellingham WA 98227.
In either case please designate whether you’re donating to the General or Scholarship fund.

Scholarship Fund General Fund

PSGW 2026-7 Upcoming Events
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Up Next:

- Northwest Writers' Weekend, November 5 - 8, 2026. Register here...
‍This weekend is for all writers -- the shy and the curious, the experienced and the intrepid alike. It is, quite simply, wonderful time and space set aside for you and your writing. Share the weekend with great teachers and fellow writers, good food, beautiful surroundings, and -- no pressure!

- A Wonder of Songwriters, January 23 - 24, 2027. Info & Registration here...
‍Exploring the art, craft, and community of songwriting through classes, conversation, and concerts!

- New Years Retreat on Hiatus This Year
We hope the changing season brings you moments of pause, discovery, and plenty of music-making. For us coordinators, September is a time to rest, reflect, and look ahead.
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This message centers around a special tradition: our New Year Retreat. At the turn of the millennium, camp co-founder Flip Breskin and friends realized that if the world was facing the unknown disruptions of Y2K, there was no better haven to gather in than PSGW. Ever since, this annual retreat has brought families of all types together to create music and share in community.
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This year, Pilgrim Firs is focusing on essential campsite maintenance and infrastructure upgrades during our usual retreat dates to ensure the grounds stay strong and thriving. Because of these necessary projects, we won't be able to host our New Year Retreat this season.
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We cherish these annual traditions and know just how meaningful it is to gather with friends - old and new - to celebrate the New Year. We hope this shift in your winter calendar isn't too disruptive, and that in place of our gathering, new space opens up to you.
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If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. In the meantime, rest assured that Winter Retreat is moving forward - we'll be in touch soon with more details!
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Love, Elian, Janet, & Karee

musical styles

PSGW is a camp for all acoustic instruments and genres.

One of the unique aspects of PSGW is the wide variety of musical instruments and styles taught and played during each week. We offer an extensive range of guitar classes, of course, but there are also classes in many other instruments: voice, fiddle, bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and others. Some classes are not instrument-specific, such as songwriting or music theory. People also bring all kinds of instruments to play outside of classes—accordions, cellos, saxophones, even harps and the occasional tuba.

Learn More

Meet our World Class Instructors

Aside from its students, PSGW's single strongest asset is its teachers.

Our teachers are chosen for their ability to communicate their knowledge, enthusiasm, and skill, both in the formal class atmosphere and in the equally-important informal playing situations that abound at camp. Although the teachers provide support when needed, they also provide space for students to experiment and make mistakes on their own, leading to satisfying growth. Because students and teachers share meals and down-time at camp, students leave at the end of the week with new friendships as well as material to practice.

Meet Our 2026 Instructors

about

The Puget Sound Guitar Workshop was created in 1974 by a few people with a vision to create a summer music gathering.

Since that time, PSGW has grown to include four independent, week-long summer music camp sessions for adults. Designed for beginners to professional musicians, the camps offer a wide array of musical styles and instrument instruction. In addition to the summer camp sessions, PSGW sponsors several other events and camps, including three retreats held throughout the year, The Northwest Writers’ Weekend, and a Wonder of Songwriters Festival.

2026 Events