An award-winning summer music program, Guitar Workshop Plus, has made its way to Murfreesboro this year. The session will be held at Middle Tennessee State University from July 31 to Aug. 5.
Guitar Workshop Plus was designed for aspiring musicians of all ages to have the opportunity for intense musical and personal growth.
Courses are offered for all levels, ages and styles including blues, jazz, rock, acoustic and classical. This is a chance for local musicians to study multiple styles, courses and levels with some of the industry’s leading musicians.
Brent Mason
“We have an amazing list of guest artist instructors who will be teaching and performing in addition to our first-rate faculty,” said Brian Murray, program director. “From rock stars to certified blues and country legends, we have it all this year.”
While the same core curriculum is offered on any given week, the seminars change from session to session. Brent Mason, a top Nashville country guitar player, and Matt Schofield, one of the top 10 British blues players of all time (according to Guitar & Bass Magazine), will both be guests at the Middle Tennessee session.
In Toronto, Canada, nearly 15 years ago, Murray thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to immerse yourself for a week and have the opportunity to rub shoulders with famous artists?” With that thought, Murray started the program development and plans grew from there.
By directing instruction to the student’s personal style, level of experience and musical goals, the program is meant to create a healthy, non-competitive environment in which to learn.
Each day consists of morning and afternoon classes that involve a hands-on approach, late afternoon clinics, ensemble performances and evening concerts.
Guitar Workshop Plus has been ranked the No. 1 program of its kind in North America.
“We received a Player’s Choice Award for best instructional program from Acoustic Guitar magazine, and we have expanded to four great locations including Toronto, Vancouver, San Diego and Nashville,” Murray said.
The program’s administration has been organizing and directing summer music workshops for 14 years and is considered by many to be the premier summer music education program in North America.
Students can register for the workshop at guitarworkshopplus.com up until the first day of classes, provided that space remains.
