I'm interested in classes to improve my technique. Espresso Vivace discontinued their 3 day class. Seattle Barista Academy has several different classes, not sure which one is appropriate. They have a "Barista Fundamentals , Gaining Command of the Variables - 2 day class," a "Barista Fundamentals plus Drink Building Package - 3 day," and a "Weekend Fundamentals Class." Not sure what else is out there. I want to get the best from my equipment and work on latte art, don't need any coffee shop business training since I'll just be pulling shots for myself and an occasional guest in my kitchen (wife hates espresso). I'm currently using a Giotto and a Versalab M3, am near the top of the list for the GS3 when it finally hits the US but haven't ruled out a Cyncra 1 group machine.

Any suggestions?

Paul Gustafson

There's also The American Barista & Coffee School [ABC's] in Portland, OR if you're in the PNW. Don't know much about the curiculum quality, just attended the two day Barista Competition Judges training their last fall. Google 'barista training' and you'll find further school options.

(edit) Another route I'd look into is finding a top barista who does consulting and hiring them for one on one training.

Intelligentsia Coffee also has a class.

Classes from the home of the US Barista Champion, you could do worse.....

http://klatchroasting.com/content/view/16/31/

laservet wrote:Not sure what else is out there. I want to get the best from my equipment and work on latte art, don't need any coffee shop business training since I'll just be pulling shots for myself and an occasional guest in my kitchen
Any suggestions?

I'd wait until you get your final machine, well, OK, your next machine... and then get someone in. There is a consultant on this list that is reasonable, personable, and knowledgeable. He's the only one I've seen in person, so that's all I have to go on, but I learned things from him, so it was a pretty good experience. He does advertise home consulting on his site.

Thanks for all of the advice. I will wait until my new machine comes in and then "get educated."