When Ross Henderson signed up for the Guitar Workshop camp, he never dreamed he'd get to learn firsthand from the very man whose DVDs he bought to learn how to drum.
But that's exactly what happened.
The 47-year-old West Vancouver resident began drumming three years ago with instructional videos by Langley musician Mike Michalkow.
When Henderson arrived for the week long camp on Aug. 8, he was stunned to see the very man he followed through his TV at the front of the class.
"I kind of did a double take," Henderson said. "I've got all of his DVDs and it was a total shock to see him standing there. This has been such a great experience for me and Mike has taught us so much."
Joel Shank of Toronto had the exact same reaction.
"I spent the last year in my room with my drums, just following his directions on TV," Shank said. "I just remember thinking, 'Holy s**t, he's here!'"
Shank said that the personal interaction at the camp has made for an extremely memorable experience.
"He's taught us everything from how to warm up, to technique, to notation and theory and even stage presence," he said. "It's just been an awesome time here."
Guitar Workshop saw dozens of aspiring musicians of all ages from all over the world come to Squamish to learn music skills from a number of seasoned veterans in the industry.
Michalkow said he enjoyed passing his knowledge to eager students in an environment that goes one step beyond typical music camps.
"This whole camp is such a wonderful idea and it's really overwhelming to be a part of this," he said. "It's quite a difference from some of the camps I went to as a kid. I was usually sent to drummers-only camps, but these guys get to interact with other musicians, gain contacts and learn."
Students could sign up for a number of different classes, from acoustic guitar to drums to blues, all taught by experienced professionals.
Co-organizer Walter Tavares said the Guitar Workshop gives so much to its participants.
"The kids that come here get material, inspiration and just a natural high from this camp," he said, noting the return rate is over 65 per cent.
"It's really inspiring to see kids show up the first year, maybe a little shy, then they come back next year more confident and as the years go on, their confidence improves even more. I like to think the camp and learning from these great instructors helps."
Tavares praised the work of founder Brian Murray for its success.
"Brian gets the artists and instructors that really get it," he said. "Some of our guest performers like Greg Howe and Stuart Hamm come and interact with the students, they perform, sit in on the class and they actually really like being here. It means so much to the students to be able to get up close with such talents."
Howe has toured with such artists including Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Enrique Iglesias. This level of talent improves the camp's status and its students' results, said Michalkow.
"Not only is it good for the students, it's also a thrill for me," he said. "This whole workshop is a great way to make friends, develop contacts and maybe even form a band."
At $850 plus, if necessary a lodging fee of $430, the Guitar Workshop's cost may raise some eyebrows, but students say they'd do it all over again.
"It's totally worth it," said Shank. "This has been one of the best weeks of my life."
For more information on the workshop, visit www.guitarworkshopplus.com.
