A large gathering of people helped launch a new Reno enterprise last night at the Sierra Arts Gallery downtown. The Songwriting and Performance Institute is the child of leading and popular local musicians (working with CEO Chip Evans) and is designed to provide local teens with the tools and skills necessary to develop songwriting and musical performance skills at the level they desire (whether aspiring to be professionals or just expressing themselves musically within the context of their circle of friends and family). CEO Chip Evans also announced last night that clincs and workshops offered by SPI will now also be available to interested Reno adults, due to popular demand.
SPI’s staff includes award winning and well known musicians: Eric Strangeland, Grace Hutchison, Kate Cotter, Lenny Supera, Leisa Golding, and Todd South. Attendees at last night’s launch party were treated to performances by them.
SPI was conceived only three months ago, according to musician Todd South and already…..as of this morning at 10 am!…..is offering workshops or clinics at their site on the corner of Wells and Vassar (1255 Wells). If interested, visit their site at http://www.spimusic.com for full details.
This month, they are offering workshops covering:
~Overview of today’s music scene.
~Guitar for songwriters.
~Keyboards for songwriters.
~Stage and studio series.
~Vocal techniques.
~Professional.
~Songwriter master clinic.
SPI will do individual assessments of students. The first class (overview of today’s music scene, 90 minutes long) will cost only $40.
This is an enterprise which will contribute mightily to the flowering of talent and culture in Reno. As Gaming fades more and more as an identifying feature for Reno, it’s this type of thing that gives our community a new face!
