Acoustic Bootcamp - Belize

August 2nd - 6th, 2026

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge,
Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize, Central America

Email us at admin@obriensmusicsociety.com to register!

Immerse * Renew * Transform

Our Team

THOMAS LEEB

Thomas has played more than a thousand concerts since his first stage appearance at the age of fifteen, is a constant performer all over the world and is a faculty member at the CalArts school of music. Thomas’ album ‘Desert Pirate’ was voted one of the essential albums of the last 20 years by Acoustic Guitar Magazine and his playing has earned him accolades from all over the guitar scene but most notably from David Gilmour and Guthrie Govan.

Founder - Acoustic Fingerstyle Bootcamp

GISELLE O’BRIEN

Giselle is the leading vocal expert in Belize, looking at the expression of voice from a holistic and healthy perspective. The first Belizean to graduate from Trinidad and Tobago with a BFA in Performing Arts - Music, she has made a name for herself as an educator, voice teacher and advocate for the arts. She is the founder/director of the Golden Voices Choir and the Silver Strings Guitar Ensemble, as well as the director of O’Brien’s Music Society - an inclusive platform where persons of all capabilities can learn and explore music.

Director - O'Brien's Music Society
Lecturer

LEON BANKS

Leon is a passionate Belizean musician whose love for music shaped his journey at an early age. He has dedicated decades to mastering the guitar, developing both his skill and unique musical voice. Leon has collaborated with musicians all over Belize, including renowned Belizean pianist Frankie Reneau and noted arranger/composer Carlos Perrote. He is a leader in the local music community and one half of the dynamic musical duo, Cindy and Leon. His commitment, creativity and deep appreciation for music continues to inspire his performances and growth as an artist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Email us at admin@obriensmusicsociety.com to register

  • The Central American leg of Guitar Bootcamp is held at Hidden Valley Mountain Lodge in the Mayan Mountains of beautiful Belize

    The tuition fee is $500 USD or $1000 Bzd, payable by bank transfer or paypal.

    Room and board varies between 800 - 1200 US and is inclusive of all meals and selected onsite excursions.  Cabins are shared among two to three persons. 

  • The official language is English, although many residents are also fluent in Spanish, Garifuna or Creole.

  • When registering, kindly let us know what your food allergies are.  We are happy to accommodate.  

  • We encourage a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. Music snobbery is strongly discouraged and perpetrators are thrown under the waterfalls! At Bootcamp we welcome all passionate music lovers - whether you have never played or whether you are a semi-professional on a very high level, we want to jam with you!

  • Absolutely! Your guest will be responsible for room and board, and whatever extra activities they wish to participate in as offered by the venue.

  • Travelling by plane:
    Belize’s main airport is the Phillip Goldson International Airport, located in Ladyville, just outside of Belize City.  Our venue is 3 hours west of the airport. Rental cars are available at the airport for those who wish to drive on their own.


    Travelling by road:
    Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala in the west and south.  Campers coming through Mexico can get a public bus from the border town of Corozal Town to Belize City’s main terminal.  There you can to San Ignacio via bus.  

    Hidden Valley is nearer to the Guatemalan (Melchor de Mencos) border.  One can get a taxi into San Ignacio from Melchor de Mencos border.  Hidden Valley has shuttles that can transport guests from San Ignacio to the lodge.  

  • Our arrival day is August 2nd. There is a dinner meet & greet and orientation at 7:30 PM at the Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge.  Check in starts at 11 AM.

    Our last bootcamp day is on August 6th, with a group shuttle leaving the venue after lunch. For flights departing on August 7th, campers have the option of renting a hotel or Air BnB in the city, or arrange for shuttle service from Hidden Valley on the morning of the 7th.  Arrangements must be made with the venue. 

  • Definitely! Our team at O’Brien’s Music Society will be providing a shuttle service from Belize City to Hidden Valley on the afternoon of August 2nd, and returning on the morning of August 6th.  We can also make arrangements for pick-up in San Ignacio through Hidden Valley’s shuttle service.

  • We will do our best to ‘sell’ your space to someone else but due to the international nature of the event, it may not be possible to find a quick replacement. Generally the deposit is not refundable and the balance becomes non-refundable two weeks before the event.

  • Then this bootcamp is perfect for you! We meet you at your level so you can leave renewed and improved!

  • You can register for our first Belizean leg of Bootcamp by emailing us at admin@obriensmusicsociety.com