Music Workshops are a very important part of CoastFest.

Make sure you bring along your instruments and take advantage of classes by some of our great performers and facilitators who will be hosting sessions and workshops at CoastFest 2008.

CoastFest Choir
Bouddi Voice
Saturday - 10.45am

“Bouddi Voice Choir” is an ever evolving community a cappella choir based on the Central Coast.Under the co-direction of Christina and Christopher Sainsbury, they sing songs (many original) of cultural diversity, social and environmental integrity, songs of sheer beauty, and songs just for fun. The festival choir workshops and performance will give participants the opportunity to experience the joy and exhilaration of singing beautiful harmonies, melodies and rhythms in a fun and supportive space. Everyone welcome.

African Guitar Songs
Okapi Guitars
Saturday 12.00pm - 1.00pm 

Get a demonstration of some of the guitar playing techniques used in popular African music, and learn a few songs. Bring your guitar and a capo.

Music Business
Independent Album Release & Self Management Workshop
Saturday 1.15pm - 2.15pm

Grant will offer an insight into his personal experiences as an industry insider for over 20 years – from a founding member of The Screaming Jets to his new project Grant Walmsley’s Agents of Peace. Having worked as an instructor for the Music Industry (Business Skills) Course for the Hunter Institute of TAFE Grant is well versed in providing succinct and relevant advice.

Blues Harmonica
Chris Wilson  
Saturday 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Chance in a lifetime, don’t miss out on this great workshop by one of Australias leading harmonica players.

Songwriting
Sal Kimber
Saturday 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Sal has won a number of awards over the years for her songs, and believes that songwriting is for everyone. In this workshop Sal will be sharing her songwriting tips, easy to understand and easy to apply!  If you have never even thought of writing a song, just starting out or believe you are up there with Joni (mitchell) or Bob come hop along.

Medieval Instruments
Wayward
Saturday 5.00pm - 6.00pm 

Hurdy-gurdy, medieval pipes, recorder, flute and jaw harp, come & find out the history and workings of these ‘weird’ & wonderful instruments!

Songwriting
Rosie Burgess
Sunday 10.45pm - 11.45pm

Ever wanted to write a song? Maybe you have and now you’re wondering how to create the hook and the theme, or what the difference is between chorus and verse. And of course, the ultimate question: to bridge or not to bridge.... These, and many other aspects of song writing will be discussed and demonstrated with songs by Rosie Burgess, in this workshop.

Explore Bass Guitar
Chris Koelma
Sunday 12.00pm - 1.00pm 

Are you interested in exploring the bass guitar? Chris Koelma will be demonstrating and discussing his approach to playing the bass guitar and his unique approach to the language of music

Basic Ukelele
Rose Turtle Ertler
Sunday 1.15pm - 2.15pm 

Rose will teach the basics of ukulele playing.  Learn to play a few chords and a lot of songs! Mahalo ukuleles will be for sale for $25.