On August 22nd, former editor-in-chief of Guitar World and noted Steve Vai authority, Brad Tolinski, will interview Vai at The Cutting Room in New York City. This special event will feature a long-form interview, opportunity for audience questions, and a meet and greet. A limited number of tickets are available at this location.

The event is part of the BackStory Events online series and will be live streamed by Guitar World Magazine

According to Long Island Weekly, guitar legend Steve Vai will be presenting one lucky raffle winner with a signed guitar at one of his world famous Master Classes. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit Family and Children’s Association (FCA), Long Island’s leading health and human services nonprofit.

Vai: “FCA is a crucial organization that gives care and support to disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk children, seniors, and families, and it is an honor for me to be in a position to help raise needed funds for them with an RG guitar raffle that will take place at my master class at The Music Zoo on Long Island. Please join us at the class or purchase a raffle ticket from wherever you are in the world to support this most vital organization.”

Raffle tickets cost $50 each. Raffle participants who cannot attend the presentation after the Master Class need not worry, Steve will schedule a video conference call with the lucky winner to congratulate him or her on their big win! The event will be held at The Music Zoo in Roslyn on August 24.

To register for the Master Class (registration includes one raffle ticket), visit this location. To purchase a raffle ticket without the Master Class registration, click here.

Registration for Steve Vai’s Vai Academy 4.0 is now open. Join Steve Vai, St. Vincent, Steve Morse and Yngwie Malmsteen as they delve into "Unlocking The Mystery Of Music Theory And Technique" at the Hard Rock Hotel, January 3rd - 7th, 2018 in Palm Springs, California.

Check out a video from Steve below, and visit vaiacademy.com for full details.

Steve previously stated: "Allow me to excitedly introduce the fourth year of Vai Academy. In 2018, we’re going to take over the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs, CA, January 3rd to 7th. Our focus is also evolving. Of course, there are going to be some amazing instructors, classes, and a lot of jamming, but I wanted to do something a little different. For starters, I’m planning on giving more classes in 2018 than I’ve done in the past.

"In next year’s camp, we’re aiming to demystify music theory. We’re going to present the basics in a way that can be easily understood. Moreover, these methods will be accessible on the instrument in order to expand every player’s uniquely creative potential. I’m expecting to see a lot of 'Aha' moments in many of the campers.

"The idea for the focus on music theory in this camp was inspired by questions that I often get asked while doing EVO experiences, Alien Guitar Secrets Masterclasses, reading your reviews of previous camps, and music magazine-related interviews. Music Theory can be a major source of concern and even anxiety in the minds of many musicians. We’re going to debunk the myths and show you how to apply theory creatively. Music theory is basically teachable on an intellectual level, but can be very helpful when going deeper than the theory in your songwriting and improvising. You don’t have to get hung up on it.

"Technique is also going to be a big part of 2018. Previously, I’ve somewhat spoken about technique in regards to tone, vibrato, intonation, bending notes, picking, hammering, etc. However, this camp will focus on technique as applied to music theory. Beyond these central themes, I plan on creating classes about everything from chord theory and interval relationships to time signature theory.

"We’re going deep! In the end, Vai Academy is all about sharing. We’re all in this together as musicians. I love that we all experience living life to its fullest by enjoying every moment alongside one another. Get ready for an incredible Vai Academy in 2018."