Mike Stern has played with Miles Davis, been nominated for Grammy Awards and appears in numerous lists of “Best Jazz Guitarists of All Time”, but recently he work-shopped with Box Hill Institute’s music students about how to make a lifelong career from the music industry. The two-hour workshop was attended by approximately 100 students who were treated to performances by the band, interspersed with advice on making a sustained career in the music industry. For Stern, whose career started in the early ‘70s playing with the band Blood, Sweat and Tears, keeping music alive in the students’ lives was an important topic.
“My musical beginnings were blues and rock. I grew up in the ‘60s and learnt by playing along with the records. Then my mum used to play jazz records and I tried to play along but just got lost straight away. So I got some lessons, then eventually went to Berkley college of Music. Music is a journey, you’ve got to just keep moving, just keep trying to learn as much as you can and play your heart out,” said Mike.
Box Hill Institute Music student Luke Haaja, who specialises in drums, said it was a great opportunity to listen to and learn from someone who’d made a sustained career out of music. “I thought it was great. I believe that this masterclass was exclusive to Box Hill Institute so it is great that we are getting opportunities like that through the school.” Box Hill Institute offer certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and degree courses that are nationally recognised by employers. Their study pathways also give you the opportunity to continue your training and build on your qualifications, skills and knowledge.
ADDRESSES: ELGAR CAMPUS, 465 ELGAR ROAD, BOX HILL
NELSON CAMPUS, 835 WHITEHORSE ROAD, BOX HILL
WHITEHORSE CAMPUS, 1000 WHITEHORSE ROAD, BOX HILL
TELEPHONE: 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)
WEBSITE: WWW.BOXHILL.EDU.AU
