Top Five Clinic FAQs
These questions are the most common I find myself being asked from youth groups and churches. Even though these questions are answered in detail on this page, here are the basic responses that I end up giving whenever someone contacts me.
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What is the cost?
Varies based on distance, format, etc. I do package deals if the band plays
later that evening or same day within a festival. This is always negotiable.
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How many people do you like to attend?
As many as wants to. Just nobody expecting a concert. Any musicians at any level;
the experienced ones help answer questions & share ideas.
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Is it geard towards believers or unbelievers?
I am a Christian, but I can tone down the "God Stuff" if you want. To me it's like
a Buddist talking of his faith as it relates to music, but the most asked request
I get from churches is "Motivate our kids to play in the worship band".
I personally want to see youth using their talents for God, & didn't get
that kind of motivation when I was growing up; it seemed being a good musician
meant "vanity", but the world was REAL impressed w/my talents. I've found
if I don't offer these clinics to churches, the kids just go to the secular
music store & see it there from the traveling bar musician selling amps & other products.
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How long does it last?
Again, varies. Within a festival setting can be 45 minutes, but 1 - 1.5 hrs is really good if
you get a lot of questions.
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What type of things do you teach?
I emphasize versitility; playing many styles, playing electric & acoustic gtrs. Playing rhythm,
practice techniques, etc. I always get the "how do you play fast" question, & "how do I 'make it'",
which is fun to answer. I talk of experiences I've had in bands & music situations, & I meld them
into my spiritual walk when applicable. It's interactive, & the questions lead the instruction.
I like people to bring instruments, & I explain some of the effects I use as well.
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Details
A "Typical" clinic goes something like this:
With an audience of all ages, styles and abilities (although predominately
teenagers), I play a few songs with backing tracks and give a little
background on what I’m attempting on the songs. Ultimately focused toward
guitar players, many musicians would still find the clinics enjoyable and
informative. Even though most songs would be in the rock vein, the clinic would
still be beneficial for church praise and worship musicians. Just a willingness
to see and hear other styles, and share your own playing experience is
required.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments (within reason
– drummers shouldn’t bring a whole kit, but might enjoy bringing a pair of
sticks), and sharing of ideas is encouraged. As techniques are shown,
there is usually a question and answer time, where even audience members can
answer questions.
As various styles are played, this will expose many players to genres of music
they might not have heard, or in the past haven’t been interested in. My songs
range from various forms of rock, blues, jazz, and acoustic, so there’s usually
some type of new musical exposure players will hear.
The clinics will also have the opportunity to talk about other areas of music.
Topics can range from the business side, ministry, production, equipment,
ethical and moral issues including faith, and any other issues that people want
to bring up. Getting a group of musicians together really can open doors for
any type of conversations to happen.
This would definitely Not be a concert. The audience would be smaller
and consist mainly of musicians. There would be a lot of interaction with
members of the audience, and hopefully interaction between audience members.
One possible option is to have a clinic on an afternoon, then a concert with a
full band that night (eventually the band could be involved in the clinic).
This way audience members get to learn the "Secrets" and see them applied in a
full performance.
Youth groups, clubs, music stores and churches are the best suited for
something like this. Tickets or admission usually range from $3 - $5 each, and should state
that instruments should be brought. Audiences really shouldn’t even be that
big; 10 to 50+ people is really about the best size.
If you’re interested in putting something like this on, all I’d need is a P.A,
a CD player, and a sound man. Expenses on your venue would be low, and would be
a great opportunity to offer something interactive to your crowd; maybe even
bring in people who don’t normally attend your venue. Please contact me via
email or phone at (319) 447-0908 if you have additional questions or if
we can get something lined up.
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