Aloha Friends!
What a joy it is to announce our 24th Maui Masterclass! I am over the moon to say that Julian Gray will be our guest Maestro. Julian taught for us online in 2020, but now he will be teaching live! In addition to being a truly profound musical artist and virtuoso guitarist, Julian is a legend in the world of guitar pedagogy. Julian is not only a dear friend but someone I have turned to on several occasions for his sage musical advice throughout my career.
We are also fortunate that his wife, Serap Bastepe-Gray, will be joining us as well. Serap is an extraordinary guitarist performing extensively both as a soloist and in duo with Julian. She is the course developer and instructor of Playing Well, Peabody’s groundbreaking online curriculum offering practical, scientifically-grounded approaches for musicians to avoid injury and maintain health.
Please see below for details of the class. As I have often said, the Maui Masterclass is one that is dearest to my heart. Knowing that we can hold it again is a blessing. We are aware that it is a long way to travel but hope nonetheless that you can join us!
Wishing you much peace, love, guitars and Maui Masterclasses!
Ben
2023 Class Information
July 4–13
Benjamin Verdery is excited to announce his 24th guitar masterclass, taking place on the island of Maui in Hawaii from Tuesday, July 4 through Thursday, July 13, 2023. Joining him as guest teacher this year will be Julian Gray, acclaimed performer and teacher. Assisting again this year will be Hawaiian ukulele and guitar virtuoso Ian O’Sullivan. Please see below for all the details.
Class events
The class will include an opening faculty recital, masterclasses and lectures, and student recitals at locations around the island.
Opening concert
Tuesday, July 4, 7:00 PM, at Makawao Union Church. Performances by Ben Verdery, Julian Gray and Serap Bastepe-Gray, and Ian O’Sullivan.
Classes
Beginning on the morning of Wednesday, July 5, and continuing through Thursday, July 13. Classes will be held at the beautiful Keawala‘i Congregational Church in Makena.
Student recitals
Dates and locations of student concerts will be announced later.
Travel dates
Students should plan to arrive in time for the 7:00 PM concert on Tuesday, July 4, and depart Maui no sooner than Friday, July 14. Class activities will conclude late on the evening of Thursday, July 13.
Class format
Each student will play three times during the class, receiving two 30-minute masterclass sessions with Ben Verdery and one with Julian Gray. All students will perform in the student concerts and also participate in the guitar ensemble.
The class is also open to auditors, who may attend all masterclasses, concerts, and other class activities.
Established ensembles, as well as individuals, are encouraged to apply.
Classes will be held daily for approximately three to six hours at the Keawala‘i Congregational Church in Makena, Maui. In addition to the masterclass each day, there will be ensemble coaching and discussions of topics such as technique, practicing, posture, performance anxiety, career development, competitions, and recital preparation.
By mid-June, a schedule for the class will be set, and repertoire will be announced so that participants will have the chance to borrow/buy music that will be studied. Ensemble music will be sent in advance so that students can be ready to start rehearsals when the class begins.
The atmosphere of the class is very casual but active. In the past there have been group trips arranged around the classes and concerts to other areas of Maui, including beaches, rainforests, and the Haleakala volcano.
Eligibility
The class is open to guitarists of all ages. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Application procedure
To apply for the class, send an email to verderyclass@gmail.com with the following information:
Your name
Your experience with the guitar (years playing, main teachers, schools, etc.)
Repertoire you propose to play (this can be changed later)
Recordings: Applicants who have not attended the class previously must submit an audio or video recording of two works in contrasting style and tempo. Recordings may be submitted as mp3s or as links to online video or audio files. The recordings do not need to be professional quality and should not cause stress!
Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2023. Students accepted into the class will be notified by April 1.
Tuition
Tuition, not including room and board, is $600 for individual participants, $375 per person for duos, $300 per person for trios, and $250 per person for quartets. Those registering as ensembles must take all of their lessons as an ensemble. The fee for auditors is $200.
Students accepted into the class will be asked to send a $200 deposit by April 15. The balance of the tuition must be paid by June 15.
Lodging and travel
Lodging options are available throughout the town of Kihei. A suggested location is the Maui Vista Condos. Reservations may be made through AA Oceanfront (https://www.aaoceanfront.com) or Maui Condo and Home (https://www.mauicondo.com).
If you are interested in sharing a condo with other students, let us know and we will put you in touch with others interested in sharing.
You must make your own air travel and/or car rental reservations. Many airlines fly direct to the Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, and when pricing flights you should look into this option, as it will eliminate a connecting flight from Honolulu to Kahului.
Car rentals are available from the major companies at the airport in Kahului. If you will not be renting a car, we can arrange to pick you up from the airport. Transit from the Maui Vista Condos to the class events will be provided by a class van as well as shared rides with students with their own rentals cars.
Please let us know your travel and accommodation plans, and whether you will be renting a car, by May 31, 2022.
Important dates
March 15: Application deadline
April 1: Notification date
April 15: Tuition deposit due
May 15: Repertoire selections due
May 31: Travel plans due
June 15: Tuition balance due; ensemble music and schedule sent out
July 4, evening: Class starts
July 13, evening: Class ends
Further information
Please email John Olson (verderyclass@gmail.com) for further information.