Workshops: our fretted instrument tutors are all RGT Registered Guitar Tutors.
Contact us now if you are interested in signing up for any of these workshops or courses!
Most of our workshops are held at our dedicated premises in Warminster, Wiltshire.
They begin at 10am and finish at 4pm.
Unless otherwise stated, workshops are hosted by Al Summers, (composer) & Ray Bradfield (singer/songwriter), both of whom are multi-instrumentalists.
All our tutors are friendly as well as expert; there is a good social atmosphere, with teas, coffee and biscuits, making the day enjoyable as well as informative.
We supply written materials in various notations and lunch at a local restaurant.
The fee is £75 for the whole day, inclusive.
Numbers very limited, usually six participants to a class.
"Really enjoyed being able to play together in a group setting and bounce ideas off each other".
FURTHER DETAILS/BOOKING FORMS:
telephone and email contacts on this site or 01373 301342 raybradfield@blueyonder.co.uk
JAZZ GUITAR WORKSHOP:
with two experienced teachers of the style,
AD Weekes & Al Summers.
Ad has been playing guitar for over 20years. As a boy he loved listening to Dire Straits and
has been greatly influened by the style and sound of Mark Knopfler. Since then he has become a
big fan and player Jazz inspired by an entrancing performance by Martin Taylor in the Edinburgh
music festival. Since then he has been fascinated by the style. Ad teaches full-time in schools
in Wiltshire and also privately in Bath. He is a member of Widcombe Baptist Church in Bath where
he does most of his playing.
All you need to bring is a guitar you are comfortable playing, your ears & an open mind!
The day will include:
* Demystifying the jargon
* Extending your knowledge and understanding
* Jazz chord voicings & inventing your own chord shapes
* Standard progressions
* Chord substitutions
* Comping
* Playing & embellishing the tune
* Arpeggio use
* Soloing & side stepping, diminished, tritone & dominant theories…
Feedback from previous workshop: "Really enjoyed and benefitted from it"
"Thanks for a great workshop, really enjoyed it. Cheers."
"I had a really great time at the jazz workshop. A lot of food for thought!"
"I can see a path now into studying jazz guitar...the day helped me see how I could take it to the next stage. Thanks!"
IMPROVE YOUR JAZZ GUITAR PLAYING
For jazz players and guitar tutors or those who have attended our previous jazz day workshops.
based upon the RGT Acoustic Guitar Playing course
LEARN TO READ MUSIC FROM SCRATCH
- for anyone
For guitarists with some experience wishing to explore the wonderfully evocative world of slide or improve their knowledge of this technique, an all-day workshop led by two experienced teachers of the style, Al Summers and Ray Bradfield.
* Positioning the slide
* Vibrato
* Essential damping techniques
* Tuning to open chords; widely-used tunings
* Playing slide in a band
* Single string and chord work
* Riffs, licks and technical details
…suitable for both acoustic and electric steel-strung guitars.
We may be able to source you a suitable instrument in time for the workshop or lend one on the day. Please ask our advice when making a booking.
Besides the usual lunch, book etc, we'll also supply a glass or steel slide.
Feedback from previous workshop:"Workshop was brilliant!
"Thank you for the course...it was a terrific day, has inspired us both greatly, and for me it has taken away some of the mystery, and indeed some of the fear of slide playing...the entire day was great"
IMPROVE YOUR SLIDE PLAYING
For slide players who have attended our previous slide day workshop or those with some experience wishing to improve their
technique,and add to their knowledge.
LEARN TO READ MUSIC for guitarists
with Alex Keay & Al Summers.
Guitarist Alex is a performer, teacher and composer based in Wiltshire. Since graduating from the (in)famous Dartington College of Arts, Alex has taught guitar in numerous schools and privately whilst also performing
with bands and projects ranging from rock, blues, classical and folk to '60s soul, jazz and prog-rock. Alex has recently built and opened a new studio in Warminster where, as well as teaching and composing, he offers recording facilities and tuition to local musicians.
BLUES GUITAR DAY CREATIVE CHORD PLAYING
MODEBUSTING DAY
SINGING DAY
with Kate Menhinick.
Feedback from previous workshop: "Thank you for a superb day today".
"I learnt a lot".
Kate has been teaching for over 10 years after gaining a Dip Mus (P) in singing. She has participated in a variety
of musical events over the years including operas, choirs and community singing events. Kate's main passions involve
teaching those who think that they can't sing and the applications of singing for confidence building, relieving stress
and depression. Lessons and workshops are positive, fun, innovative and inspiring.
INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL GUITAR with Alex Keay & Al Summers.
BANJO DAY
for those just beginning the banjo.
DOBRO LAP STEEL DAY
An introduction to this wonderful sound and technique. You'll never be the same again!
The cost is £350 for the whole day, which INCLUDES A SUPERB SQUARE NECK RESONATOR guitar,
properly strung and set-up for the style, a top quality tone bar and picks as well as the usual book and lunch etc.
Tunes, chords, scales, playing by ear, improvising, techniques.
LEARN EARLY BEATLES DAY
Presented by Richard Stephens & Al Summers - both RGT members and Beatles enthusiasts.
Great melodies, rocking riffs, melodic bass lines and lyrics that conjure up the spirit of a generation.
If you love the Beatles early hits, this is the workshop for you. A very exciting one day workshop.
PUBLISH A SONG IN A DAY
Presented by Richard Stephens & Al Summers.
Everyone has at least one great song inside them. This interactive workshop will guide you through the process
of composing and publishing yours.
The day will cover an introduction to the world of music publishing, why publish and suggestions on how to generate
an income from your published works.
SONGWRITING, COMPOSING & ARRANGING DAY:
including:
*Songwriting conventions, 'obeying and breaking the rules'
*What makes a song or tune "catchy"
*Tips and tricks of the trade: professional methods
*How to arrange a piece of music or song for an ensemble/band
Be prepared to share ideas & perform your & others' music
Feedback from previous workshop: "I learnt an awful lot" "Workshop was great"
IMPROVE ACOUSTIC Guitar - 7 week courses - the next course will start on Thursday 23rd September 2010:
please contact us if you would like to enrol.
START ACOUSTIC Guitar - 7 week courses - the next course will start on Friday 24th September 2010;
please contact us if you would like to enrol.
COMPOSITION/IMPROVISATION with Al Summers
Anyone (any ability, any age) can take part in or observe these creative workshops. It can be really serious if you require but usually a fairly light-hearted atmosphere
encourages even the most timid to work on their own part within a series of group pieces. Previous participants have ranged from under-8s to retired; those with no musical
know-how to teachers and other professionals.
Workshops/projects can be tailor-made. Sometimes Al works alone, sometimes with a colleague or assistant. On larger projects he employs a team.Clients include local authorities, schools, youth clubs, Doorway, Youth Music.
"As good as or better than anything on offer at other summer schools or courses."
"Thank-you for a great show yesterday. I really enjoyed playing & listening & my family also enjoyed the whole experience. I now know there is nothing to be nervous about when playing live."
"The kids all enjoyed it."
"Not only was it wonderful to see all 50 really getting involved & enjoying it, but also how you got the very varied team working so well together & so confidently".
"I was impressed to see so many of them being so creative".
"Thank you for all your hard work and the fun".
"Thank you for all your support this year and the fantastic results you produce in your sessions.
It's great to work with you".
"Thanks so much for Saturday, I've had a good response from the kids today".
"It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and their successes...I can't speak too highly of your achievements".