Benjamin Verdery announces the eleventh annual guitar class on the island of Maui in Hawaii from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, August 3, 2008.

Ben believes that the beautiful surroundings inspire the student to play in ways they may not at home. There will be a concert by Mr. Verdery, and student recitals at two spectacular and intimate locations: the Lahaina Jodo Buddhist Mission and the Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena, Maui. Each student will play three times during the ten-day class.

New applicants only:
Ben's Maui masterclass traditionally has had a variety of ages and levels from beginners/amateurs to young professionals. This year, due to the popularity of the class, Ben is asking to hear a tape or CD recording, or VCR of each new applicant. The recording will help Ben decide whether there is space for the level of the student applying. This recording should include two contrasting works of style and tempo. This recording need not be done professionally and should not cause stress! Thank you for your understanding. Please send tapes by February 15, 2008 to Benjamin Verdery, 711 Amsterdam Avenue, #10 G, New York, NY 10025. We will notify you by March 1, 2008 whether you are accepted. If you want your tape or CD returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Classes will be held daily for approximately three to six hours at St. Theresa’s Church, located in walking distance to the Hale Kai O’Kihei Condos. In addition to the master class each day there will be ensemble coaching and discussions on certain topics such as technique, practicing, posture, performance anxiety, career development, competitions and recital preparation. Mr. Verdery will teach any repertoire including original compositions and/or any aspect of their playing that the student would like to work on. Students should come with two or more solo pieces of any level of difficulty that could be performed within a few days of arrival. By mid-June, a schedule for the week will be set, and repertoire will be announced so that people will have a chance to borrow/buy music that will be studied. Ensemble music will be sent in advance so students can start rehearsals early in the week.

All students will get a chance to perform at one or more concerts during the week. The atmosphere of the class is very casual but active. In the past there have been group trips arranged around the classes and concerts to other areas of Maui, including beaches, rainforests and the Haleakala volcano.

Tuition is $400, which does not include room and board. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2008 and interested participants should send a $150 check deposit - payable to Benjamin Verdery, 711 Amsterdam Avenue, #10 G, New York, NY, 10025. The $250 balance of tuition must be paid upon arrival in Maui.

Accommodations are reserved at the Hale Kai O'Kihei Condos on the beach in Kihei, South Maui.
The two bedrooms have two bathrooms and the one bedrooms have one bathroom...both units have a queen sized hideabed in the living room. All have AC, VCR's, TV, fully equipped kitchens & private lanais (terraces) FACING the ocean. Amenities include a fresh-water pool, a putting green, laundry facilities and outdoor barbecues. It is a short walk to a major grocery market, specialty shops, drug store and post office.
Rates are based upon a 7-night stay:
One bedroom - $115 per night plus tax (for two persons) $125 for three, etc.
Two bedrooms - $145 per night plus tax (for four persons) $155 for five, etc.
Extra person rate is $10 per night plus tax per person. Hawaii State Tax is not included in the rate.

If you are planning to share a one or two-bedroom apartment, the deposit is $100. Best efforts will be made to accommodate people that would like help in finding a roommate for the week. The deposit is also payable to Benjamin Verdery.
If you are planning to share an apartment, the balance due for your apartment must be paid 30 days prior to your arrival in Maui.

PLEASE NOTE:
If you want your own apartment, would like to make your own accommodation plans or intend to come early or stay after the class, please call AA Oceanfront Condominiums (1-800-488-6004) and a deposit of $100 will need to be send to them directly. Mention that you are with the Guitar Class Group. Early reservations are advised!
Full balance is due to AA Oceanfront 30 days before arrival.

You must make your own air travel and/or car rental reservations. Many airlines fly direct to the Kahului Airport in Maui, and when pricing flights you should ask about this option, as it will eliminate a connecting flight from Honolulu to Kahului.

You must let us know your travel and accommodation plans by April 30, 2008.