The Founders
Two world-class musicians, educators, and producers who built The Music Oasis to give everyday artists access to the best in the world.
Greg Dayton
Singer · Songwriter · Guitarist · EducatorGreg Dayton is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music educator from Sausalito, California and New York City. A critically acclaimed recording artist for Ropeadope Records, he was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Artist in 2016 — shortly after the release of his debut solo album Lonesome Road, co-produced with Grammy Award-winning engineer Steve Addabbo.
Elmore Magazine called Sailing for the Sun "a helping of pure meat-and-potatoes rock and roll… songs that settle into your head like a comfortable house guest." The album features horns arranged by Steven Bernstein of the Levon Helm Band and Little Feat. Songs from Here to Stay (2024) were featured in Relix Magazine and chosen as Song of the Day in All About Jazz.
Dayton produced and co-wrote recordings with Marlon Saunders for European Latin soul singer Gemma Genazzano, appearing live on NBC's Today Show in 2010 and at the Blue Note in New York City. He produced six Downbeat Magazine award-winning recordings for young singer-songwriter Anson Jones.
As host of the annual New York Blues Hall of Fame Award Ceremonies at the Orpheum Film and Performing Arts Center since 2012, he has shared the stage with Grammy-nominated artists including Nate Smith, Bill Sims Jr., Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, and more. Based in California since 2020, he has shared the stage with two-time Grammy winner Bill Champlin and opened for The Family Stone.
"I am honored to be part of the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program. Meeting young, talented singer-songwriters and helping them grow is truly inspiring. Supporting emerging artists is one of the great joys of my career."
Greg DaytonDayton's musical influences span electric and acoustic blues, classic rock, Americana, soul, and jazz. With degrees from Harvard University and the Berklee College of Music, he has mentored hundreds of students on guitar, piano, improvisation, and songwriting across the US and Europe for over 35 years — including 10 years at the Berklee International Network school in Barcelona and 5 years at Belmont Hill School in Massachusetts.
Marlon Saunders
Singer · Songwriter · Record Producer · Vocal CoachMarlon Saunders is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his vocal work as a backing vocalist — recording and on tour — for some of the most iconic artists in contemporary music.
Saunders sings with Amy Adams in the Oscar-nominated song from the film Enchanted. He has served as choir director for Stevie Wonder and performed and recorded with:
As a vocal coach, choir and ensemble director, Saunders has served as faculty at the Berklee College of Music, the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, and the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School. He serves as a vocal coach for major recording labels, Broadway actors, and Broadway productions.
"You allow people from all walks of life to fulfill dreams."
Marlon Saunders — Co-Founder, The Music OasisTogether with Greg Dayton, Marlon co-founded The Music Oasis with a shared belief: that immersive, intimate music education — led by world-class professionals — should be available to everyday artists, not just those enrolled in costly academic institutions.
Greg Dayton Selected as
GRAMMY U Mentor
We're proud to share that Music Oasis co-founder Greg Dayton has been selected as a mentor for the Recording Academy's GRAMMY U Mentorship Program, sponsored by Amazon.
Greg has already begun working with his new mentee — a gifted young singer-songwriter finishing her senior year in Colorado — and looks forward to guiding her creative journey. This recognition reflects Greg's deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists, both through The Music Oasis and his decades of work as a performer, teacher, and songwriter.
"Meeting young, talented singer-songwriters and helping them grow is truly inspiring. Supporting emerging artists is one of the great joys of my career."
Greg Dayton · GRAMMY U MentorA Shared Belief in
Music for Everyone
Greg and Marlon built The Music Oasis from a conviction they've carried across decades of performing, teaching, and mentoring: that music education at the highest level should not be gated behind expensive degrees or elite institutions.
Together, they've designed an immersive experience that brings world-class musicians into small, intimate rooms — where everyday artists can sing, write, record, and perform alongside the very people who've made a life in music.
Community
Small groups, deep collaboration, and an ongoing creative community that extends well beyond the retreat.
Craft
Real instruction in singing, songwriting, recording, and performing — led by professionals with decades of real-world experience.
Restoration
Breathing, meditation, and mindful restoration woven into every day — because great music comes from a grounded, open place.
Come Make Music
With Greg & Marlon
Join them in the Catskill Mountains the Catskill Mountains for a long weekend of songwriting, recording, performance, and connection. The next retreat is coming — stay tuned.