Workshops & Clinics
Learn to Rock Theory Clinic (2 Sessions)
This course focuses on practical application of music theory in a pop rock ensemble.
Topics covered are:
Rhythmic , Harmonic & Melodic language in Pop & Rock Music
Rock Band structure & Instrumentation,
Pop- Rock Song structure,
Reading Chord charts & Rhythm notation,
Modern Grooves, Keys, Modes and improvization.
All the Topics are presented with examples and with the participation of the students.
Rhythm Section Clinic
This professional clinic is geared towards students interested in exploring the importance of the instruments that used in a rhythm section (Drums, Bass & chordal instrument, guitar or keyboard) of a modern ensemble, and why it is “essential” in making popular music.
Students will witness professional players demonstrate a variety of rhythm methods and discuss how and why rhythm
effects both the player and the music simultaneously.
In turn, students will be encouraged to play in front of the class to experiment with these different techniques.
Techniques Discussed:
1. Bass and Drum grooves
2. The musical role of the Drums & the Bass
3. Discussing the feel in different styles of music
4. How does dynamics effect the feel
5. Why is it essential to listen to others around you?
Songwriting: Writing Hit Song (2 Sessions)
Session # 1
In session # 1, the class will explore the techniques successful writers use to craft vivid, memorable songs.
Whether you're a relative beginner or an experienced songwriter, you'll learn how to brainstorm ideas, overcome writer's block, and express yourself more effectively in words and music.
Combining technical principles with pure creative expression, this hands-on course will help you find your voice,
sharpen your craft, and create songs listeners will appreciate and remember.
Techniques Discussed:
1. Create memorable verses, pre-choruses, choruses, and bridges
2. Choose the most effective song form for every song you write
3. Understand the structures behind the hits
4. Generate better ideas more easily
5. Use structures, harmonies, and melodies to support and enhance the emotional intent of your lyric
6. Craft song sections that connect, contrast, and flow together into a unified whole
Session # 2
In session # 2 the class will explore the “practical” use of the techniques discussed in session # 1.
The class will bring in ideas from Session # 1 to creatively and critically de-construct songs in order to witness the “process” of writing and re-writing.
As well, Session # 2 will address the importance of co-writing, the application of rhythm and dynamics
in both music and lyric and why it is essential to “make your lyrics conversational.”
Techniques Discussed:
1. Practical applications learned from Session # 1
2. Writing and re-writing your songs and why
3. How rhythm effects both music and lyric simultaneously
4. Why some words don’t “sing” very well
5. How do you co-write and why?
6. Why should lyrics be conversational?
7. Show me, don’t tell challenges that first time writers encounter
Kamikaze Guitar Clinic
Objective
To demonstrate and instruct students in the techniques which fall outside the parameters of “normal” guitar playing. This class will teach the attendees about various “wild” techniques and “stunts” in order to add humor, drama, excitement and spice to everyday guitar solos. Topics will includes and touch upon areas like whammy bar abuse, speed picking, tapping and other right hand techniques, sweep picking, interval jumps, vibrato, creative harmonics, other-worldly noises using common household items, guitar set-ups, effects, gear and setting up your tone just right.
Topics
Objective
To demonstrate and instruct students in the techniques which fall outside the parameters of “normal” guitar playing. This class will teach the attendees about various “wild” techniques and “stunts” in order to add humor, drama, excitement and spice to everyday guitar solos. Topics will includes and touch upon areas like whammy bar abuse, speed picking, tapping and other right hand techniques, sweep picking, interval jumps, vibrato, creative harmonics, other-worldly noises using common household items, guitar set-ups, effects, gear and setting up your tone just right.
Topics
- Opening song - BOING!!!
- Topics: Whammy bar abuse,
- Speed Picking – demo song Whitesnake’s “Still Of The Night” solo,
- Tapping – demo song Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher”,
- Sweep Picking – demo song Mike McAvan “Light Without Heat”
- Interval Jumps – demo song Eric Johnson’s “SRV” and “Manhattan”
- Creative Harmonics – Demo song ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses”(electric)
- From A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Otherworldly noises) – Demo song Pink Floyd’s “Terminal Frost”
- Finding Your Voice (Guitar set-ups, amps, guitars, technology and how to apply it)
- Demonstrate widely used methods of whammy bar manipulation
- Explain relationship between string tension and bar spring tension
- Demonstrate some new ideas in whammy bar abuse
- Demonstrate Allan Holdsworth style slurring notes
- Whammy bar phrasing
- Whammy bar maintenance