It’s finally happening— Kiko Loureiro is hosting a boot-camp-like guitar experience weekend in Helsinki, Finland. 

Yes I know, my American friends; that’s a pricey trip to the end of the world, but before you hit the brakes…

We’ll talk about doing this on a budget. We’ll take a look at some exciting things you’re gonna get to do, and we’ll do some comparisons. But first, let’s talk about the man himself. 

If you aren’t a metal fan and haven’t heard of Kiko Loureiro, you should know he’s much more than a metal guitarist. Kiko Loureiro has been teaching guitar and the business of music for over 30 years. He currently hosts a mentorship program that hooks you up with music professionals artists don’t normally have access to. He’s worked closely with very young artists and their parents, retired professionals looking to get more involved with music, and of course, your more popular fiery-eyed, upcoming music artists looking to get signed. 

Loureiro has collaborated with professionals of varied genres over the years, including performances in jazz and classical acoustics. He’s a grammy award winner, and he authored the book Negócios Para Criativos (Business For Creatives), a guide to making a living with your music. (In Portuguese only)

If you want to become a successful, working musician, this is your guy.

Now let’s get into the fun stuff. This is an all immersive guitar camp, and it’s taking place at The Katajanokka Hotel—a former prison transformed into gorgeous, boutique lodging. You’ll be collaborating in jam sessions with Kiko, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex will be available for you to use during the event, and all necessary audio equipment will be provided for the workshops, so bringing personal equipment is optional. If you’re unable to bring your guitar for some reason, there may be a few guitars available for use at the event. (Please check on that availability when you sign up, as instruments are limited.)

You’ll also enjoy casual hangouts in downtown Helsinki after the sessions, food (provided at the hotel) is included with all packages regardless of stay, and coffee and water will be available all day long; there’s no need to worry about food in addition to your plane ticket. 

All ages (those 16 and under should be accompanied by a guardian), and all skill levels are welcome. There will be opportunities to get photos and autographs from Kiko Loureiro during meet and greets. When you check into the venue, you’ll receive a detailed schedule outlining the workshops, jam sessions, breaks, and other activities. And you might want to stay tuned for possible surprises, giveaways, or special guest appearances closer to the event… 

Now let’s talk money for those who aren’t anywhere near Europe and really want to go.

I learned several years ago to stop mentally shutting down opportunities due to believing in the narrow “poor artist” mindset. Rare phenomena happen all the time. If you want something enough, you can usually find the money. Even if it means doing something you don’t want to do for a few months. If you make up your mind and get started now, it’s possible to save enough in time.

Flying. First, don’t book your flight for June (you shouldn’t anyway; you’ll want to get in early to receive your itinerary and credentials). June is a peak month to travel to Helsinki, and flight prices skyrocket. Since this event is happening the weekend of June 1st and 2nd, you want to book that flight as far back in May as you can handle (it gets cheaper the further back you go). It’s a long way from home; consider staying awhile and enjoying yourself. Planning for a week long trip and staying in a hostel might just be more cost effective than a couple of days at the last minute to the event and a pricey hotel in the city. Instead of thinking of this as a one weekend event, think of it as a vacation to Finland with a great guitar experience along the way. Oh, and crazy fantastic memories!

Traveling in Helsinki: Don’t brush off public transportation. Finland is a peaceful, happy city, and its public transit system isn’t as dangerous as New York City. All the people I’ve met from Europe have seemed to have a “softer” side than those of us here at home. Helsinki has a clean, comfortable and very fast metro railway station if you’re used to subway rides. The buses aren’t shabby, either. This will save a ton of money. 

You don’t have to stay at the Katajanokka.  There’s a less expensive weekend package without accommodations. Hostels are a great option too; just book a dorm room. Or sleep in the woods—No, I’m not kidding!

Finland has this very cool thing called Jokamiehenoikeus – or everyman’s right.

It’s an actual law in Finland that allows people to roam the countryside and use natural areas for recreation and camping, as long as they don’t damage anything or disrespect other people’s privacy. I’d suggest that one for those who are used to camping in chilly weather though, as the end of May might still be a little brisk up there. But Americans should be pretty impressed with Jokamiehenoikeus, since we’re somewhat territorial here and don’t really get to enjoy going anywhere we want to go without the anxiety of dodging a gun. 

To get more details about the packages offered, keep an eye out at the Kiko Loureiro website and social media accounts. Three packages are available, the least expensive simply lacking the stayover at the hotel. It’s a pretty bomb deal, actually. So before diving into disappointment mode, I’d go ahead and take a look. Life is short—you might be pleasantly surprised!