About the Workshop
The contemporary pianist needs to be across a broad and ever expanding range of skill-sets. In this workshop you will look at the role of the pianist in various contemporary genres including jazz, blues, country, pop, RnB and reggae.
You will cover a range of essential skills including developing aural skills; transcription of songs and analysis of arrangements; accompaniment; improvisation; rhythm section and different styles to name a few.
With a strong focus on performance, you will look at the ways technology is being incorporated innovatively into the world of piano and walk away with a set of new
tools and techniques as well as a renewed enthusiasm for playing the piano.
| Medium | Piano & Keyboard |
| Level | All Levels |
| Age | 12+ |
Nathan viscerally recalls the first time laying fingers on a piano 35 years ago, immediately beginning to improvise and compose. A prolific performer, recording artist and educator, Nathan has lectured at TAFE QLD, QUT, USQ and the JMC Academy, Brisbane. He maintains a busy schedule having recently recorded with Caitlyn Shadbolt (2016 CMC New OZ Artist of the Year) on her 2017 album ‘Songs On My Sleeve’ (ABC Music), Christie Lamb’s (2015 New Oz Artist of the Year) 2017 Album ‘Loaded’ (ABC Music) and the Karin Page CMA Toyota Starmaker Award 2016.
Nathan is a freelance portfolio musician based in Brisbane with over 26 years of professional composition, teaching and performing expertise to share.
Are you a singer and want to learn to write songs? Do you want to learn about what gear you really need to gig or to set up and record, or how to be a session musician? Do you want to learn about stagecraft and how to improve your performance skills? Become a more flexible musician and choose your elective! All students get the chance to pick one of the following electives during their workshop.
Elective 1: The Session
You may have a focus on performing original music though still need a way to support this passion. Perhaps you thrive on playing with a variety of musicians in a variety of styles, or maybe you just love playing music and entertaining people. If so, this elective is for you.
Topics covered will include:
- Be a “Musician for Hire”
- Networking and interpersonal skills
- Creating and great earning set-lists
- Being stylistically versatile
- What gear you really need
- What technology you really need
- The avenues available to further your career as a session musician
Elective 2: Record Yourself: get the most out of your home recording setup
It's one thing to come up with a song or idea but capturing and building on that idea is just as important. With the accessibility to high quality recordings at home, having some basic production skills is essential. This elective will introduce you to some key music production concepts to get you on your way.
Elective 3: Introduction to Songwriting
Songwriting is an incredibly valuable skill for any musician. This elective will give you a taste of the Songwriting course on offer and introduce you to the essential
songwriting skills to get you developing your ideas.
Elective 4: Stagecraft and Performance
It doesn’t matter if you’re performing to one person or an auditorium full of people, performing on stage can be a nerve racking experience. Your tutors will teach you coping methods and how to enjoy your time on stage.
Payment Plans are available with a $100 deposit. JuniorsJunior* - 12-17 years old - please note not all workshops are suitable for juniors. If you have a query, please visit out website usq.edu.au/mcgregor, email mcgregor@usq.edu.au or phone our team on 07 4631 1111 AccommodationThis provides you with 6 nights of accommodation (check in 2pm Sunday 9 January and check out 10am Saturday 16 January 2021). Continental breakfast and buffet dinner are included. Basic dietary requirements can be catered for upon prior arrangement, please note these at time of booking. The Colleges are within easy walking distance of the Campus. Please note we do not provide any transport between the residential college and the art studios unless the studio is outside of the immediate campus or residential college area. The residential colleges have COVID-19 Approved plans in place. Accommodation OptionsPrivate Room - an air conditioned room with a private ensuite. Please note that due to COVID-19, there are limited private rooms available. Share Ensuite - a private room with a shared bathroom - this may be at McGregor Residential College or Steel Rudd where one bathroom is shared between 2-8 private rooms. Please note additional deep cleans are in place for residential colleges managed under a COVID-19 safe plan. Junior Accommodation - junior participants are housed in supervised accommodation and supervised by an on-campus Blue Card certified House Parent. Registration CancellationsSometimes circumstances can change - here's how we can help:
The McGregor School may waive or reduce the cancellation penalty (excluding administration fees being the $100 non-refundable deposit) if a participant has cancelled due to a medical condition or bereavement. Please note that medical certificates or equivalent may be requested to support these requested refunds after payment due date has passed. Should you fall ill during the event and you provide a medical certificate for the time you didn't attend, a pro-rata refund may be considered. Medical certificates must be provided by 27 January 2021 for possible refund consideration. Should you fall ill or show any symptoms of COVID-19 during the event, you will be required to leave the workshop and undertake COVID-19 testing and quarantine until medically cleared to return. Please note the cost of quarantine accommodation and any other associated costs will be at your own expense. USQ Residential Colleges have dedicated isolation accommodation available if required. All prices are GST inclusive |
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Booking Information: Once you have selected your workshop, book your place online, over the phone or in person. $100* will secure your place today.
Online: usq.edu.au/mcgregor
Phone: School of Creative Arts on 07 4631 1111 during business hours, if you are unable to reach someone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We are open for calls Monday - Friday between 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 11 December 2020.
*$100 is a non-refundable deposit to cover event preparation and administration costs.
In order to ensure the safety of all attendees and university staff, the following COVID-19 related regulations will be in place during the event, in line with our relevant Risk Management Plans and COVID Safe Plans:
- Capacity in each room will be limited in line with correct social distancing measures.
- Hand sanitiser will be available inside each workshop space and in common spaces.
- Attendees will not be required to wear masks, but may do so if they wish
- It is requested that attendees maintain social distancing (1.5m) whilst moving around the campus and in class.
- If an attendee becomes ill during the workshop, experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, they will be required to leave the workshop as soon as possible so that they may seek appropriate medical attention
- Provisions are available on campus for isolation for those registrants staying on campus.
- If attendees fall ill or begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms within 24 hours of attending the workshop, please email mcgregor@usq.edu.au to advise if you are not attend.
- Unfortunately, if an attendee lives in a current hot spot as determined by Queensland Health, they will be unable to attend, again to ensure the safety of all attendees and staff.
- Attendance is restricted to Queensland Residents only, in line with interstate travel restrictions
For the most up to date information, please keep up to date on our USQ McGregor Arts Retreat Facebook page - @mcgregorschooltoowoomba
Create. Collaborate. Connect.
McGregor Retreats are an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in creativity for one to seven days! We offer multiple workshop structures, with a range of artistic workshops covering everything from watercolour to woodwork, music to creative writing and more. With a 53 year history, McGregor Retreats attract established, beginner and dabbling artists, believing everyone has the ability to create.
Have a Question?
Check out the McGregor FAQs
Contact: Cassy Stephan, McGregor Coordinator
Email: Cassandra.stephan@usq.edu.au
Phone: (+617) 46312755