Free Rock School workshop

Ever thought about being in a band? Want to learn how to take your private music lessons to the next level?

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

Rock School Workshop

Tues., Sept. 3, 2013

6 to 7 p.m.

The Conservatory’s Rock School program brings students together to form bands according to age and skill level. Bands rehearse weekly and participate in our Rock School Blowout concert at the end of the session. Our fall session begins on Sept. 7, 2013.

At the workshop, Rock School instructors Dean Tidey and Paul Stoddart will demonstrate how the program works. Vocal coach Deborah Lynch will assist with vocal instruction.

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

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, Va. 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.

The workshop is for anyone in grade four through adult. Participants must bring their own instruments or drum sticks. Drum set, amps and keyboards are provided.

For those interested, placement auditions for Rock School will immediately follow the workshop. All prospective students are auditioned to determine the best band for them, based on instrument, musical tastes and age. There is a $15 audition fee.

Additional auditions will be held Wed., Sept. 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information on our Rock School auditions, click here.

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

For additional information about other music programs, including guitar classes, vocal arts and chamber ensembles, click here.