ICMP DEVELOPMENT MASTER CLASSES OFFERED TO ACTS

Great news for unsigned acts entering Live and Unsigned 2010 – we’ve got a set of exclusive master classes to offer to all of our Regional Finalists for February!

As part of our music development policy at Live and Unsigned and in conjunction with ICMP, we’ll be offering a host of eclectic master classes in London, from some of the world’s greatest musicians!

For all the guitarists in the competition, Mattia ‘IA’ Eklundh will be offering his top tips in his master class in February. Mattias is considered as one of the most groundbreaking and innovative guitarists of our time. He’s worked with bands like Freak Kitchen, Frozen Eyes and The Jonas Hellborg Trio and has successfully released several of his own albums.

Adding a bit of ‘groove’ to the classes will be two of ICMP’s finest tutors, bass tutor Dave Marks and drummer Darren Ashford. Dave, a bassist and guitarist, has played throughout the world and his credits include producing, arranging and songwriting. Dave’s experience with playing bass – including keys, dobro, banjo, mandolin, percussion and harmonica makes him an invaluable asset to the course! Darren Ashford is one of the most respected drummers in the country. He has performed with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), played in the West End and performed alongside some of the world’s most recognised musicians including Westlife, The Backstreet Boys, Joss Stone, Chaka Khan, Black Eyed Peas, Dub Pistols and Lionel Richie! His master class covers a range of drumming techniques including from Hand /Foot Technique, Double Pedal Playing, Independence, Moeller, Chart & Sight Reading, Time playing, Linear phrasing, Listening skills, and Styles & Grooves like Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz, Funk & Rock. The groove based master class is a great opportunity to progressively learn and develop your bass skills!

World class clinician Pat Petrillo will also be on hand to offer his expertise at ICMP. At the forefront of the drumming community, Pat has played alongside music legends like Gloria Gaynor and Patti Lebelle. His master class will cover hand techniques, grooves, fill ideas, 'the business of music', and he’ll also be available for a Q&A session after!

With more master classes coming on offer in the next few months, this is just a glimpse of some of the prizes up for grabs this year for our Regional Finalists and a demonstration of our commitment at Live and Unsigned to develop young acts in the music industry!