frequently asked questions

what are the age requirements for the workshop?
the workshop is intended for musicians 12 and older. previous students have ranged from age 13 to 67. the broad range of ages and experience level fosters the rich and creative atmosphere we maintain at the workshop.
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what level of experience is required?
there is no strict requirement. students vary from complete novices to experienced professionals. everyone has a place at the workshop, because everyone is challenged and encouraged to push his or her performance to the next level. so the only real requirement is a desire to make music.
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i do not play guitar/bass/drums/keyboards very well, but i have been working on it. is this a good program for me?
yes! this is a good program for anyone that wants to improve their technique. everyone is working at their own level and playing in groups with others of similar experience. you will be immersed in music, learning and playing all day long and getting personal attention from experienced professionals every day. highly motivated students can make an enormous amount of progress in a short time, so by the end of the week you'll be rocking in concert.
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i already play pretty well; does the workshop really have anything to offer me?
absolutely. the sessions on the music business, recording, marketing you music and songwriting offer loads of practical information that you can immediately put to use. plus, this is a hands-on program. you won’t be sitting in hour after hour of lecture classes that cover topics you already know. for most of the day you will be working on your own chops, voice, stage presence and song writing. for instance, the daily master class is a great forum for testing your material and getting feedback. the jam sessions always have something interesting to offer. the vocal technique class will help you get your voice to the next level and the daily lessons are completely focused on refining your skills. in short, the program is designed to challenge; no matter what skills you bring to the workshop.
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i am tone deaf, but i love to sing. is there any hope for me?
yes! a lot of people think they are tone deaf, but in reality tone deafness is actually extremely rare. you probably haven't had the opportunity to learn how to sing because our culture does not encourage people to sing unless they show an aptitude for it at a young age. the fact is that it is never too late. with the right attitude and training just about anyone can learn how to sing.
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do i need to bring equipment to the workshop?
yes. you will get details on what you need a couple of months before the workshop.
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the schedule says that the workshop runs from 9 to 4. is there any free time?
most of the day is filled with sessions, but there are breaks. there is free time intended for intended for practicing, warming up, songwriting, and q & a. there is also a long lunch break, so there is plenty of time to eat, relax, play hacky sack, and get to know the other students.
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will i get to perform?
yes. you will perform every day in sessions, your lesson, and in rehearsal. you will also have the opportunity to perform in group jams and everyone performs in the concert at the end of the week.
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i get terrible stage fright. will you make me sing/play?
if performance anxiety is an issue for you this is the program for you. signing up for the rock workshop is a strong indication that you want to perform despite the fact that you get nervous. we can help you learn how to deal with the nerves. many former workshop students, who were panicked on monday, turned out to be showstoppers by friday. so far, every workshop student, no matter how nervous, has been great in concert.
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what is a master class?
every day students perform in a class lead by a different guest artist. the artists, professional performers and instructors, take in the performance and then work with the student or group in front of the class. it is nothing like american idol, because it is a totally positive experience. so if you are the performer you get the amazing experience of working one on one with the guest artist in front of the class. if you are in the audience you get to witness a performance transformed and learn from the master. if you are interested in performing in a master class, sign up early because the slots fill up fast and there are not enough slots to accommodate every student.
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do i have to select a teacher/coach? can you recommend one?
you do not have to select a teacher. we will match you up with the right teacher. for example, if you want someone who specializes in pop or funk or metal or reggae, let us know and we'll match you up with the right person.
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do I need to audition?
no.
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do i have to pay by credit card?
no. personal checks and money orders made out to wunder studios are also accepted. you can mail payments to wunder studios, 3 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068.
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if i want to sign up for additional lessons or coaching do i have to do it in advance?
additional lessons and coaching sessions are filled on a first come, first served basis. you can sign-up at anytime, but there is no guarantee of availability.
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does the application fee apply toward tuition?
yes.
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i have no way to commute to park ridge. any suggestions on getting back and forth?
consider car-pooling. it is usually easy to find other students who are willing to share a ride – especially since we can arrange it for you. contact wunder studios if you are interested in joining a car pool or if you need help with public transportation. you can easily get here by metra train, subway, or the bus. ust call - we're glad to help.
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i missed the early registration deadline. can I still register?
yes. registration remains open until the first day of the workshop or until classes fill. registering in advance is encouraged so that you're guaranteed a slot and have the freedom to pick your private lesson teacher. call wunder studios if you have any concerns about late registration.
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i don't plan on making a career out of music. how could I benefit from the workshop?
first of all, it's a blast. you'll spend a whole week dealing with nothing but music. that alone is reason enough for most of us, but the truth is that the workshop program is about much more than music. it is about self-expression, communication, and connecting with other musicians. we draw on our performance skills every time we present ourselves in public or speak in front of others. we use many of the same techniques whether we are singing in front of an auditorium full of people, speaking at a conference, auditioning for a gig, or interviewing for a job. confidence in these situations is the result of developing performance skills, gaining experience performing, and learning to believe in yourself. you could also think of the benefits of group dynamics and learning how to pull it all together. the workshop opens the door to all of these things. plus, it rocks.
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what does "wunder" mean and why is the letter e upside down?
there are a couple of ways to explain the name "wunder studios." you could say that 'wunder' is just a funky way to spell the word 'wonder' and call it 'wonder studios', but if you are familiar with German you will instantly recognize 'wunder' as the German word for 'wonder'. either explanation works. the upside down, backward, lower case letter e is actually a phonetic symbol called a schwa that vocalists use as shorthand to clarify pronunciation of lyrics. or you could just think of it as a funky 'e'. either way it's funky and phonetic.