Music

Do you love music?

Do you play an instrument, sing or write songs?

Do you want to learn more about and gain more experience in performing music, writing you own music, arranging music, recording music, building techniques, confidence and understanding, either individually or in a group?

This elective is for those who have some experience with music already and are willing to work as a group and individually to produce some original works. The group will also have the opportunity to perform and record some of their work.

Participants will have the opportunity to use Poatina's new Studio on the Spur to record using professional equipment and software in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Elective leaders for 2012 are:

 Spike Mason

Spike is a renowned sax player and composer, Check out his web site at: SpikeMason.com

Spike Mason has been playing music for most of his life. Fortunately he has been able to sustain a great love of it. It could be due to remembering the simple things, and not judging anything, but striving to love all offerings, and being thankful for every opportunity to play.

He has played all over the world, and in his kitchen. He has performed in front of enormous crowds, and empty rooms. He has worked with famous people, and unknowns. He has studied and taught music, and continues to do both. He has dedicated his life to slowly listening and writing and searching.

Each day he tries to balance the elements of family, play, food, spirit, gardening, friends, work, sleep and care of the soul. Some days go smoothly, and other days do not.

He has found that the journey that follows the muse along the path of the creative process from inspiration to wherever it may lead is one that is filled with discovery, freedom, peace and contentment.

Lea Mason

Lea is an experienced vocalist and songwriter. Check out her new album -:- CleaCrimson.com

Spike and Lea Mason are regulars at Faith and the Arts.

Spike and Lea Mason have been performing, writing, arranging, teaching and recording music for over 20 years in both in Australia and overseas... and they are still doing it – and the love is still there!

They have collectively featured on over 100 albums (They will both be recording new albums of original music in 2010), and have performed 1000's of gigs between them all over the world.

They love all types of music and can work with singers, guitarists, drummers, bass players, pianists, string players, reed players, brass players, spoon players, or anyone else.

They love discussing the mystery of what musical self expression is, how to find it in yourself, and how to share it with others...

Eric Ajaye

Eric is an internationally recorded jazz double bass player , who teaches at ANU | Check out more at: myspace.com/EricCAjaye

Eric Ajaye has recorded and performed with the likes of Bill Cosby, Chaka Khan, Freddie Hubbard, the Pointer Sisters, Barry White, Nancy Wilson, James Morrison, Paul Grabowsky, Don Burrows as well as on television and film soundtracks and commercials.

He has toured internationally and performs concerts regularly at jazz festivals and venues including The Manly Jazz Festival and The Thredbo Jazz Festival.Eric teaches bass, theory, ensemble and studio skills in the Jazz Department faculty at The Australian National University School of Music.

Steve Cooper

Steve is a pianist, singer and composer who creates collaborative performance with artists of other disciplines.

Steve and his wife Hannah have had loads of experience working together collaborativly and have a beautiful way of bringing communities together through their love for God and his creative inspirations. Steve is currently living in Poatina Tasmania and very activly working with the youth and families in the village, having taken up the role of Principle of Trinity College (Kinder to Year 12) earlier in 2011.

Steve is a key part of the Arts Colony team in Poatina and has been part of Faith and the Arts for a number of years, and one of the key organisers of the event for 2012.