We invite you to join Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame inductee Alan Akaka, who is also a distinguished recipient of the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Artists’ “Lifetime Achievement” award, at the NorCal Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium. This unique opportunity will allow you to learn from an expert as he shares his valuable insights and experiences from his extensive career in Hawaiian music and steel guitar.
If you have experience on the steel guitar and would like to take your playing to the next level, join him for this 1-day-only workshop. Learn new pieces and explore practice strategies. With the right technique and know-how, it can be an enjoyable way to spend time making music by yourself or with friends. Learn how in this workshop!
For the beginner class, Alan will introduce the fundamentals of instrument technique and TAB reading. Students simply need to bring a steel guitar and a mini amp even if they don’t know how to play it.
“The heart of improvisation, Alan Akaka believes, is the solo — the moment when a member of the combo stands out from the others he or she is playing with and puts a new spin on the song.”
We believe it would be a truly enriching experience to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for refining a skill that many of us hold dear. We hope to see you there!
Starter Class
Discover why so many love the sound of the steel guitar.
A must for beginners and great for those who need a review before going into the Symposium class. This class will cover basic technique (straight bar and forward slants), palm blocking, p-tahs, production of better tone, TAB reading.
9:00-11 AM | $100
SG Symposium Class
PART 1
Make your Hawaiian steel guitar sing
The steel guitar is known for its glissandos, lilting voice and rich tones. Students will focus on two songs and explore ideas for transforming notes into “music”.
PART 2
Imagine feeling empowered and more confident at the next kani ka pila
The task of the steel guitarist is to lead the group into a song, the next chord, fills gaps between music phrases and take off on an instrumental or pāʻani upon command. In Part 2 students will be introduced to background fills, gain an understanding of when
to execute them and develop skills for improvising melodies.
1:00-5:00 PM | $175
Starter Class with Symposium–$225 (enrollment limited to 20 students)
Please Note:
- All songs and mp3 backing tracks will be available to all paid registered students prior to the workshop.
- Attendees need to bring a steel guitar, portable amplifier, and music stand.
- A limited number of loaners will be available on a first come first served basis (does not include bars and picks).
- Bars, picks and string sets will be available for purchase.
- Since you will be sitting for several hours it is recommended that you bring a seat cushion for your comfort.
- There will be breaks during each section and a lunch break between classes. Several restaurants and food services are near the hall. If you would like to bring your own food there is a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave on site.
Click Here To Register