Spend five days immersed in the world of guitar! Learn a variety of techniques to help you become a better guitarist.
Cover finger and plectrum techniques; playing all chords; improvisation; reading notation and learning by ear; how to accompany vocalists as well as playing solo.
Regardless of your genre or playing style, this workshop will cover core information to help you master your instrument and become a better all-round musician.
About James
James is a guitarist based in Melbourne, well known for his work in the jazz field, James has performed with a range of Australian jazz artists including James Morrison and Kate Cebrano, as well as international visitors such as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Sheila Jordan and Cyrille Aimee.
James has recorded six albums as bandleader and played on many recordings as a sideman. James has also performed or recorded with a diverse range of artists including The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Megan Washington, Katie Noonan, Joe Camilleri and American film composer Howard Shore.
| Type of Registration |
Early Bird Registration ends 18 November 2019 |
Standard Registration |
| Junior (12-17 years)** | $475 | $475 |
| Workshop Registration | $630 | $695 |
| Friends of McGregor | $600 | $665 |
| Accommodation |
Junior $560 Shared Ensuite $595 Private Room $750 |
|
Payment Plans are available with a $100 deposit.
** Junior must be 12 – 17 years at time of the Retreat.
Accommodation
This provides you with 6 nights of accommodation (check in 2pm Sunday 12 January and check out 10am Saturday 18 January 2020). Continental breakfast and buffet dinner are included. Accommodation is provided on campus at the University Residential Colleges. The Colleges are within easy walking distance of the Campus. Juniors are accompanied by a qualified House Parent from time of check in to check out.
Scholarships
The McGregor Art Retreats form part of the School of Creative Arts, USQ and are supported by the Friends of McGregor. Together, McGregor offer partial and/or full scholarships, pending the support available. Selection for all scholarships is made by a consensus rating of a panel including representatives from McGregor and other relevant bodies; this is based on:
- Location of student
- Artistic potential, and/or;
- Degree of financial need for assistance
For more information please visit the McGregor scholarship page.
Registration Cancellations
Cancel by close of business 13 December 2019 — refund less $100 non-refundable deposit. Cancel after 13 December 2019 — no refund. Cancel accommodation after 13 December 2019 — $50 cancellation fee. The McGregor Retreat may waive or reduce the cancellation penalties if a participant has cancelled due to a medical condition or bereavement.
Workshop Cancellations
The McGregor team reserves the right to cancel a class if minimum enrolments are not reached or if any unforeseen circumstances occur. If your workshop is cancelled you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another class.
All prices are GST inclusive
Online: Using the Book now button above
Phone: School of Creative Arts Box Office on 07 4631 1111. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
In Person: A Block, Box Office, USQ, West Street Toowoomba, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Payment Plan: You can select a payment plan option with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Pay off the balance by 13 December 2019.
Phone: School of Creative Arts Box Office on 07 4631 1111. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
In Person: A Block, Box Office, USQ, West Street Toowoomba, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Payment Plan: You can select a payment plan option with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Pay off the balance by 13 December 2019.
The McGregor Music Retreat is an action packed week of core learning, specialised electives and ensemble jam sessions.
Check out the full program to see what is involved for the week.
Each participant will also get to undertake an elective in addition to their core learning for the week, check out the elective options for more information.
Create. Collaborate. Connect.
Along with your practical skills as a musician, singer or songwriter, 21st century musicians need to be creative, collaborative and sustainable. Here at the McGregor Music Retreat, we hope to provide you with the tools required to become all of these things. Our 5-day summer music program is built on a framework that can facilitate musicians of varying experiences and ages. You’ll pick your ‘music major’ and then through group instrument lessons, ensembles, industry workshops and performance opportunities you’ll embrace music fundamentals, create your own tune and be guided on your journey to become the musician you want to be!Create your own tune
Our music industry is ever evolving and so are we. Along with your practical skills as a musician, singer or song writer; 21st century musicians need to be creative, collaborative, sustainable and flexible. Here at the McGregor Summer Retreat you will experience and discover multiple career pathways such as solo or ensemble performance, studio recording, music technology, teaching, songwriting, music as therapy or perhaps you are just passionate about music, want to have fun and be inspired by industry professionals.The music retreat is a recreational 5-day music program built into a framework that can facilitate musicians of varying experiences and ages through group instrument lessons, performing in ensembles and participating in inspirational workshops. No matter your age or experience, our tutors will guide you to embrace the fundamentals of music and inspire you to create your own tune in a safe and encouraging environment which is essential to achieving the goals of each musician and artist.
Core Studies of the McGregor Music Retreat
- development of instrumental and musicianship skills
- development of song writing skills
- ensemble and performance skills
- experience with music technology and recording
- get to know and learn from music industry professionals
- learn all the other skills needed apart from your chosen instrument.
Our goal
We will support, teach and encourage you in individual lessons with specialist sectional tutors. You will experience and learn ensemble performance, gain an introductory understanding of recording and music production techniques and in addition to your principal area of interest have an opportunity to choose from electives in improvisation and music theory, composition and arranging, song writing, performance or music technology.This intimate setting will ensure you receive maximum time with specialist teachers learning through the making of music and achieving core goals. Tutors are well connected, highly prolific professional musicians and educators, creating a vibrant collaborative atmosphere that allows students to achieve their goals.
In this highly competitive industry it’s essential to stand out from your peers and colleagues. Our tutors will mentor you to connect, collaborate and create. Whether you want to take the next step before studying creative arts or just want to have fun we welcome you to the McGregor Music Retreat.
What you will get out of McGregor?
Apart from learning with specialists in your instrument, voice or song writing, you will create with musicians that regularly ‘gig’, record, tour, teach privately and at tertiary institutions and work daily in the music industry. They are well connected in the industry, talented artists and are ready to mentor you. You will gain an introductory experience of recording and music production techniques and in addition to your principal area of interest, you can choose an elective to help you reach your goals.As well as working with your music industry mentors daily, you will have access to USQ Creative Arts Music lecturers, who will be available to discuss the degree programs as well as a broad mix of sustainable career paths in the music industry. They may inspire you with career options that you haven’t before considered. There are so many amazing opportunities out there. Create your own tune at McGregor Music in 2020.
Have a Question?
Check out the McGregor Music FAQs
Still not sure? Give us a call on +61 7 4631 1111, Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm or email mcgregor@usq.edu.au.