An incredible array of musical talent is coming to Quest University this summer to hold a workshop for aspiring performers.
Dream Theatre's lead guitarist John Petrucci was voted 2010 "Best Metal Guitarist" in Guitar Player magazine's Reader's Choice Awards poll and is known among metal fans as a rock guitar god.
Petrucci is one of many musicians set to share the tricks of their trade at the upcoming Guitar Workshop Plus at Quest University from Sunday Aug. 8 to Friday Aug. 13.
Guitar Workshop Plus is designed for aspiring musicians of all ages pursuing a hobby or professional and semi-professional music careers.
Brian Murray, workshop creator, said the weeklong workshop gives students a unique setting for intense musical and personal growth. The workshop is designed to give students the opportunity to study multiple styles, courses and levels with some of the industry's leading musicians.
The workshop has been running for 14 years and sells out regularly. This is Squamish's second year hosting a Guitar Workshop Plus session and Murray said Quest University is the perfect fit with its ample space and great views.
"It's gorgeous and it's perfect," said Murray. "It's a beautiful facility, the drive up the Sea to Sky is breathtaking and we're hoping to make Quest our permanent west coast home."
Murray said they booked it for this year's workshop before they even left last year.
Guest artists include electric guitar playing blues legend and four-time Grammy nominee Robben Ford, multi-stylist Andy Timmons of the pop-metal band Danger Danger and musical chameleon Greg Howe.
Bass innovator Stuart Hamm, drum guru Paul Delong, jazz great Lorne Lofsky, shred master David Martone, rock professor Jon Finn and guitar designer Robert Godin round out the line-up.
Musicians of all ages and levels have been attending from across Canada, the U.S., Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia and according to Murray, it is ranked number one in Canada and third in North America.
This year's Guitar Workshop Plus has announced three sessions, two in Toronto and one in Squamish.
Courses are offered for beginner to advanced musicians and ages 12 through to 99. Styles include blues, jazz, rock, acoustic and classical. The intensive bass, drum, keyboard, and vocal courses cover many styles and afford students with many rhythm section and ensemble performance opportunities.
The workshop has classes for every skill level, from instructional classes for the complete beginner to advanced seminars for semi pro and pro players.
Each day consists of morning and afternoon classes that involve a hands-on approach, late afternoon clinics, ensemble performances and evening concerts. Songwriting techniques, improvisation and vocal skills are also touched on.
Murray said there's lots of performance opportunity that's a real inspiration for the musicians, and they often come offstage radiant and eager to improve.
Guitar Workshop Plus also has a very high return rate of 68 per cent.
"After having the experience of a lifetime, students leave each session with enough material to work on until the following year," said Murray.
The cost of the workshop is $850 with additional cost for room and board if needed.
Resident and non-resident tuitions are available and registration has already begun for the 2010 sessions. For more information on the Guitar Workshop Plus program, check out www.guitarworkshopplus.com or call (905) 567-8000 for more information.
