Q: Can I play multiple instruments and genres during the week?
A: A week at NGW is a chance to really hone your skills as a musician. In order to best focus on the intensity of your class, you must choose one instrument and one genre for the week.
[+] top
Q: What is the difference between core, seminar, and summit?
A: Performance classes are open to all levels of playing, are genre based, and focus on many topics specific to that genre. Students are grouped together according to playing ability, allowing the students to play with musicians at an equal level.
Seminars are specialized classes for the intermediate or advanced player. The student will focus entirely on this intense course throughout the week.
Summits are a group of specialized classes, based in one genre, for the intermediate or advanced player. Students will choose one summit class to focus on for the week. Summit students will also get a rhythm section component, and a daily master class with summit faculty.
[+] top
Q: Can my family members or friends room together?
A: Yes! You may request your roommate by selecting the appropriate box on the application and writing in the name of the person you would like to room with. We will do our absolute best to accommodate your request.
[+] top
Q: Do all students have the opportunity to perform on stage?
A: Yes! All students have the opportunity to play in open mic concerts held twice during the week. All students taking a core class will perform as a group in an ensemble concert held at the end of the week. Most students taking a summit class will have the opportunity to play at a competition or local venue.
[+] top
Q: What happens if I want to take a different class?
A: We want you to have the greatest individual experience NGW can offer. If you’re not happy with the class you’ve chosen, or you are interested in taking a different class, you may change your class. It is important that you do so in the first or second day to get the most out of your class experience.
[+] top
Q: How closely are under-age students monitored?
A: National Guitar Workshop provides 24-hour security, and Resident Assistants in every dormitory. When under-age students are not in class, they are being monitored by their RA’s. Under-age students are not allowed to leave campus without written consent from their parents or guardians, and must be accompanied by a staff member.
[+] top
Q: How many hours of class time are there?
A: There are between 6 and 7 hours of class time per day, depending on your class. Performance classes have an ensemble component, which meets for an ensemble rehearsal an hour every day.
[+] top
Q: What is my daily schedule?
A: Schedules vary per campus location. Here is a general schedule:
- 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
- 9:00 – 12:00 Class
- 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
- 1:00 – 4:30 Class
- 4:30 – 6:00 Practice or free time
- 6:00 – 7:00 Dinner
- 7:00 – 8:00 Ensemble Rehearsal
- 8:30 – 10:30 Concert
Q: How do I distinguish the level of my playing ability?
A: Our general guidelines for playing level are as follows:
Beginner: Less than 1 ½ years playing experience.
Intermediate: 1 ½ to 3 years playing experience.
Advanced: 4 years or more playing experience.
If you are taking a core class, your teacher will assess you on the first day. If the teacher feels that you are more suited to a higher or lower level, he or she may suggest a more suitable class. If you do not feel you are at the right playing level for your class, you may change classes during the first two days of the session.
[+] top
Q: How much spending money should students bring?
A: The amount of spending money a student may need really depends on his or her own spending habits. However, parents should keep in mind that students will need a security deposit and may also need money for school supplies, personal items, vending machines, phone calls, NGW T-shirts, and other items sold in the store. Additional money may be needed for book fees. If your child needs additional spending money while attending the NGW, you may wire money directly or use traveler's checks. However, keep in mind that if you wire money, your child will have to travel with a staff member in order to pick up the funds. The NGW cannot for any reason give cash against a charge card. We also cannot cash checks for students that are made out to the NGW.
[+] top
Q: Is there air conditioning in my dorm room?
A: Many of our campuses have air conditioning. Our Virginia campus does not have air conditioning. We highly recommend bringing a fan with you to any campus, as personal air conditioners are not allowed at some of our campuses.
[+] top
Q: What will my child do in between sessions and extra nights?
A: If your child is staying for more than one session, he or she will be monitored by RA’s during the changeover, and there may be activities planned by the staff, such as trips to a local movie theater or music store.
[+] top