Alex Skolnick, Chris Broderick: discuss their upcoming Winter Retreat


Photo by: Stephanie Cabral
[Laurie Monk] You guys have a long history, how did you guys first meet?

[Alex Skolnick] The first time I recall us meeting was in Europe on the 'Priest Feast' Tour, Judas Priest, Megadeth and Testament, in 2009. We may have met earlier, since the guitar community is so small, but that's the first time we got to know each other.  


[Chris Broderick] I think I remember meeting Alex for the first time when Megadeth played NY on Gigantour 2008. He was backstage and we hung out for a bit, and had a good time.

[Laurie Monk] This sounds like an amazing thing to do, how did this plan come together?

[Alex Skolnick] Full Moon Resorts contacted us. They host music camps for Dweezil Zappa, King Crimson, Todd Rundgren and more with a whole system in place with great food and lodging. Initially it was going to be a summer camp, but since both our bands will have new albums out, it made sense to try it in the winter.
[Chris Broderick] Yes, the idea was actually presented to us. We both thought it was a great idea, and with our backgrounds in music study it seemed like the perfect way to convey to other guitarists how we view our instruments.
[Laurie Monk] You both play for heavy bands in the form of Testament and Megadeth.  Both these bands play at a hundred miles an hour and doing extensive touring, So is this type of clinic a de-stresser for you guys?

[Alex Skolnick] Hopefully! You never know.  There is some work involved, thinking about curriculum, learning songs to play live etc...it could be a stresser (ha ha). But I have a feeling once we're up there and everyone is checked in, it should be a lot of fun and relaxing.
[Chris Broderick] Not for me. I have always been nervous about any type of performance, but I really like the idea of trying to impart knowledge to other musicians that appreciate the complexity of the instrument.
Chris Broderick: string skipping demo

[Laurie Monk] With this type of show, are you expecting the snowboarding rocker or the attentive musician or maybe both?


[Alex Skolnick] I think it's going to be much more of the quiet, attentive musician types. These people tend to be fans of advanced lead guitar playing. Among fans of really heavy music, they're in the minority, but there are quite a few. The profiles of our 'campers' so far seem to indicate this type of person, although I'm sure we'll get a few rocking snowboarders.


[Chris Broderick]  I expect attentive musicians, which is awesome because if I were giving a class and nobody was there then I am not being an effective teacher. I suppose then I would have to join them on my board. Ahhahhahahah.
[Laurie Monk] What areas do you prefer to talk about, the live gig experience, the gear for gear heads or the writing, composition experience?  

[Alex Skolnick] I like talking about the whole process and experience--from the interest that develops when you're first starting out, to the challenges of keeping that passion alive and channeling it into becoming the best musician you can be. It's fun to real musical examples, such as chord and scale theory, and apply it to music most are familiar with. There are also challenges of developing into your own independent musician which I like to address- the things I'd wised someone would have pulled me aside and told me.


[Chris Broderick] I prefer writing and composition. It's the most rewarding aspect of music for me and it gives me great pleasure to pass that on.


Alex skolnick live at namm 2010


[Laurie Monk] I guess you’ve done many clinics in the past, and had many left field questions, have you had any that phase you or made you think that someone is in the wrong clinic?

[Alex Skolnick] I get really annoyed when a student is only focused on is playing as fast as possible. Meanwhile, this same person has no idea how to bend a note with attitude, no concept of being in pitch, no sense of timing with the music, and is clueless about the idea of musical development. It's as though their sole purpose for creating music is not the joy it brings but to impress their friends. I can't help someone like that. Thankfully most students are much more open minded than that, but occasionally these types appear.

[Chris Broderick] Honestly, I expected a lot of that but really, most people go to our clinics for the right reason asking very pertinent questions.

[Laurie Monk] What is the best thing you get out of working more closely with people attending this sort of clinic?
[Alex Skolnick] When you've spent many years as someone who's very proficient on your instrument, it is easy to take that for granted. Working with people who are in a much more formative stage of development is a healthy reminder of how far along you've come. It's also very gratifying to pass along the lessons you've learned and see that all you're hard work is not only a benefit to you, it is inspiring many fellow music makers and possibly a few future professionals.
[Chris Broderick] It helps me evaluate my playing and thought process as well, and I improve as a result. Another thing I really like is that you get all of these different reasons why people play the guitar, which renews your love of the guitar at the same time.
[Laurie Monk]  You are both incredible well schooled, Alex attending Berklee and Chris attending Denver Lamont Music School.  Will you be explaining the advantages of attending music school over working on your own or may be the pros and cons of both?

[Alex Skolnick] I'm from Berkeley in California and didn't go to Berklee in Boston (sometimes people get confused). The school I went to is 'The New School For Jazz And Contemporary Music' in New York.  I think that's definitely something that will come up. I attended school later in life, after setting out on my own as a 'self-taught' player, so I've experienced it from both ends of the spectrum. I do think going to school can be invaluable for one person but not for another and useless without a balance of being able to work on your own.

[Laurie Monk] My apologies Alex, It is interesting that you also have a self taught approach too.

[Chris Broderick] Definitely, all experiences come into play when teaching and outlining the correct path for someone, whether it follows a schooled approach or non-schooled approach is key; it's got to work for the individual.

[Laurie Monk]  Finally, Will you both be shredding the snow after shredding the show or will you be more worried about breaking something?

[Alex Skolnick] Myself, I skied in my youth but never snowboarded. I'm a bit scared of breaking a bone and putting one or more of my bands out of work for a bit, but with the proper padding, I'll try anything. However, I hear that Chris, being from Colorado,  is quite the snow shredder, so you'll probably see him out there.

[Chris Broderick] I love snowboarding and would love to go, however this is first and foremost a Guitar Retreat and that will be top priority on my list. However, if the opportunity presents itself I will make it up for a few runs.



Skolnick and Broderick Winter Guitar Retreat


Skolnick and Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat will provide a full vacation experience at Full Moon Resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains from December 26-30, 2011

WHEN:
December 26, 2011 at 03:00pm EST
to
December 30, 2011 at 11:00pm EST

Comments

  1. Inspirado at it's finest

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to be at this type of event, I think you get a better insight into playing in this kind of environment

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for your feedback