Accent on Music - Guitar Seminar FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
about the Accent On Music Fingerstyle Guitar Seminar

1.	Can you give me an idea of the ability level required to attend the seminar?
2.	How do I prepare for the seminar?
3.	What other activities are available?
4.	Must I perform in the student recital?
5.	How do I get from the Portland airport to the Ramada Inn venue?
6.	To arrange my travel schedule, I need to know when the seminar activities begin and end.
7.	Are the sleeping quarters single or double occupancy?
8.	May my spouse/significant other come along?
9.	I am a vegetarian. Is vegetarian food available?
10.	May I park my car at the Ramada?

1. Can you give me an idea of the ability level required to attend the seminar?

Every year the abilities of the attendees cover a wide range. Many players are advanced beginners or intermediate fingerpickers. We also have a number of skilled players who are semi-pro. We would suggest that you already fingerpick at the advanced beginner level or higher to attend.

One way that we deal with this disparity - and one of the most attractive features of Accent On Music seminars - is to divide the attendees into small groups, determined by skill level. After the daily morning workshop - which everyone attends - these smaller groups meet with each instructor every day, Tuesday through Friday, and cover material appropriate to each group's abilities and interests. These small groups are great. Students get to know the instructors, and the instructors can tailor the material to each group's particular needs.

To organize these small groups, we send a questionnaire to each registrant before the seminar asking about skill level, experience, and topics of particular interest.

In reality, the atmosphere at our seminar is truly very accepting, supportive, and non-competitive, no matter what your skill level. It is also great fun, and highly educational!

2. How do I prepare for the seminar?
Do your best to condition your fingers by playing daily in the weeks/months before the seminar. You may also bring one or two prepared pieces as possible selections to perform for the instructors/attendees in class or in the student recital. Of course, you can always change your mind and play a new piece that you learn during the week, but it's nice to have options. The instructors are prepared to back you up during the student recital – simply ask one of them! There will be down time each day to spend a few minutes rehearsing with an instructor (or another student) for the recital.

3. What other activities are available?
Evening activities include a presentation by a local professional guitarist on Tuesday, student recitals on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and a public concert by the instructors on Friday evening. Of course, for registered students, early/free admission for the sound check and the concert are included in the seminar fee, as is admission for registered significant others. Also, the Ramada is close to the Tri-Met light rail line, which takes you to all areas of Portland, including downtown. Access light rail by taking the hotel shuttle to PDX.

4. Must I perform in the student recital?
No one is required to perform at the recitals, but all are strongly encouraged. Again, if you feel the need, instructors and some of the more skilled students will be happy to play along with you! This is a low-pressure, highly supportive group - the best kind for venturing into the world of performing! Please read violinist Joshua Bell’s brief Newsweek article about performance anxiety. It’s worth your time to read!

5. How do I get from the Portland airport to the Ramada Inn venue?
The Ramada maintains a 24/7 shuttle van service to and from PDX. Call the hotel desk at (503) 255-6511. For attendees who are driving, there is plenty of free parking in the lots adjacent to the Ramada facility.

6. To arrange my travel schedule, I need to know when the seminar activities begin and end.
Registration and check-in for the seminar begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, August 7, 2012, at the Ramada Inn, level 2. Continental breakfast is available. Our first full-group class begins at 10:30 a.m. that same morning, Tuesday, August 7. The final event is the public concert on Friday evening, August 10. For those of you staying in the hotel Friday evening, check-out time is 12 noon on Saturday, August 11.

7. Are the sleeping quarters single or double occupancy?
All rooms are single. The exception is if you are accompanied by a registered, non-student guest.

8. May my spouse/significant other come along?
Space permitting, non-students may register at a cost of $395.00 and must accompany a registered student. This will entitle the non-student to a double-occupancy room (with enrolled student), board, a seminar T-shirt, and evening activities.

9. I am a vegetarian. Is vegetarian food available?
Yes. The food at the Ramada is good – one of the reasons we chose this new venue. Tuesday through Friday the food service will set up private buffets for our group in one of our large teaching rooms.

10. May I park my car at the Ramada?
Yes. For attendees who are driving, there is plenty of free parking in the lots adjacent to the Ramada facility.