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.	Do I HAVE to perform in the student recital?
5.	How do I get from the Portland airport to Lewis & Clark College?
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 Lewis & Clark?

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 small groups (6-7 people) 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 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. As you know, the instructors are prepared to back you up during the student recital. If a piece of yours lends itself to a duet format, you might prepare that one, then feel free to ask one of the instructors to play along with you!

3. What other activities are available?
There is an optional Performance Workshop, which is designed to help you feel more comfortable in front of audience, whether it be an audience of one or 1,000. It's appropriate for any performer, novice or experienced, who wants to improve his/her performance techniques.

Each 50-minute class is limited to 3 students. Participants will share experiences and "survival" techniques. Each student will be videotaped (maximum 3-minute segment), and the performance will be replayed for immediate feedback and kind critiquing. Many participants find it is a helpful way to prepare for the student recital (see next question), and some take it multiple times.

This workshop will be led by Greta Pedersen, who along with being Mark's wife, is also an experienced performer and instructor. She has award-winning CDs to her credit and has appeared in concerts across the United States. Her video "Music Is Magic" has been broadcast on the Learning Channel.

4. Do I HAVE to perform in the student recital?
No one is required to perform at the recitals, but all are strongly encouraged. This is a low-pressure, highly supportive group - the best kind for venturing into the world of performing!

5. How do I get from the Portland airport to Lewis & Clark College?
On Monday, July 31, and Sunday, August 6, shuttle service is provided for attendees between PDX and Lewis & Clark College. Once we receive the flight information from all the registrants, we organize vans to pick up and deliver students at specific times during those two days. You shouldn't have to wait more than an hour for the van closest to your arrival time.

6. To arrange my travel schedule, I need to know when the seminar activities begin and end.
Check-in begins at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2006. Our first order of business is a barbecue dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a short, informal concert by the three instructors. Tuesday morning classes start. The final event is the public concert on Saturday evening, August 5. A continental breakfast is offered Sunday morning, August 6. Check-out time is 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 6.

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

8. May my spouse/significant other come along?
All people staying in the dorm rooms must be registered. Space permitting, non-students may register at a cost of $450.00 and must accompany a registered student. This will entitle the non-student to a double-occupancy room (with enrolled student), board and evening activities.

9. I am a vegetarian. Is vegetarian food available?
Yes. The food service at Lewis & Clark College is very good, offering a variety of choices at every meal.

10. May I park my car at Lewis & Clark?
Yes. Many regional students drive to Portland for the seminar. Parking lots at Lewis & Clark are located directly opposite the room accommodations and the instruction/food service building.