Bill’s workshop will involve demonstrations and discussions about his approach to composition and arrangements, sharing techniques he has discovered through the years. Topics include: creating melodies and interesting counterpoint; moving beyond cliches; and improving tone, timing and dynamics to connect the emotional and technical aspects of arrangements. Also, Bill will conduct a masterclass, encouraging participants to play music they are working on for constructive criticism and helpful ideas. Emailing Bill an mp3 in advance will be helpful. alienmojomusic@aol.com Bringing guitars is optional, tape players or video is also OK and all levels are welcome.

Tennessee fingerstyle guitarist Bill Mize appeared with the emerging acoustic guitar movement in the 1980s, and has continued to develop a style and sense of taste that influences many of today's guitarists. A past winner of The National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in Winfield, Kansas, Bill has been featured on the popular guitar compilations "Windham Hill Guitar Sampler" and "Masters of the Acoustic Guitar" by Narada Records. Bill received a GRAMMY for his collaboration with David Holt on Stellaluna, and in 2009 Bill’s music will appear in the new Ken Burns’ PBS documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”.