Adult musicians will learn to play in band

Adults with dreams of becoming rock stars can take a shot at stardom through a new program offered at Portman's Music Superstore.

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A set of four courses, beginning in March, will be held for musicians ages 18 and older to rehearse and form a band. On the fifth and final class, the band will perform at an area bar or club. Those interested in the classes must sign up by Feb. 26.

"All players involved must have playing experience since they'll be learning multiple songs in four weeks," said Cevin Clay, an assistant manager at the music store.

The "Weekend Warriors" classes, which are part of the store's Southeast Music Academy, are designed to teach musicians how to work and perform as a band, he said.

Classes will be taught by musician and instructor Scott Terry and held weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Martinez music store, located at 4020 Washington Road across from Gerald Jones Honda. The five-week course costs $80.

The band will require a limited number of musicians, which will include at least one guitarist and vocalist in addition to a bassist, keyboardist and drummer, Clay said.

"It's like a little family for that short time, and you become one," he said. "There's nothing like seeing somebody's foot tap to your music that you're creating."

Terry, who plays and teaches guitar, mandolin, banjo and the dobro guitar, said he taught a similar program at Portman's during the summer for children wanting to play in a band.

As the Weekend Warriors instructor, he will teach the musicians how to play together as a collective unit, how to respect other band members, what to wear as well as other essential factors to forming and maintaining a band.

"I think it's to kind of help some of these grown-ups live out their rock 'n' roll dreams a little bit," he said.

Terry described his role in the band as that of a musical director.

"Any time you're doing anything like this, it kind of becomes your baby," he said. "You really become the proud parent at performance time. You want to make sure they don't stumble and fall as they take their first steps.

Terry said he has been involved with music for nearly 30 years and currently plays bass with The Lewis Family and tours as a guitar technician with the country band Heartland.

"I've had quite a bit of different experiences that have kind of allowed me to do something like this," he said.

To sign up for the classes, call Portman's Music Superstore at (706) 738-1651, or visit www.portmansmusic.com.