Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Centreville, Delaware USA
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:00 am Post subject: Robben's Clinics: Anyone Been to One?
I've registered for Robben's January 5 clinic, and was interested in hearing any thoughts or reactions from any of you who have attended them in the past. What is the format? How much one-on-one interaction do attendees get with Robben? Is it basically a lecture setting, or is it interactive? Do the attendees actually do much playing, and if so does Robben spend much time evaluating participants on their individual playing skills?
Frankly, I'd be happy to sit there the whole day just to listen to him talk about his playing, his tone, and his experiences in the music business. While I'm a pretty confident player, I have to admit that I'm a bit apprehensive about even picking up a guitar in the same room with him, let alone playing for him. Pretty childish, I know, but this guy has been my absolute (and pretty much exclusive) guitar hero for 30 years.
Do a search--you'll find detailed posts from myself and many others who have attended clinics--some more than once. I think we have all reported very, very positive experiences.
But to answer your main question, it is basically a lecture setting, with Robben sharing insights into his approach, experiences, and style, and on music in general. Robben is very open to questions and discussion, so in that sense it can be very interactive.
But it's not a one-on-one type thing, and he won't be doing one-on-one evaluations of your guitar playing. He does sometimes leave time at the end for a few volunteers to get up and play along with him (one at a time), but even then it's purely optional.
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Southern California
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:02 pm Post subject:
FatTeleTom wrote:
But to answer your main question, it is basically a lecture setting, with Robben sharing insights into his approach, experiences, and style, and on music in general. Robben is very open to questions and discussion, so in that sense it can be very interactive.
I've been to four, including one in his living room. FatTeleTom is correct in that they're mostly a lecture, but I think that's only because people are often afriad to ask many questions. Robben LOVES to talk chords and if you ask him good questions about them, I'm sure he'd love it. The more interactive it can be, the better it will be and I know Robben likes it when people participate, ask questions, etc.
At all but one, he has had two amps so anyone who wants to can get up and play with him. The one time he didn't is only because his amps were in the shop and he only had one. But he's not there to critique, he's there to inspire and encourage. At the last one I remember him giving one guy a tip of some kind after he played with him, but he had positive words of encouragement more than anything else.
It is a fantastic, inspiring experience that you'll never forget. _________________ "Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford
Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Posts: 24 Location: California
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:14 am Post subject:
It was the best $185.00 I have ever spent on playing guitar. I learned enough stuff to get me thru the nest few years, that's for sure. Robben is a great player and a great teacher. Not always the case with a lot of great players. He is a gentleman indeed and is really a very funny chap with a great sense of humor.
Go to the clinic, and don't miss it. That is all I can say to you. Oh, and make sure you take a recorder. That is a must.
vinni _________________ Does this guitar make me look fat?
I went to one a couple of years ago and found it very enjoyable and enlightening. I was impressed by how smooth and even Robben's right hand techique was - something to aspire to. On the way home I ran into Pat Martino who was returning from NAMM, and said he used to teach with Robben at LA Music Academy or GIT.
Would be nice if he had 'levels' in his classes where if you'd been to the basic one, you could get additional new material. just the same, I'm seriously considering going to the coming one. Ojai is a very cool place and Bonnie Lu's is a good restuarant.
Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 246 Location: San Mateo, CA
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:52 am Post subject:
I went to one in December of 2002. It was very inspirational; Robben was a prince, very open, down to earth, a regular guy. Ojai is a great place to be. I recommend the experience to all.
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 2:49 pm Post subject:
I've been to three, each one a bit different in emphasis. Yes, it's more lecture than one-on-one hands-on, but also very informal. Robben appreciates politeness and quiet (e.g., no plinky-plinky on your guitar while he's speaking, demonstrating or listening to someone else), but also usually invites volunteers from the intimidated group to stand up and play for everyone. So even though there may be 25 of you there, it will feel like you're just sitting around with Robben and maybe one or two other folks at home, or in a studio. An added benefit: You will meet some of the most interesting musicians in the world. It's Robben's policy and habit to disappear home for lunch (rather than appear to "favor" anyone in the group), but don't miss a chance to join up with as many other participants as you can at one of the local restaurants. I've not only met great folks from all over the country (and from this forum), but at one of the clinics I went to lunch with a player who's day gig is running a dental lab up in Santa Barbara. As my dentist is one of his customers, we figured out pretty quickly that he'd made most of the crowns in my mouth!
Enjoy. And be sure to post your review right away afterwards! _________________ - BlueRunner
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I've been to three, each one a bit different in emphasis. Yes, it's more lecture than one-on-one hands-on, but also very informal. Robben appreciates politeness and quiet (e.g., no plinky-plinky on your guitar while he's speaking, demonstrating or listening to someone else), but also usually invites volunteers from the intimidated group to stand up and play for everyone. So even though there may be 25 of you there, it will feel like you're just sitting around with Robben and maybe one or two other folks at home, or in a studio. An added benefit: You will meet some of the most interesting musicians in the world. It's Robben's policy and habit to disappear home for lunch (rather than appear to "favor" anyone in the group), but don't miss a chance to join up with as many other participants as you can at one of the local restaurants. I've not only met great folks from all over the country (and from this forum), but at one of the clinics I went to lunch with a player who's day gig is running a dental lab up in Santa Barbara. As my dentist is one of his customers, we figured out pretty quickly that he'd made most of the crowns in my mouth!