Guitar Hangouts for Gaza
1-1 and Group Workshops with one of the UK’s most in demand folk musicians in aid of Gaza
Guitar Hangs for Gaza
It’s a strange old time. We’re all carrying on as normal while watching the daily horror unfold in the Middle East. Israel continues to murder Gazan civilians with apparent impunity and it’s really hard not to feel totally useless. I don’t have much to offer, but I’m going to use what I have to try and help, here’s my plan.
In the past I’ve done online guitar hangouts on zoom as a way to share my knowledge of the guitar with other musicians and enthusiasts and that seems to me like a good way to raise some money and remain involved in my own musical community.
So, I’m going to put ten hangouts on sale today. Usually I charge £80 for 50 minutes, that’s going to remain the same, but in this instance that will be the minimum - you’re welcome to chip in more if you’d like. All the money raised from these lessons will be split between three recipients in Gaza (about whom, more below) so feel free to give more if you can.
My wife Louise has been running fundraiser campaigns for a few Gazan families and individuals, mostly to help them avoid starvation. I’ll be splitting my donations between three causes: a young man called Abdullah Abu Amer who is working hard to support his family including his infant nephew; a musician and teacher called Ahmed Muin who, whilst living in a tent has put together a band that plays for and with the children of Gaza who desperately need some small ray of hope (recent studies have suggested an unbelievable number of Gazan children are at this point hoping for death); and finally, the mutual aid team Reviving Gaza who are distributing water, food and financial assistance to the displaced and terrorised.
It’s not much but it’s something. Peace and Love to you all. KX
Abdullah and his nephew Ahmed. Follow Abdullah on Instagram
Ahmed playing music for children in Gaza. Follow him on Instagram
WORKSHOP 101
FAQs
How does it work?
The premise is simple: online sessions either in a 1-1 or group format. Suggestions or questions are very welcome - you can submit these as part of the booking process.
What will I learn?
During 1-1s, it very much depends on what you want to get out of the time. Feel free to bring your ideas and questions.
Who is it for?
Anyone and everyone! If you’ve never played the guitar before, it’s perhaps not the best use of your resources, but I won’t turn you away.
How much does it cost?
1-1s are a minimum of £80 per slot. Because these are fundraising slots, you’re welcome to pay more if you like.
How do I book?
You can book a spot for a 1-1 using the calendar further down the page. Choose a date, time and follow the prompts to pay through PayPal.
When are they?
The 1-1 slots will be held in the first week in January (2nd, 3rd or 4th) or the 14th, 15th and 16th of February.
“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
Come and hangout
Some of you will know that, back in the simpler times of December 2019, I did 1-1 guitar lessons online. I met loads of great people and dealt with a range of fascinating questions; it was a very fulfilling experience.
Over the various lockdowns, they became an important source of income, but also a way to cope with the times: while scratching my head and wondering what to do with myself while I can’t go and move air in congregation, the answer was, of course, to help folk move their own air.
I very much enjoy these on a social level, but, I also get a lot of joy out of showing people the cool things I’ve found out about music over the years. The guitar, it turns out, is quite a peculiar instrument, and it’s wonderful to help players view aspects of it with more confidence and dare I say it, clarity.
We can look at songwriting, song interpretation, right-hand techniques, harmony ideas, traditional music, rhythmic techniques and anything else you might find interesting in my playing, writing or singing.