I teach guitar at School for the Arts at CCC. In addition, I am conducting an 8 week "Rock Band Workshop". I really was not sure about it - how does one teach a person how to play in a rock band? For me, I just did it. the workshop will consist of 4 kids at around junior high age and me. It wasn't so bad last Friday (although half the kids didn't make it!). However, last night I happened to catch the last half or so of the movie "School of Rock". It was an inspiration: that is how I am going to do it. Pick some simple rockin songs (like AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top"), and just have fun with it. It should be real cool! A mini end-of-workshop concert should also be in the works. So, no hidden agendas, etc. We just rock!
One lesson that I gave them, which should be true to most any musician - not just guitarists, was this: there are three things that one must do to improve at their craft. First, you learn by one on one contact. That is, having personal instruction and practicing. Second, you need to see and hear as many musicians as you can. Try to pick up styles, riffs, techniques, etc. on how they play - even from people who don't play the same instrument. And third, which is the workshop, start playing with a group. You will be amazed and what you will learn about yourself; not to mention, improving your chops. Plus, that part is just fun to do.
And so, for those about to rock, I salute you...
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