I’m excited to announce a new endeavor- the Skolnick & Broderick Winter Guitar Retreat. It’s a bit like a Summer camp in the winter (which is more conducive to serious music practice). No it’s not ‘cheap,’ but for the price, you get high level lodging, food and other accommodations, not to mention several days of up close, personal study with myself and Chris Broderick. Although it’s only been a few years since Chris first joined Megadeth, in that time he’s quickly become one of those guitarists who causes others (myself included), to take notice and step up our own game. To borrow a quote I first heard spoken buy an unlikely purveyor of wise words- Bugs Bunny: “If ya can’t beat ’em, join em!’
We hope to see some of you there. Full information is below.
We hope you’ll join us this winter at our first annual Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat. This unique experience will offer guitarists of all talent levels the opportunity to spend four days and five nights studying and jamming with us at Full Moon Resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains from December 26-30, 2011.
The week will include master classes, jam sessions, open mic nights and optional private lessons. You’re invited to expand your knowledge of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, music history, jazz theory, chord theory, harmony, improvisation, counterpoint, composition, chord voicings, improv (taught by Skolnick), classical fingerstyle technique (taught by Broderick), and of course heavy metal guitar. Guitarists will learn techniques to increase speed and improve tone, while hearing stories about life on the road, getting gear tips and much more. Nathan Peck (bass) and Matt “Zebar” Zebroski (drums/percussion) of the Alex Skolnick Trio will provide rhythm accompaniment for jam sessions throughout the week.
“I’m really looking forward to partnering with my friend Chris Broderick for our Winter Guitar Retreat,” says Skolnick. “Each of us has a unique, individual approach to guitar and it’s always fun to share one’s experience with deserving students. Therefore, we’ve decided to join forces and create the ultimate post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s getaway for amateur and pro guitarists alike.”
Broderick concurs: “Come join Alex and myself this winter for a comprehensive look at how we view the guitar. It will not only be insightful, but relaxed and fun as well. We will cover things such as stage performance, live jam sessions, and all kinds of helpful guitar playing tips that you can utilize. I look forward to seeing you at this incredible event.”
Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat will provide a full vacation experience, including gourmet meals from the in-house chef. In addition, Full Moon Resort is conveniently located close to a full array of winter activities including skiing and snowboarding.
A special 10% discount is also available if you register and pay in full before October 31, 2011.
For full details, go to: http://sbwinterguitarretreat.com/site/.
Here’s a video clip of us talking about the Winter Guitar Retreat here: [VIDEO].