Free Rock School workshop

Dean Tidey, Rock School instructor and guitarist for Muddy Apes

Ever thought about being in a band?

Join us at the Patel Conservatory for a FREE Rock School workshop!

Rock School Workshop

Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013

1 p.m. in the TECO Theater 

1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa

The Conservatory’s Rock School program brings students together to form bands according to age and skill level.

At the workshop, Rock School instructors Dean Tidey and Paul Stoddart, along with current Rock School students, will demonstrate some skills and thrills of being in a band. It's your backstage pass to hang out and talk shop with the guys who've been there, done that.

Workshop participants in grade four through adult are invited to bring a guitar, bass or drum sticks for tips and demonstrations from presenters (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). Vocal coach Deborah Lynch will assist with vocal instruction.

You'll learn more about the Patel Conservatory’s popular Rock School program, and how you, too, can get on stage!

Tidey writes, produces and plays guitar for Muddy Apes. Previously, Tidey played guitar for a dozen years in the acclaimed English rock band, Feeder, a band that opened for U2, REM and the Rolling Stones, among notable bands. 

Stoddart has taught guitar and music theory/arrangement/songwriting for more than two decades. He graduated cum laude from the Berklee School of Music in 1989 with a major in Songwriting, and has played in, written for and arranged music for several bands around the country. He still plays throughout the Tampa Bay area with his four piece ensemble.

Lynch served as a music director, accompanist, vocal coach and performer in Richmond, Virginia before moving to Tampa and joining the Patel Conservatory as accompanist last year. Among many other things, she has taught high school chorus, was a soloist for The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in their masterworks concerts with the Richmond Symphony, and has assisted with District Chorus festivals.

Workshop participants are invited to audition for the spring Rock School session, which begins January 15. Rock School bands rehearse weekly and participate in our Rock School Blowout concert. No prior experience is necessary.

For more information on our Rock School auditions, click here.

Our accomplished Rock School teachers are ready to get you rocking!

The workshop is free, but RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, please email music@strazcenter.org or call 813-222-6411.