When you book a place on any training course there always the nagging doubt in the back of your mind as to whether or not it will live up to your expectations. Elite Music Camps was no different but the reality is that it will surpass all of your expectations.

Not only do they have access to the very best players in the business, they actually deliver a course that over delivers in just about every element possible. From the moment you make an initial enquiry you realise that your enjoyment is the top priority for Johnny Thirkell who organises the camps. His efficient, detailed and polite responses full of information and facts are really useful right off the bat.
Once you make the commitment to go, it just gets better and better, you are given help and advise on everything from transfers, flights, accommodation and even menu and dietary requirements and of course the playing and learning.

Needless to say learning with Paul Turner is always going to be the highlight, he is a consumate professional, down to earth, humble, a great player and an even better teacher. You will learn so much from him but even better than that, he gives you what you need to go away and help you become a better player. There is no "miracle cure" that turns you into a player like Paul overnight but he does have a great ability to see your strengths work on those bit also identify the areas where you can make improvements.

I found the group learning sessions very inspiring, we had a broad range of abilities on our camp and there was something for everyone in these sessions. Of course, what could be better than disecting the lines of players like Bernard Edwards and learning each and every note in your favourite basslines!
However, your learning is not restricted to these sessions or your one to one lessons each day, I found inspiration from my course mates both in terms of playing, technique and theory but also in new music to listen to as we all shared a deep love of funk, jazz-funk and bass inspiring music!

At the camp you can completely indulge yourself in everything bass from strings and tone to amps, DI boes and recording software. It's like nothing you have experienced before!

The house is beautiful, very big and very relaxing. Johnny Thirkell is the best host you could ask for and the food and drink never ending - my expanded waistline is a testament to that! I loved the hike into the Sierra Nevada and also the stunning meal that we had overlooking the magnificent Alhambra in Granada also the Flintstone sized steak too - all hugely memorable.

The camp will allow you to learn in a relaxed and collaborative environment, spend time with one of the best bass players around and really concentrate on your playing. In addition to this the stories and anecdotes from both Paul and Johnny about the music business are absolutey priceless and highly, highly entertaining - honestly something that money can't buy (normally).

Book a space for the next camp, you will love it - it's worth every penny and so, so much more.

Date of experience: November 22, 2021