Every year the abilities of the attendees cover a wide range. Many players are advanced beginners or intermediate fingerpickers. We also have a number of skilled players who are semi-pro. We would suggest that you already fingerpick at the advanced beginner level or higher to attend.

One way that we deal with this disparity - and one of the most attractive features of Accent On Music seminars - is to divide the attendees into small groups, determined by skill level. After the daily morning workshop - which everyone attends - these smaller groups meet with each instructor every day, Tuesday through Friday, and cover material appropriate to each group's abilities and interests. These small groups are great. Students get to know the instructors, and the instructors can tailor the material to each group's particular needs.

To organize these small groups, we send a questionnaire to each registrant before the seminar asking about skill level, experience, and topics of particular interest.

In reality, the atmosphere at our seminar is truly very accepting, supportive, and non-competitive, no matter what your skill level. It is also great fun, and highly educational!

Do your best to condition your fingers by playing daily in the weeks/months before the seminar. You may also bring one or two prepared pieces as possible selections to perform for the instructors/attendees in class or in the student recital. Of course, you can always change your mind and play a new piece that you learn during the week, but it's nice to have options. The instructors are prepared to back you up during the student recital – simply ask one of them! There will be down time each day to spend a few minutes rehearsing with an instructor (or another student) for the recital.

Evening activities include a presentation by a local professional guitarist on Wednesday, student recitals on Thursday and Friday evenings, and a public concert by the instructors on Saturday evening. Of course, for registered students, early/free admission for the sound check and the concert are included in the seminar fee, as is admission for registered significant others. Also, PSU is in the heart of downtown Portland, a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, hotels, the shady Park Blocks, and great walking areas close by. Light rail links to PDX airport with one line change.

No one is required to perform at the recitals, but all are strongly encouraged. If you feel the need, instructors and some of the more skilled students will be happy to play along with you! This is a low-pressure, highly supportive group - the best kind for venturing into the world of performing!

The MAX light rail line runs directly from baggage level at PDX airport to downtown Portland. With one line change (red, to yellow or green), you will be on campus at PSU in about 40 minutes. Cabs and limousines are also available. Lincoln Hall is located at Broadway (7th) and Market.

Registration and check-in for the seminar begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, July 24, 2013, Lincoln Recital Hall in the Lincoln Hall music building on the PSU campus, level 2. Our first full-group class begins at 10:30 a.m. that same morning, Wednesday, July 24. The final event is the public concert on Saturday evening, July 27.

Space permitting, non-students may register at a cost of $295.00 and must accompany a registered student. This will entitle the non-student to supplied meals, a seminar T-shirt, and evening activities.

Yes.

Yes. There is a parking ramp available on Broadway (Broadway is 7th) about a block south of Lincoln Hall. As of February 2013, the fee is $12/day. Tri-Met (light rail) also offers a Park & Ride option from various outlying locations around Portland