Canadian Rock Hall of Famer and Juno winner Rik Emmett has spent the last three decades changing the face of Rock and Roll in Canada and now he's giving back.
Emmett is one of many successful musicians set to share the tricks of their trade at the upcoming Guitar Workshop Plus at Quest University from Sunday August 9 to Friday August 14.
Guitar Workshop Plus is designed for aspiring musicians of all ages pursuing music professional or semi-professional music careers. Guest artists include rock legend Paul Gilbert of the band Mr. Big, blues great Duke Robillard, bass master Stuart Hamm, multi-stylist Andy Timmons, rock virtuoso Greg Howe, acoustic guru Don Ross, drummer Mark Kelso and guitar designer Robert Godin.
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.
"Having enjoyed the experience of a lifetime, students leave each session with enough material to work on for the following year," Murray said. "We get students from all across Canada and the world."
The workshop has been running for the last 14 years but it's the first time Guitar Workshop Plus will stop in Squamish. Murray said Quest University is the perfect fit with its ample space and great views.
Murray said the program started when arts education was cutback in schools - Guitar Workshop Plus was designed to fill the void.
"It's a great program because students get to rub elbows with the who's who of the music industry," Murray said. "You are actually in a classroom setting with them."
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.
Each day consists of morning and afternoon classes that involve a hands-on approach, late afternoon clinics, ensemble performances, and evening concerts.
"I think the return rate speaks for itself," Murray said. "We get 60 to 70 percent of students returning year after year. It's a great performance and networking opportunity," Murray said.
After the workshop Murray said many students form bands and keep in touch during the year in order to jam.
"We try and create a non-competitive and very supportive environment. It's a chance for a 15-year old heavy metal kid who's never heard Jazz in his life to support a 40-year old Jazz player," Murray said. "It expands horizons."
Resident and non-resident tuitions are available and registration has already begun for the 2009 sessions. For more information on the Guitar Workshop Plus program, check out www.guitarworkshopplus.com.
