THE ADULT ROCK SCHOOL SESSIONS (30+) at BERKHAMSTED BASE CAMP

If you’ve always wanted to play in a band or want to rediscover the magic of playing and performing live then the KZR Music Adult Rock Sessions as part of the Berkhamsted Base Camp will be just the ticket. We have been running similar courses for young musicians aged 11-17 for many years (check out what we've achieved with our young students over the years on the 11-17 Gallery) but parents are always saying “this is great for the kids, but what about us!?”. We appreciate that it can be difficult for adults to find others to make music with so if you’re a player at home, used to play in a band years ago or just want to jam and spend time with other musicians then come along and feel the excitement that only playing in a live band can give. It’s never too late to rock!

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
The Adult Rock Sessions are open to singers, guitarists, bass players, drummers and keyboard/piano players aged 30 years and over who want to rehearse, arrange and perform classic and contemporary rock and pop songs with other musicians in a live band setting. Whilst this is not a course for beginners if you have been playing your instrument for at least a couple of years then you should be fine for the sessions. If you need further clarification some minimum requirements are set out below. Advanced players are of course very welcome.

DURING THE TWO DAY COURSE
Participants on the Adult Rock Session are grouped into small bands (eg. vocals, guitar, bass & drums) where they arrange, play and perform as an ensemble under the guidance of a dedicated professional instructor in separate fully equipped rehearsal rooms.

As a band we work on:

• Playing from a lead sheet/chord chart
• Intro’s and endings
• Solo’s
• Listening
• Texture, balance and leaving space to create excitement and tension
• Interpreting a song
• Communication
• 12 Bar Blues
• Sound Check
• Live Performance and putting a set together

We have scheduled rehearsal sessions spread over the duration of the course with regular 15 minute quiet breaks where the different bands have a chance to relax and socialise. The bands get a chance to perform to each other during the course with the climax being the BIG grand finale gig open to family and friends which will be filmed and the video made available on the website.

AFTER THE COURSE
Many musicians who meet on these courses will arrange to get together outside of the workshop and make music in their own way or you can always come back and play and network with a whole new set of musicians!

THE INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are all professional gigging multi-instrumentalist musicians who are experienced in working with both adults and children. We are fully insured and CRB cleared. Read more about our instructors.

UPCOMING DATES & COST
Thurs 19th & Fri 20th July 2012 running 10am till 4pm at Berkhamsted School BASE CAMP. £155 for both days.

HOW TO BOOK
You'll need to complete an Adult Sessions Booking Form (pdf) and send a cheque for £155 payable to KZR MUSIC to 23 Upper Ashlyns Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 3BW. We'll be in touch to confirm your place when we receive your cheque. Do get in touch if you have any questions.

VENUE ADDRESS
BaseCamp at Berkhamsted School, Castle Campus, Castle Street, Berkhamsted Herts HP4 2BB. Visitor information here.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATION
This is not a residential workshop but if Berkhamsted is too far a journey on both days then there are a number of very good local hotels, guest houses and B&B's we can recommend, several with ample parking and a short walk away from the venue. Complete list here.

REQUIRED STANDARD GUIDELINES
As the engine room of a band it’s important that drummers are especially confident in their abilities and are able to hold a steady rhythm throughout a song. Guitarists should be able to strum basic chords and also play barre chords, keyboard/piano players should be able to play some simple rhythm and chords, bass players should be confident playing at least root notes in time and vocalists should have confidence in their voice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Whilst you will inevitably improve as a player on the adult session, this is not a course where you will be offered individual tuition on how to play your instrument but rather a great experience of arranging and playing with others which is more about balance, contrast, space, tension and climax. The course is open to adults aged 30+ and will only run if a minimum number of students enrol for the course. A full refund will of course be given in the event that the course does not run.