Since 2006, the organisers have been producing high quality jazz education
The focus has always been on getting top quality education for the customer.
That requires finding artists who are respected and can actually teach. Shock, horror warning: Not all great artists make great teachers!
The first course was the Jazz Guitar Weekend, featuring John Etheridge and Pete Oxley. This annual event has gone from strength to strength because of the quality of its tutors.
John is something of a national treasure and it's good to see him appearing so much more on TV and radio,
so that a wider audience can appreciate just what a gifted communicater he is, as well as a player of international acclaim.
Pete has the ability to reach everyone with his playing and educating style.
Gently coaxing the best from everyone around him, Pete always wins people's admiration and respect. Totally reliable and professional,
Pete is really the driving and creative force behind the Jazz Guitar Weekend.
Alan Cook's all instrument Jazz course, launched in 2008 is something which has needed to be done for a long time. Filling the gap for people
who want a little bit more than a weekend, but can't commit to the life of a full time music student.
Again, Alan's track record is impeccable. He is a teacher, so his teaching credentials are not in doubt.
It's when you hear Alan play, or better yet, play in one of his workshop groups, that you realise the talent he has for
finding the music that's lurking inside aspiring players and somehow making it be heard and making it work.
For 2009, these two courses have come together under the Giant Steps in Music brand, with Jazz Guitar Weekend being rebranded
as Giant Steps Jazz Guitar Weekend. The new brand is dedicated to continuing to provide the highest quality of music education for the benefit of
aspiring players, from all walks of life.
Other courses are planned; some for guitar only and some featuring other types of music.