Scholarships available to guitar workshop
<p>Livingston Taylor is among the faculty guitarists slated to teach at the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation guitar workshop Aug. 25 through Sept. 1 at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork.</p>
The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation has several scholarships available for local musicians to attend its fourth annual guitar workshop this summer.
The workshop takes place Aug. 25 through Sept. 1 at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, and offers guitar students, performers and teachers from around the nation the chance to study with renowned guitarists in seven genres: jazz, classic rock, blues, classical, singer-songwriter, acoustic and beginner.
Artists in residence at this year’s workshop include 20-time Grammy award winner Pat Metheny and his trio; jazz master and multi-Grammy winner Lee Ritenour, who brings his elite rhythm section; classical maestro Scott Tennant, who will teach and perform with the L.A. Guitar Quartet; Robben Ford, a renowned electric blues guitarist; singer-songwriters Mac McAnally and Livingston Taylor; and Daryl Stuermer, virtuoso lead guitarist formerly of the super group Genesis.
Augmenting these artists will be an outstanding faculty of guitar teachers who come from all parts of the United States.
During the week, students will enhance performance skills by attending daily workshops and clinic sessions with the artists in residence, observing music jams and studying with master rhythm sections.
The scholarships are available to guitar students, performers and teachers of the greater Flathead Valley only.
Scholarships are valued at $3,000 each and will provide the recipients with tuition, lunch and dinner daily. Lodging is not provided.
“We wish to thank our valued donors for their generous support in providing these scholarships,” said David Feffer, guitar workshop founder and board chairman.
He said the scholarship program is integral to the foundation’s mission to establish the area as an international center for the study of guitar and building upon the vibrant arts culture of the Flathead Valley.
Student applicants must have studied guitar for at least two years and have been a resident of the Flathead Valley for at least one year. They must also submit an essay about the role of guitar in their life and a recording of their playing. Financial need will be taken into consideration.
Scholarships for performers and teachers allow recipients to improve their playing skills and teaching abilities. In this way, their attendance at the workshop increases the overall quality of the arts in the Flathead Valley. Performer/teacher applicants must have taught guitar or performed for at least two years, have been a resident of the Flathead Valley for at least one year and submit an essay.
“My experience at the Crown of the Continent last year was simply way beyond my wildest expectations. It not only enhanced my teaching skills but I made some fast friends that have enriched my life!” said Christian Johnson, a local teacher and performer who has spent 45 years in the music business.
Scholarship applications must be returned by June 14.
North Valley Music School in Whitefish is coordinating the scholarships. For complete application requirements and to download a form, visit www.northvalleymusicschool.org or call 862-8074.
For information about Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and its 2013 guitar workshop, visit www.cocguitarfoundation.org or call 407-5962.