A while back, my cousin Greg (who plays keyboards in the band) asked me to go with him to music camp for a week. After putting him off for a number of years (stupid me), I decided to take him up on the deal. At this point, Greg's been there 11 times and I've gone five. This is the most incredible personal musical experience on the planet!!!
The National Guitar Workshop has been around for about 22 years now and is headquartered in New Milford, CT. Although they have sessions all around the country, the six-week Summer Camp is held every year on the campus of The Canterbury School in New Milford, about an hour northeast of NYC. Each week, 300 music nuts from all over the country come to eat, sleep and breath music for one solid week. It costs about $1K but for the money you get your room, all the food you can eat, 30 hours of lessons, concerts, guest artists and actual STAGE TIME in front of a great, appreciative audience. If you're taking lessons, figure it out...this is one great deal!!!
There are special "theme" weeks (rock, blues, jazz, etc.) so you can pick a time that suits your musical taste. The students are from 13 to 80 in age and of ALL skill levels...beginner through advanced. Programs are offered in guitar (all styles from classical and acoustic through shred metal), bass, drums, keyboards and vocals, given by some of the greatest musician/teachers you have never heard of. There are classes in everything from basic theory and playing, through intermediate riffs, licks and progressions, to advanced skill sets.
But beyond the basic learning (which will make you soooo much better than you are now), is the week spent in the bosom of music for music's sake. People get together and play at all hours of the day and night in rooms, under trees, on the lawns...literally wherever and whenever the mood strikes them. The people you meet, the friends you make, the experience you have will last you a lifetime.
However, this isn't just for you. Got a kid or a grandkid that loves to play? Tons of people bring their relatives and friends to share a great time together. Music is a universal language that touches peoples' souls. What better way to bond with a special person in your life. Last year, Greg and I actually brought a lot of our bandmates with us for the first time. What a terrific week we had!!!
If you're into blues AND are already a good player, consider the Blues Summit program during Blues Week, usually around August 1st. This is NOT for newbies!!! One of the videos on my profile was actually done at the famous Bitter End in Greenwich Village. This is where Joplin, Morrisson, Hendricks and so many more played in the 60's. For the Summit students, The Workshop actually puts you on a bus one night and you get to play a 3-hour gig at a blues club in New York or New Haven. This is one great night you will always remember! (PS: They probably do this for the advanced rock and jazz students too but you'd have to call to find out.)
Anyway, if you want more information, click HERE for their website. Space fills up fast so you should consider doing something quickly for summer '07.
Again, this is NOT a commercial! This is my own, personal take on this place. IMO, any musician of any level would have an absolute BLAST for a week at NGW. Consider it.
