2006 Accent on Music Guitar Seminar
July 31 – August 6, 2006 - Portland, Oregon

2006 Seminar Wrap Up

The 2006 Accent On Music Guitar Seminar was a great success. Several attendees said it was the best one ever. The camaraderie amongst the seminarians was great. Judging from their comments they felt that the three instructors - Mark Hanson, Pete Huttlinger and Stephen Bennett - provided a wealth of inspiring material and insight. Everyone also had a lot of fun!

One great thing about our seminar is how the returning attendees so quickly include first timers. For all of you who have attended music camps, you know how intimidating the first one can be when everyone else seems to know what is going on and you don't! The beautiful Portland summer weather and magnificent Lewis & Clark College campus also add considerably to the enjoyability quotient.

Monday started off with our traditional barbecue, attended by all our seminarians except one, a professional photographer who was called to L.A. for a weeklong photo shoot of Madonna! Following the feast was a mini concert by the three instructors. Pete, Stephen and Mark demonstrated their remarkable arrangements and compositions, told some great jokes, and blasted through a couple of acoustic power trios at the end.

Tuesday the classes started with a discussion of arranging techniques by the three instructors. Then we broke into our small groups of seven, working on specific tunes and techniques. Tuesday evening our good friend and classical guitar virtuoso Scott Kritzer entertained the seminarians, displaying the talents that have had him touring the world for many years.

Wednesday through Friday the class schedules were the same, with after-hours activities including jam sessions and hilarious sing-a-longs.

Thursday and Friday evenings were the student recitals. Several students had instructors back them up, and Stephen Bennett brought down the house leading his small classes in an ensemble rendition of John Philip Sousa.

Saturday morning Portland's local national fingerpicking champion John Standefer thrilled us with scintillating licks and funny stories.

Saturday evening the three instructors played a well-attended public concert at The Old Church in downtown Portland. All the soloists were in fine form, with a few duets and trios sprinkled in during the concert, including Greta Pedersen singing her heartfelt rendition of "You Don't Know Me" with Mark.

We are looking forward to next year's activities. If you haven't already joined, please sign up on our newsletter page so that you will be among the first to know about the 2007 offerings. We are gratified that the seminars are so popular, and that they sell out so quickly. Join the email list here so that you are among the first to know when the the 2007 activities are announced.

Our new DVD, How to Play Fingerstyle Blues Guitar Solos, will be available later in the fall of 2006. Thanks, everyone!

Accent On Music