Sky Arts International presents:
An exclusive Three-Day Sky Academy Seminar
in Long Beach, California!
Oktober 24. -26. Sky Haven, Long Beach, California
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SKY ACADEMY 2025 IN LONG BEACH
Each Sky Guitar seminar is designed to provide crucial guidance and inspiration, helping every student reach their personal next level. Uli leads a deep dive into the heart of music—a fascinating journey of discovery. Music is at the center of it all, but it also serves as a bridge to unlock your creative talents and awaken the artist within you. Uli’s teaching is unscripted, and he keeps the agenda for each day fluid, guided by inspiration.
The guitar—or any other instrument, for that matter—acts as a bridge and powerful tool on this journey. Uli will also share vital insights into his guitar techniques and the specifics of phrasing. However, the primary emphasis will be on the creative aspects of guitar playing and music-making. This includes lessons on how to craft a compelling guitar lead.
Days begin at 10 a.m. and continue into the evening. A communal lunch and a light dinner are served (water, coffee, and tea are freely available throughout the day).
Activities and main subjects covered in this seminar:
Uli will explore a variety of topics aimed at helping you connect with your inner artistic self. While there are no shortcuts, there are many essential dos and don’ts along the way—and Uli will generously share his deep knowledge and experience. The goal is to awaken or strengthen your creative powers.
• IN SEARCH OF THE ALPHA LAW
Uli teaches from his Sky Academy book, which forms the foundation of the seminar. This is also your chance to ask personal questions about the book’s content.
• GUITAR MASTER CLASSES
A focus on musicality, expression, and becoming a better, more skilled performer. Gold Student pass holders will play, and Uli will offer constructive feedback. Sky Academy is open to all instrumentalists - not just guitarists. Uli’s teaching benefits anyone dedicated to the study of music.
• HOW TO ENTER THE ALPHA ZONE
Uli teaches the art of tuning the mind through relaxation, meditation, and concentration - essential keys to mastering any craft.
• JAM SESSIONS WITH ULI & FRIENDS
(Any of the GOLD students may participate and perform.)
• THE ART OF IMPROVISATION
“Composition on the fly.” The dos and don’ts, and roadmaps to skilled improvisation - including cultivating the right mindset. In Sky Academy, the improvised music follows no script or set chord changes; it must flow freely. This is the most challenging yet most exciting form of improvisation, and the only one truly worthy of the name. “Perfection” in improvisation is very elusive and rarely achieved, yet we will nevertheless dedicate time to pursuing this noble goal. Uli will guide and inspire, offering real-time commentary and suggestions.
• HARNESSING THE POWER OF INSPIRATION
There can be no true or meaningful art without inspiration. It is the divine spark that that gives deeper meaning to the things which we seek to express. However, inspiration must be harnessed and channelled skilfully, or it will just dissipate and fade away into nothingness. The artist's task is to draw from this unseen source and manifest it into tangible artistic expression. Whether through music, visual art, storytelling, filmmaking, or any other medium, all great artists have learned to draw from this well and craft something powerful, meaningful, and beautiful - or, at times, deliberately unsettling.
• SOCIALIZING
After-dinner podium discussions centred on topics of interest or significance to many of us. Sky Academy is a place where real friendships are formed, and a spirit of community is deeply felt. The atmosphere is inclusive, positive, and supportive. It’s a space for growth -both as musicians and as human beings. Members support each other like family.
• AWAKENING YOUR DORMANT POWERS OF SYNAESTHESIA
We are learning how to tune our minds to reach maximum potential. Utilizing our minds and bodies to connect deeply and become one with the spiritual essence of music.
Uli also incorporates his own artworks and oil paintings to explore the parallels between visual and auditory art. Approaching creativity from a synesthetic perspective opens powerful pathways to unlock your creative talents. Even though the very concept of synesthesia, as a magical way of blending the senses, may probably be unfamiliar to you, we are going to spend time exploring this fascinating subject.
Synaesthesia is an extremely powerful latent ability, which essentially mirrors the mysteries of the Universe! We all possess this elusive sense to varying degrees. While it may not be especially helpful for routine or mundane tasks, it offers a profoundly enriching mindset for artists. Its very nature is elusive – almost impossible to define, impossible to measure; yet all this makes it all the more intriguing for creative minds.
Though synaesthesia isn't something you can be directly taught, there are ways to awaken and enhance this extraordinary fusion of sensations. When felt deeply, its combined impact can spark some of your most powerful inspirations and ideas.
Composing a painting follows many of the same principles as composing music - but there’s far more to it than meets the eye. We’ll take a look behind the curtain of the creative mind, learning to use our senses and awareness as a dynamic tool for building new ideas, refining existing work, and discovering fresh dimensions of our craft.
• BAND REHEARSAL DAYS (Platinum Students only)
Witness four intense days of rehearsals as Uli prepares a new band for the upcoming U.S. tour. This tour features a completely new program and includes include some pieces from his long-awaited Requiem for an Angel. The touring band features mostly new members, along with a string quartet. This is a rare opportunity to observe Uli directing rehearsals in real time.
*This agenda is subject to change. Please check for updates and additional information.
Tickets here:
PREVIOUS SKY ACADEMY GUEST SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS
ROBBIE KRIEGER - ROY Z – DAVID PAICH – RACHEL BARTON-PINE – PAUL GILBERT - JOE STUMP – TONY MAC ALPINE – VINNIE MOORE – TONY LEVIN – SLASH - VERNON REID – GILBY CLARKE – KOFI BAKER – LEON HENDRIX – STU HAMM - BEN WOODS – ANDREW SHULMAN – CRAIG GOLDIE – JENNIFER BATTEN - DON DOKKEN – WARREN DE MARTINI – ANDY TIMMONS - JEFF SCOTT SOTO
ROBBIE KRIEGER - ROY Z – DAVID PAICH – RACHEL BARTON-PINE – PAUL GILBERT - JOE STUMP – TONY MAC ALPINE – VINNIE MOORE – TONY LEVIN – SLASH - VERNON REID – GILBY CLARKE – KOFI BAKER – LEON HENDRIX – STU HAMM - BEN WOODS – ANDREW SHULMAN – CRAIG GOLDIE – JENNIFER BATTEN - DON DOKKEN – WARREN DE MARTINI – ANDY TIMMONS - JEFF SCOTT SOTO
Here are some of the popular things to do in Long Beach:
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific: This is one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in the world. You can explore an impressive variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
Long Beach Waterfront: Long Beach's waterfront offers a scenic backdrop with restaurants, shops, and a promenade. You can take a stroll along the water and enjoy the views.
The Queen Mary: This historic ship, now a hotel, offers fascinating insights into maritime history. You can take tours and explore the ship's interiors.
Beaches: Long Beach has beautiful beaches, including Belmont Shore Beach and Rosie's Dog Beach. You can sunbathe, swim, surf, or simply relax.
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA): If you're an art enthusiast, MOLAA is a great place to explore Latin American art and culture.
Pike Outlets: This downtown shopping center offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Sailing: Long Beach offers excellent opportunities for sailing and water sports. You can rent sailboats or take a sailing lesson.
Historic Districts: Visit historic neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples Island to discover charming architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Art Galleries: Long Beach has a vibrant art scene with many galleries showcasing contemporary art.
Downtown Long Beach: Downtown offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. You can go out in the evening and explore the local music scene.
Catalina Island: Take a ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island for more outdoor activities, hiking, and exploration.
Bike Tours: Long Beach is very bike-friendly and offers many bike paths and routes. Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Where to stay:
PREVIOUS SKY ACADEMY EVENTS
PREVIOUS SKY ACADEMY EVENTS 2006 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - UCLA 2007 - HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MUSICIAN’S INSTITUTE 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – WAITARA HIGHSCHOOL 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – INGLEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – OPUNAKE HIGH SCHOOL 2008 – REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA – BRIXTON PIER 2008 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – CLUBHOUSE 2008 – NORDENHAM, GERMANY – REALSCHULE 2009 – TERAMO, ITALY – FARE MUSIKA 2009 – SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – GALAXY THEATRE 2009 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2009 – GRONAU, GERMANY – ROCK & POP MUSEUM 2010 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – HAMBURG SCHOOL OF MUSIC 2010 – NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – TSB SHOW PLACE 2010 – FIORANO MODENSE, ITALY – CASTELLO DI SPEZZANO 2010 – ASTI, ITALY – SCHOOL OF ROCK 2011 – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE 2011 – GULF OF MEXICO – CARIBBEAN CRUISE, MAJESTY OF THE SEAS 2011 – ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY – FUTURE MUSIC SCHOOL 2011 – TOURCOING, FRANCE - VEF2M MUSIC SCHOOL 2011 – GRONAU, GERMANY – ROBERT JOHNSON AWARD @ R&P MUSEUM 2011 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – ROBERT JOHNSON AWARD @ H SCHOOL OF MUSIC 2012 – PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND – THE SOUNDHOUSE 2012 – ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – WALL OF SOUND STUDIOS 2012 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2012 – TORONTO, CANADA – ROCKPILE 2012 – MANHATTAN, NEW YORK – BB KING’S 2012 – SELLERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – WASHINGTON HOUSE 2012 – OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – OLD BRIDGE MUSIC SCHOOL 2012 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – CLUB RED 2012 – PORTLAND, OREGON – HAWTHORNE THEATRE 2012 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – EL CORAZON 2012 – SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA – JUMPING TURTLE 2012 – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - ACADEMY OF SOUND & MUSIC 2012 – ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY – FUTURE MUSIC SCHOOL 2012 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – MARKTHALLE 2012 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – LANDHAUS WALTERS 2012 – BRADFORD, ENGLAND – THE GASWORKS 2012 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - AMSTERDAM CONSERVATORY 2012 – BOLTON, ENGLAND – RAILWAY VENUE 2013 – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE 2013 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2013 – DENVER, COLORADO – JAMMIN JOE’S 2013 – OHIO, CLEVELAND - COMFORT INN 2013 – OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – OLD BRIDGE MUSIC CENTER 2013 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK – STAGE 48 2013 – TORONTO, CANADA – ROCKPILE 2013 – OTTAWA, CANADA – BRASS MONKEY 2013 – SELLERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – SELLERSVILLE THEATRE 2013 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2013 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – MUSIC STORE 2013 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – EL CORAZON 2013 – PORTLAND, OREGON – HAWTHORNE THEATRE 2013 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2013 – BILSTON, ENGLAND – ROBIN 2 2013 – NORTH SEA, FRANCE – MEIN SCHIFF 1 2013 – ATHENS, GREECE – MODERN MUSIC ARTS SCHOOL 2013 - ST JULIEN EN GENEVOIS, FRANCE – l’ÉCOLE MUSIQUE 2013 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – TRONICAL 2014 – RAMONA, CALIFORNIA – RAMONA MAINSTAGE 2014 - ST JULIEN EN GENEVOIS, FRANCE – l’ÉCOLE MUSIQUE 2014 – GOETEBORG, SWEDEN - MATTIAS IA EKLUNDH SUMMERCAMP 2015 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2015 – TOKYO, JAPAN - DUO MUSIC EXCHANGE 2015 – SINGAPORE – SING JAZZ CLUB 2016 – COAST OF DENMARK – MEIN SCHIFF 1 – FM CRUISE IV 2017 – HAITI, CARIBBEAN – INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS 2018 – MANNHEIM. GERMANY – DORINT KONGRESS HOTEL
PREVIOUS SKY ACADEMY EVENTS 2006 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - UCLA 2007 - HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MUSICIAN’S INSTITUTE 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – WAITARA HIGHSCHOOL 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – INGLEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 2008 - NEW ZEALAND – OPUNAKE HIGH SCHOOL 2008 – REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA – BRIXTON PIER 2008 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – CLUBHOUSE 2008 – NORDENHAM, GERMANY – REALSCHULE 2009 – TERAMO, ITALY – FARE MUSIKA 2009 – SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – GALAXY THEATRE 2009 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2009 – GRONAU, GERMANY – ROCK & POP MUSEUM 2010 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – HAMBURG SCHOOL OF MUSIC 2010 – NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – TSB SHOW PLACE 2010 – FIORANO MODENSE, ITALY – CASTELLO DI SPEZZANO 2010 – ASTI, ITALY – SCHOOL OF ROCK 2011 – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE 2011 – GULF OF MEXICO – CARIBBEAN CRUISE, MAJESTY OF THE SEAS 2011 – ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY – FUTURE MUSIC SCHOOL 2011 – TOURCOING, FRANCE - VEF2M MUSIC SCHOOL 2011 – GRONAU, GERMANY – ROBERT JOHNSON AWARD @ R&P MUSEUM 2011 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – ROBERT JOHNSON AWARD @ H SCHOOL OF MUSIC 2012 – PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND – THE SOUNDHOUSE 2012 – ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – WALL OF SOUND STUDIOS 2012 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2012 – TORONTO, CANADA – ROCKPILE 2012 – MANHATTAN, NEW YORK – BB KING’S 2012 – SELLERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – WASHINGTON HOUSE 2012 – OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – OLD BRIDGE MUSIC SCHOOL 2012 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – CLUB RED 2012 – PORTLAND, OREGON – HAWTHORNE THEATRE 2012 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – EL CORAZON 2012 – SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA – JUMPING TURTLE 2012 – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - ACADEMY OF SOUND & MUSIC 2012 – ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY – FUTURE MUSIC SCHOOL 2012 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – MARKTHALLE 2012 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – LANDHAUS WALTERS 2012 – BRADFORD, ENGLAND – THE GASWORKS 2012 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - AMSTERDAM CONSERVATORY 2012 – BOLTON, ENGLAND – RAILWAY VENUE 2013 – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE 2013 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2013 – DENVER, COLORADO – JAMMIN JOE’S 2013 – OHIO, CLEVELAND - COMFORT INN 2013 – OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – OLD BRIDGE MUSIC CENTER 2013 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK – STAGE 48 2013 – TORONTO, CANADA – ROCKPILE 2013 – OTTAWA, CANADA – BRASS MONKEY 2013 – SELLERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA – SELLERSVILLE THEATRE 2013 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2013 – TEMPE, ARIZONA – MUSIC STORE 2013 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – EL CORAZON 2013 – PORTLAND, OREGON – HAWTHORNE THEATRE 2013 – SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – BRICK BY BRICK 2013 – BILSTON, ENGLAND – ROBIN 2 2013 – NORTH SEA, FRANCE – MEIN SCHIFF 1 2013 – ATHENS, GREECE – MODERN MUSIC ARTS SCHOOL 2013 - ST JULIEN EN GENEVOIS, FRANCE – l’ÉCOLE MUSIQUE 2013 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – TRONICAL 2014 – RAMONA, CALIFORNIA – RAMONA MAINSTAGE 2014 - ST JULIEN EN GENEVOIS, FRANCE – l’ÉCOLE MUSIQUE 2014 – GOETEBORG, SWEDEN - MATTIAS IA EKLUNDH SUMMERCAMP 2015 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – REGGIE’S 2015 – TOKYO, JAPAN - DUO MUSIC EXCHANGE 2015 – SINGAPORE – SING JAZZ CLUB 2016 – COAST OF DENMARK – MEIN SCHIFF 1 – FM CRUISE IV 2017 – HAITI, CARIBBEAN – INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS 2018 – MANNHEIM. GERMANY – DORINT KONGRESS HOTEL
PLEASE NOTE:
You will NOT be sent the SKY ACADEMY passes via mail. Instead, you will be handed your laminates AT THE VENUE and ON THE DAY of the seminar.
All you need to show is some simple ID or our email to you.
No recordings of any kind or photos are permitted inside the building of the academy without our permission.
However, we will probably allow single camera use, but it is forbidden to post clips on social media or YouTube without our explicit prior permission.SKY ACADEMY passes are non-refundable in the event of a no-show by yourself, but may be transferred or gifted to someone else.