FAQ

Do I have to be a certain age or skill level to attend?

Our program is open for beginner to advanced students aged 12 through adult. Our students come from diverse backgrounds including young-aspiring musicians, adult hobbyists, high school and post-secondary students pursuing music careers, semi-professional and professional musicians. Students are welcome to attend individually, with friends or family, and even as a complete band.

What’s the difference between classes, seminars, and clinics?

Students elect to study a class or seminar each session. In addition, all students may attend clinics.

Classes are offered at every session for varying skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. On the first day of the session, all students are evaluated to ensure that they are placed in the appropriate class level thereby maximizing their learning potential. Students enrolled in classes enjoy ‘hands on’ instruction, theory, ear training, and usually have a rhythm section component daily. There is also an ensemble associated with the class giving students many performance opportunities. Class sizes are small to promote individualized attention for each student as well as to facilitate ensemble arrangements.

Seminars are courses which concentrate on specific topics and will sometimes feature guest instructors. Generally, seminars are designed for the intermediate to advanced player although some may be open to all levels. Students are evaluated to ensure that they are at an appropriate level for the course. Seminar students meet with the instructor all day and also enjoy ‘hands on’ instruction, theory, ear training, and musicianship studies. Because there is no restriction to class size, seminars do not take part in rhythm section classes. Faculty led ensembles for seminars depend upon class size and format.

Clinics – Each day, two or three clinics are offered covering topics such as improvisation, songwriting, vocals, scales and modes, building technique, slide, percussion, hand drumming, practice methods, and many more. Students are welcome to sign up for these clinics on campus

How do I know what level I am at?

Students should indicate which level they think they are at when they complete the application form. If taking private lessons, students can ask their teacher for guidance. However, skill level is a subjective thing (i.e. intermediate level to one person may be beginner or advanced to another). Two people who began playing their instrument on the same day in the same year may be at completely different levels due to factors such as practice time and methods, instruction, learning curves, etc. However, rest assured that we want all of our students to get the most out of their session(s) with us and that is exactly why we evaluate students at the start of each session. This ensures that students are placed in a class with other students who are at or about the same level. As a very general guide:

Absolute Beginner – new to the instrument with less than 3 months playing experience

Beginner – 3 months to 2 years playing experience

Intermediate – 2 to 5 years playing experience

Advanced – more than 5 years playing experience

Can my family come to see me perform?

Absolutely! Guitar Workshop Plus encourages student performances through faculty led ensemble concerts as well as optional student concerts. Space permitting, your parent, husband, wife, brother, sister, etc. are more than welcome to attend these concerts and show their support. However, faculty and guest artist performances are only open to students of the program.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

Yes, all students must provide their own instrument and are responsible for their personal belongings and equipment. If travelling from afar makes it difficult to bring your instrument (i.e. drums), we suggest contacting a local music store and arranging for a rental instrument for the session(s). We would be happy to refer you to a local musical instrument retailer if you have difficulty locating one.

What is a typical day at the workshop like?

Here is a sample daily schedule:*

*Times may vary according to course selection, facilities, etc. The first and last day of the session follow a different schedule to accommodate registration and check-out.

Will someone pick me up at the airport?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the campus. Taxi and flat rate limousine services are available from the airport

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes, you need to bring all personal items such as clothing, towel, toiletries, alarm clock, etc.

Can I request a roommate?

Arrangements can be made to be roomed with a specific roommate. Please include your roommate’s name on the application form and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

What form of identification do I need to come into Canada or the USA to attend the program? What money currency is needed?

Basic picture identification and proof of citizenship (i.e. passport) is all that is needed to visit Canada from the USA or to visit the USA from Canada to attend the program. If unsure about which identification you will need, check with your local travel agent. Students will need Canadian funds if attending our Canadian locations and U.S. funds if they are attending our U.S. locations. Students can exchange for proper currency at their own bank, at the airport when they land, or usually at a local bank (with ID).

My son/daughter is under age. Will he/she be supervised?

Students are housed according to age and gender. Groups of under age students are supervised by staff members.

Are there menu options for vegetarians or people with food allergies?

The cafeteria offers a wide selection of food and vegetarian options are always available. If you have a food allergy, you should let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made and advise the food servers at each meal.