Be in the Band! With Richard Gilewitz
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Workshop: Guitar and Ukulele 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Cost: Workshop Tickets:$35
Ticket link: https://watermelonmusic.com/event_details.php?products_id=54544
Are you a musician who's always wanted to be in a band but never had the chance or thought you could be? Or are you already in a band and want more strategies and techniques to take your musicianship to the next level? Whatever your musical background, this workshop is for you! As an experienced master class instructor, Richard knows how to bring folks of varying levels of experience together so newer players never feel left out or confused, and more advanced guitarists are never bored or restrained to slow down for the beginner. Under Richard’s direction, we will ‘create a band’ on the spot with a combination of rhythms, fingerpicking, and a touch of music theory. You’ll learn how to: join and exit the group, listen to yourself and each other, vary your dynamic attack, play with your eyes closed, follow your breath, and release body tension. He’ll also experiment with different instrumental voicings with the use of a capo to create a layered, symphonic sound. You’ll leave the workshop knowing you gained valuable new skills and contributed to making some beautiful noise with others who love the guitar too.
Skills Needed: Some experience with a few basic chords and strumming. Barre chords and fingerpicking are helpful but not required.
What to Bring: A guitar or ukulele. Optional but helpful: tuner, capo, pencil, and paper. Handout materials will be provided.
Teacher: Never one to settle for the boring or mundane, Richard Gilewitz surprises audiences with his hilariously eccentric vision of the world and its inhabitants alongside breathtaking fingerstyle artistry on the 6- and 12-string guitar. Named one of the top fingerstyle guitarists of all time, Richard invariably captivates listeners with uniquely emotional interpretations of romping knuckle busters and contemplative classical tunes reimagined for steel strings. He credits his ability to pull the deepest breath out of a tune to having studied for decades with a classical guitarist, who was himself taught by a violinist who played alongside Albert Einstein. That is Richard in a nutshell…unusual, unique, surprising, and a master of fingerstyle guitar.
“At turns mesmerizing, playful, humorous and wistful, Gilewitz is a master of moods when he speaks to audiences through his guitar. He's always at the service of his inner voice, which has a sneaky way of connecting directly to the listener's heart.” -- Creative Loafing Magazine as well as “a fine guitarist.” - Fingerstyle Guitar
“Ear-boggling!” -The Washington Post
”His performance style is very crisp and precise, allowing the personality of the music to shine through.” - Dirty Linen Magazine
(530) 758-4010