Keys to a bright future

LOS Angeles based guitar educators and performers Professor Richard Smith from the University of Southern California and Dr Stig Mathisen of the Musicians Institute spent the day in the Music Department at Claremont College recently, as part of their Australian tour.

Professor Smith is also Full Professor and former Chair of the Studio/Jazz Guitar department at the renowned Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Dr Mathisen, who has a Masters and a Doctoral degree in guitar performance from the University of Southern California is a guitarist and educator from Northern Norway, currently residing in Los Angeles.

Claremont College students were fortunate to have these two outstanding musicians visit and work with them in what was just one of many opportunities the college offers in their extensive music program.

The renowned educators provided some key points around what it takes to be a working musician and gave the students valuable insights into the music industry.

The musos’ discussion and tips on what makes a music entrepreneur and promoting yourself as a musician was especially useful.

There was also the chance for students to play some challenging guitar pieces with Stig and Richard’s expert tutoring, as well as workshops on improvisation strategies and performance techniques.

The day concluded with a performance to a very appreciative audience of Claremont College staff, students and community members.

Much to the delight of the audience, Claremont College students were invited to perform with Richard and Stig on Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely and the jazz standard Fly Me to the Moon. many former students go onto further study in the music area or perform locally.

This year Claremont College was also very pleased to again participate in the APRA Song Makers 2017 program.

This year’s mentors were Eskimo Joe lead singer and bassist Kav Temperley and producer and sound engineer Anna Laverty.

The students had a fabulous two days in which they wrote and recorded their own songs under the guidance of the inspiring Kav and Anna.