March 2009 Session

 

Teachers

 

Students

 

Round Up

There were so many high points of the spring 2009 Fender University session that it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one.


From March 4 to 9, ten eager students and a stellar “Fender faculty” gathered in Corona, Calif., for the second Fender University educational program. What ensued was an unforgettable week of intensive hands-on guitar instruction, Fender facility tours, performance events and camaraderie between students and seasoned professionals alike.

Students came from all over the United States, plus one from Canada and one from Venezuela. Among them was guitarist and U.S. Ski Team member Bryon Friedman.

“This Fender University class surpassed all of my expectations,” said John Dreyer, Fender events director. “From start to finish, every artist and staff member involved stepped up to bring the very best they could offer to this special event.”

Students arrived on Wednesday, March 4, and had a day to settle in at the Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif. At check in, each student received a swag package and the new Fender guitar they’d chosen when they enrolled. During dinner at the hotel, Fender University Dean Richard McDonald welcomed everyone, and the first of many magic moments occurred later that evening when, surrounded by students, Dick Dale—the “King of Surf Guitar” himself—took questions from everyone after a breathtaking performance.


Fender University students, above, on a tour of the Fender
factory in Corona, Calif. Below, a student gets one-on-one tutoring
from John 5.

“What an amazing experience,” McDonald said. “This is easily the deepest, most intimate and fulfilling guitar experience a player could hope for. Forget my role as the dean; I fell into the program this year like everyone else—I couldn’t stay out of the classrooms or off the stage. There’s no way to be immune to what happens at Fender University—the most passionate enthusiasts meet the most passionate performers and teachers. Stand back and watch the magic happen—artists, lessons, tours, concerts, jam sessions, guitars, history, stories, guitars, more guitars—I love it.”

Class began in earnest the next day, with a morning tour and lunch at the Fender factory in Corona, followed by an interactive “Fender Experience” presentation on the half-century history of Fender. At the nearby Fender Center that evening, Fender University staff presented an open jam session featuring performances by faculty members Gary Hoey, Greg Koch, Wolf Marshall, Tony Franklin and Adam Gust.

That Friday was a busy day of classes at the Fender Center, with a morning seminar on instrument setup, a meet-the-faculty artist introduction session and a one-hour forum with Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. After lunch, students were treated to a 90-minute session with shredder extraordinaire John 5, during which more magic moments happened when each student got “Five With 5”—five minutes of personal one-to-one interaction with John 5. That evening featured a visit to Wild West Guitars and the Voodoo Lounge in nearby Riverside, followed by a private concert by singer/guitarist Philip Sayce and Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats, featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

Saturday began with a Fender Center study hall session with the instructors and a very special late-morning forum with the great


G.E. Smith and James Burton played together on
Sunday, March 8.

James Burton. The afternoon featured a 90-minute seminar with legendary producer and engineer Eddie Kramer (the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss). The evening was spent at dinner and a tour at the Fender Museum with curator Richard Smith and fellow noted guitar author Tom Wheeler.

Students spent the first half of Sunday morning studying and practicing with instructors, after which legendary rock photographer Robert Knight photographed each student. After lunch, another great Fender University moment came with a dual session with James Burton and Hall & Oates/session/Saturday Night Live guitar great G.E. Smith. After another study session, students put all their practicing to work each performed at a Fender Center jam session. The students were backed by their guitar instructors, ace bassist Reggie Hamilton and drummer Curt Bisquera, and each student took a solo to cheers from fellow students and instructors.

At the graduation ceremony that night, the students received their diplomas and were treated to an incredible acoustic performance by guitarist Willy Porter.

“I’d like to extend our gratitude to our Fender staff and artists,” said Jennifer Burton, Fender marketing communications manager. “And especially to our students, for their participation in another successful Fender University session.”

 

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