2011 Three-Day Intensive Guitar Workshop with Alex de Grassi
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Once again we are pleased to announce that Alex will be offering a three-day intensive guitar workshop at the Laurel Mill Lodge in Los Gatos, California. Even if you have contacted us previously requesting a spot in the workshop, please respond to this announcement in order to register!
The workshop will be held on July 7-10, 2011, beginning on Thursday, July 7 from 4 pm on with a meet-and-greet and evening meal, and ending on Sunday at 5 p.m. The Lodge is situated in a secluded spot among the redwoods along Soquel Creek in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. There is a large conference room, two smaller practice rooms, large decks and lawns and several outbuildings in a rustic, park-like atmosphere.
The Workshop
The workshop will focus on performing, arranging, and composing for acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Alex will share his insight into the techniques and inspiration that have become an integral part of his unique style.
Dynamics, articulation, phrasing, tone, polyrhythms, right/left hand technique, cross-string technique, extended techniques, and alternate tunings will be covered in a very hands-on approach.
This is an interactive workshop designed to improve your playing and ability to arrange music for guitar, whether you are an instrumentalist or a singer who uses the guitar as accompaniment.
The workshop time will be divided into three parts:
1. A master class where students will perform before the group for constructive critique and feedback;
2. Exercises/demonstration where Alex will demonstrate and teach excerpts from his own compositions and arrangements;
3. One-on-one time with participants focusing on individual players' needs and interests. The one-on-one time will allow other participants time to prepare, practice, and share ideas.
Evenings after dinner will be devoted to informal performances, jam sessions, and free time.
Players of all backgrounds are welcome, but should be intermediate to advanced fingerstyle players. The workshop is limited to 12 participants. Each participant should be prepared to perform one piece in the master class and another piece informally with the group and/or during the one-on-one session with Alex. You should arrive prepared to play:
1. A composition or arrangement by a known composer or fingerstyle performer, or an original composition;
2. An original composition or an arrangement of a theme to be assigned by Alex at the time of registration.
The ability to read music is not required, but Alex will be handing out music and written exercises in tablature and standard notation, so some experience with one or the other will be a plus.
These will include new materials specifically designed for the 2011 summer guitar workshop.
Fees and Registration
The workshop will run from 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 7 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. The fee is $700 per person, and requires a $350 deposit for registration. The fee includes the workshop and meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch). We are offering a tuition-free scholarship to one student under the age of 25 who can demonstrate financial need. Please inquire for details.
To register for the workshop, please reply to this notice with the following information:
Name
Address
Phone
Vegetarian?
Any Special Dietary Requirements?
Lodging preference (See Accommodations below. This can also be arranged at a later date.)
Also, please include a very brief description of your playing level, musical training/background, and any performance experience.
Please note that your registration will not be final until we have received your $350 deposit! Make your check payable to Alex de Grassi and mail to PO Box 772, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 or if you prefer to pay for your deposit via PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account) using your credit card.
Refund Policy
Please note that your deposit is refundable up to 30 days before the start of the workshop. Beyond the 30 days we will only refund your deposit if we can fill the place vacated by your cancellation.
Accommodations
A variety of accommodations are available. Days are warm and evenings are cool but mild, and chances of rain in July in California are very slim. All showers are in a communal shower area and can be easily scheduled for privacy. Bring your own towel and soap.
- There is a big, green, level creekside meadow for camping. You will need to supply your own camping gear. You can also bring a sleeping bag and pad/futon and sleep on the floor in the conference room. These options are free.
- There are A-frame, camp-style dormitories, with bunks and futons, which are an additional $20 per night. You will need to bring a sleeping bag or bedding for the dormitories.
- If you prefer to sleep in a cabin with a private bathroom and deck there will be an additional cost of $80 per night; cabins with fireplaces are an additional $100 per night. We will coordinate cabin reservations and you will pay the cabin fees directly to the proprietors on your arrival at the workshop.
Arrangements can be made for anyone wanting to stay a Wednesday or Sunday night as well. Extra night lodging fees are the same as for the two workshop nights, and a $20 camping fee will be charged for extra nights. The Lodge can also provide sleeping bags for a nominal fee.
Facilities
The Lodge has an "Olympic size" hot tub and and a sauna, and some limited hiking in the redwoods. Croquet and badminton have become favorite diversions before dinner.
Meals will be designed to accommodate vegetarians and non-vegetarians. If anyone has some serious dietary restrictions, please contact us well in advance, and we will try to accommodate your needs. Wine and beer will not be provided, but you may bring your own. We plan a hearty meal on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, followed by an ad hoc concert, jam session, and a chance to socialize.
The Laurel Mill Lodge is a former children's summer camp and is located a few miles off Highway 17 in a redwood forest, about ten miles northeast of Santa Cruz. It's about 50 minutes from San Jose airport, approximately one hour from San Francisco airport, and an hour plus from the Oakland airport. We will provide directions once you have registered for the workshop.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions, please email us at info@degrassi.com or call us at 707-485-1083.
Alex de Grassi
Tropo Records
P.O. Box 772
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
info@degrassi.com
www.degrassi.com