This summer will be my sixth season with NGW. From my first day in New Orleans as a Resident Advisor, I knew there was something special about the teachers, students and participating in the experience.
I will be directing the following campuses:
McLean, VA – June 27th through July 2nd
Chicago, IL – July 12 through July 17th
Austin, TX – July 19 through July 24th
One week I am looking forward to in particular is Austin. We have an amazing faculty that includes Matt Smith, Bret Boyer, Murali Coryell, and Jason Loughlin, just to name a few. Also during that week we will be featuring a rare clinic appearance by one of the most recorded guitarists in history, Brent Mason.
Brent is one of the most versatile guitarists around. You need to be in order to be one of the most in demand session guitarists in Nashville.
We have had Brent (and his brother) in several times before and they are always extremely nice and make sure all the students get what they need to improve as musicians.
If you happen to live in one of the locations above and would like to come to one of the faculty concerts (the first two nights of each week) please let me know and I can give you the info.
Steve Vai will be appearing at our Rock Summit in Purchase, NY during the week of July 19-24.
As a Grammy award-winning guitar virtuoso, Steve Vai’s sheer breathtaking facility on the guitar is acclaimed in the rock world and beyond. Starting with his groundbreaking "Passion and Warfare" album in 1990, and throughout the years since, Vai has consistently used music as a microscope peering into the human spirit, with equal attention paid to both the darkest obsessions and the most exalted impulses contained there. While Vai clearly had what was needed to make indelible impressions during his stays with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake, it’s as a solo artist that he’s made his most precious contributions. Each of his solo releases are unique, varied, compelling and, even when the music is looking darkness square in the face, genuinely uplifting. His most recent studio album, "Real Illusions," is a major achievement from a musical alchemist of the highest order. In addition to his recording career, Steve is involved with many worthwhile organizations. He is a former Trustee for NARAS (National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences), a board member for Hollywood Arts, and works closely with his own Make a Noise Foundation, raising money for music education. Steve has just finished a live concert DVD entitled "Where the Wild Things Are." The two hour and forty minute concert film, which was filmed in Minneapolis, will be released in August.
This will be Steve’s first time at our main campus. Spots will be sure to fill up quick. I am very excited to see what Steve will be presenting. Unfortunately, I will be in Austin during that week.
Bummer.
