Elite Music Camps Ltd Reviews 158

Fantastic, the villa, pool, food and hospitality was all perfect and for me, the tuition was inspiring, empowering and motivating. Johnny is a great example and generous host, Snake the best tutor I've had! He unlocked so much for me and showed me how to reach what had seemed unreachable to me previously.
I owe you guys a huge debt of gratitude!
The week on camp has changed me and I highly recommend it.

I'd been waiting for horn camp since 2019 and it was well worth the wait. The villa is perfect, in a lovely spot and excellently organised by Johnny and the food was excellent. Everything from the airport to the villa and back and everything in between ran like clockwork.
Snake's lessons were pitched just right. He was always encouraging and supportive and just a down to earth nice guy. I was never made to feel embarrassed or lacking in ability no matter if I didn't quite 'get it' or how many mistakes I made. I had a major problem with sound production and pitch and Snake noticed what was wrong straight away, taught me how to correct it and the difference was both immediate and noticeable. I've been to other 'teachers' who hadn't spotted the problem and, for me,the whole week was worth it for that reason only never mind the great music we all made together
Wholly a superb enjoyable experience that I didn't want to end and with some great new musical friends.
If you're thinking of attending any of the Music Camps, don't hesitate, just do it. It's a great lifetime experience you will never forget. Go for it

This was literally one of the best weeks of my life. I learned so much from Johnny and Snake. Everything was taken at the right pace for improvement and I achieved things I always thought were too hard and unachievable.
In addition to the music was the most beautiful place to stay. Fabulous views and stunning food. I just wanted to eat everything that was offered and discovered some new dishes that I now love! I was given as many opportunities to play, swim, sunbathe, explore as I liked. Everyone was so accommodating and friendly and just wanted to experience the enjoyment that is achieving things and seeing some of the most amazing sites of the local area.
This was one of those weeks that will stay firmly in my memory as one of the best weeks of my life. It might seem scary doing something like this on your own, but for me, it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

My wife and I had a fantastic week with Johnny and snake learning from the best. I came away with so much additional knowledge to improve my playing. A massive thanks to Snake for his knowledge, skill and patience. We had a brilliant group who all joined in with support and sharing of things to try to improve.
Johnny was the perfect host making sure that we wanted for nothing and was well looked after. The food was exemplary with plenty for everyone.
My wife ( a non player) accompanied me and was kept included were possible and was very well looked after whilst we were playing.
When not playing we enjoyed a walk through the gorge and up the mountains. A steady, slightly challenging walk with knowledge of the area being shared by Johnny. We went for a visit to Granada for a meal and some sight seeing. Beautiful place to see.
I recommend anyone who wants to improve their playing in a non judgemental, supportive and beautiful environment to book. It’s well worth it.
My wife thoroughly enjoyed her week and would love to return.

I've been following EMC on Facebook for quite some time and loved the idea of doing a residential music camp.

Eventually I plucked up the courage and signed up. I confirmed with Johnny that partners could come along so my wife and I booked the double ensuite room overlooking the pool and mountains.

Before arriving in Malaga Johnny had set up a WhatsApp group for the other attendees. Detailed instructions were given on where to meet at the airport. We all met at the cafe before being collected by our driver.

We were met by both Johnny and Paul Turner on our arrival and shown our rooms and around the house. We were invited to help ourselves to anything in the drinks fridge and make ourselves at home. A very warm welcome.

The days start with a group session. I was very nervous and the least experienced. My nerves soon receded when I realised how supportive both Paul and my other classmates were. It was great to watch and learn from other players.

One-to-one sessions were held in the afternoon. Paul is a great, patient teacher and truly nice guy.

In between sessions there was great food and dips in the pool.

Evenings were filled with AMAZING food and great company. Both Paul and Johnny regaled us with insights and stories of the music industry.

My wife - a non-musician - was included in everything and enjoyed it immensely. During the day she either enjoyed the pool and sun or went hiking into the mountains.

One afternoon Johnny took us all on a hike up into the the gorge. It's a beautiful place.

A truly great experience. It's so much more than a music camp. If you have the opportunity to go, you should.

I loved my stay at EMC's bass guitar camp from May 9 thru 14 2022. As somewhat less of a people person, I loved the small group setting, only 5 attendants.

Johnny as a host was a joy and we had many good, fun and interesting talks in the morning before instruction started. The fridge was always well stocked and he actually made me feel at home. The room was nice with a pool and mountain view. I think he even chose a different walking route to a restaurant in Granada we visited to make it less strenuous for me which I appreciated.

The food was great, every night a multitude of different dishes.

Paul is a great instructor. He made us focus on the fundamentals while also teaching us a couple of Jamiroquai bass lines. And by focusing on the fundamentals, all different skill levels can have class together and have fun. You could also record anything you wanted to, which is really helpful once you start practicing.

Before camp, Paul asks what you want to work on. For me, it was technique and fatigue issues plus figuring out the bass to a couple of songs I play with my band. In the one on one, Paul made sure we addressed everything.

The setting of the camp is gorgeous in Monachil. I stayed in Granada for the week after, I recommend staying longer as it is a must visit area of Spain.

All in all, it was money well spent, I know I'll be a better bass player having attended this camp.

I couldnt rate the week I had at Paul Turners Bass Camp highly enough. From start to finish everything was brilliant. Paul's bass playing is obviously amazing but he is also a super teacher and great guy to hang about with. Not only did I learn loads I had many,many great laughs along the way.

Altogether there were 5 students at the camp from all over the world. We all got on like a house on fire which made the learning experience very easy and enjoyable. Classes consist of both group and one to one lessons which give you a great opportunity to learn not just from Paul but also the other students in the group.

Johnny organises the day to day running of the camp and is always around if you need help with anything. He is a great character, full of funny stories and advice on music and life (he is a legendary trumpeter player in his own right!) His talk on practice tips and techniques is also not to be missed.

I could go on and on, the food, the accommodation, the trip to Granada and the hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Everything was absolutely top class. I will definitely be back!

Brian

What an absolutely fantastic experience! I signed up for the bass camp with Paul Turner. I didn’t have any preconceived ideas of what the week might hold, only a nagging worry that I’d be the least experienced bass player during my stay. In spite of my worries being confirmed (as I was the bass player with the least experience in the group) EVERYONE became part of the support package, and I NEVER felt left out due to my limited knowledge. There was variety of abilities in the group and everyone had something to offer in the way of knowledge and support. I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of folk to be holed up in a house with. We are all still in touch, I think that says it all.

The location is beautiful, as is the house. It was such a great atmosphere and being in a position to just talk about music and play music for the duration of the stay was bliss. The food, as promised in the brochure was awesome, all home cooked by the lovely Laura and there was always plenty to go around. It really was sublime.

Re Johnny the host.
What a great guy. With an absolute fountain of knowledge of the music industry and it was always great to sit around and listen to his point of view on something or get stuck into any topic there was to chat about. Johnny is an absolutely fantastic host and would always go out of his way to help out and if there was anything anyone needed he would do his utmost best to make sure you had what you wanted. Nothing was too much trouble. Having Johnny there was a complete bonus and one evening he presented a great talk on the theory behind learning and practice whist offering how this applied to his own successful career.

…and Paul
What a great chap, incredibly down to earth and approachable. I think (if you’re aware of his career and CV) it might be easy to think that such a highly acclaimed musician might be a bit inaccessible. Paul was the complete opposite. If you had any questions or uncertainty around what he was saying, he would always be more than happy to go over something as many times as necessary until you understood, nothing was too much trouble. He deconstructed a few aspects of bass playing in a very accessible way which made it helpful for maybe someone like me with limited knowledge. The group and one on one tutorials were fantastic and I really felt privileged to have Paul’s guidance and in spite of my maybe remedial ability, Paul was still able to extrapolate the parts of my playing he thought were positive and helped me work on those areas. I think it takes a particular quality in a person that can make everyone feel at ease so quickly, Paul did that effortlessly.

If you’re in two minds of whether to sign up, I can assure you, from a musical point of view, it will be the best money you’ve spent, not only for the music, but also for the experience, camaraderie, laughs, Friendship.

Being a Paul turner fan I wasn't expecting this experience to be so exceptional, the environment is so beautiful and the host (Johnny) not only is welcoming and experienced but he's also extra available, funny and and knows how to get things done. The meals are prepared with care and they will fit any of your personal requests.
When I first booked this camp I was hoping to get to meet Paul, and to improve just a little bit my bass skills, but instead I met a wonderful human being an amazing teacher and made a step in believing that I can really become a good bass player, having the best tuition there is. I only hoped that this camp could last a little bit longer, what I didn't really like what's the time when I had to leave...
I will totally come back whenever I have the chance in the future. After this experience I feel like reborn, the people I've met and the friends that I've made have given a new meaning to music. Many thanks

Paul Turner Bass camp Spring 2022.

I landed at the airport in Granada, Spain, and the first thing I see is the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. I was nervous about going to the camp as I expected it would be a strict eight-hour-a-day instruction with loads and loads of information. In addition, I was very skeptical about how I would keep up with other musicians at the camp.
Johnny Thirkell picked me up from the airport, and all my worries were laid to rest within five minutes of me getting in his car.

Johnny, a world-class trumpet player, is a gentleman and a joy to be with. He has great stories from tours. We had long chats about other stuff besides music, and he's happy to share his wisdom. He practices every day. Yes, every day, and he has not missed a day in over 10 years. But, he says, “I don't ever want to be not ready.”

Paul Turner, the man, the legend. He's a fantastic bass player but an even better human being. He will honestly answer any question that you may ask him.
There is no question about bass playing that he cannot answer in a straightforward and relatable manner. He's a great teacher. He keeps it simple and is extremely patient. I don't know if learning with him was more fun or hanging out with him.

Other students were from Germany, Holland, Ireland, and France.
I met Brian from Ireland, a professional physiotherapist, and an excellent bass player. Did I say that Joe Dart looks just like him? Nova came from France and is the biggest fan of Paul Turner. I also met Tim from the Netherlands, who was mostly quiet. I guess he's a very good listener. He has a good feel for music, a good ear, and good time. There was so much to learn from him.
Cora drove from Germany and recently took up bass because she loves the low notes, which help her relax.

Bass instruction
Bass instruction is structured around the students. It happens informally, and five students sit in a semicircle around Paul. We analyzed baselines, created new basslines, and studied various Jamiroquai songs and songs by other artists.
Afternoon sessions are one on one lessons with Paul, which are excellent.
Johnny gives an excellent talk on practicing, which is worthwhile. Remember, this is coming from a man who has not missed a single day of practice in more than 10 years and has toured or recorded with every prominent artist.

VOX Amplug microamps are provided for silent practice.

The weather was mainly in the 70s during the day. Never felt too hot or cold. The hottest it got was about 80 deg F. Otherwise, the weather was in the mid-70s during the day for the most part.

The food is delicious. Dinner is served on the patio by the pool as a four-course meal. I was hard-pressed to find even one thing that I may not have liked. Breakfast and lunch are more straightforward, but still a lot of food.
There is a separate refrigerator for just beer and wine, and it magically does not run out of either.

The rooms are a good size and very clean. Two towels are provided. Some rooms have a shared bathroom which was never a problem.

The bathrooms are clean. The water pressure is good.
My room had only one power outlet, so bring an extension cord if you need to charge more than one item. Also, you will need to have adapters if you're traveling from the United States.

We also went on a beautiful hiking trip which is optional. A nice, pleasant hike up the hill but not very tiring. Nature is breathtaking.

Thursday evening, we walked through the city center of Granada to this fantastic restaurant overlooking the famous Alhambra. The views are breathtaking while enjoying amazing food. What could make it better? There's an ice cream parlor next door where they also sell Mojitos. Yes, Mojitos!!!

Overall, I think this was one of the most amazing experiences, and I'm hoping I can do this again soon.

This has been my first experience of a music camp and it was worth every bit and more !

In the beginning I did not know what to expect, I answered Rob's questionnaire that was sent to us a month before the camp and immediately realised that there are so many things I want to learn and to improve on that it felt an impossible task to feel fulfilled and inspired by only 5 days of camp...

2 days after coming back, my head is buzzing, so many little techniques to improve my practice, my focus and also my musicality. So many things that every musician needs to hear from high calibre professionals that was delivered in the most humble and light hearted way.

If you love music, if you love your instrument, if you want to improve irrespective of the level you are at and the years you have been playing, if you want a week of focus, learning and reflection, if you want to discuss with like-minded people, empathise, give and receive advice, if you want to hear amazing Rock and Roll stories and get some great food in the process, I fully recommend the EMC camps.

Johnny and Rob are amazing, humble, knowledgable, experienced, funny, generous.

I went there to learn about how to be a better guitarist and I I got so much more back, every day passing made even more and more sense, its not about the notes, its about the will, the desire, the feel, the people and about your relationship with Music and ourselves.

If you are reading these lines not feeling sure if this is for you, take a punt, it is worth every second of your time and you will receive back the value in multiples irrespective if you are a novice or experienced player, a amateur or pro musician.

Thank you Rob and Johnny for the experience and thank you to my peers for a lovely week !

Dear Rob - Dear Johnny!
WOW - is the right expression to this Guitar Camp in Spain!
Even for me as a Guitar teacher - I learned so much from You Rob - just great!
I went home Sunday Midnight and I have been teaching again since Monday and used different things: scales, chords, counting etc with my students and could give the motivation further on to my students!
I am also looking forward to our gig at "Funky Friday" with our band: LöFönk this friday to play in the style that I've learned from You - Rob - in this last week - Thank You so much!!

Further on I would like to thank You - Johnny - for the hospitality in Your house in Spain! You let us "grown up students" ;-) feel like being home! All the stories about concerts, touring on every dinner and also in between in the kitchen or at the Pool were so interessting!!

I am sure coming back!

Yours, Per

I am a second offender and I can honestly confirm that the second time was as good and as fresh like the first time.
Johnny, Rob and the two Lauras (cooks) are taking care of yourself in order to make this week one to remember for a lifetime. The camp is not only about guitar playing. It is so much more. Every time I went home with new friends (yes I still keep contact with the first group), lots of memories, stories, one or two kilos more due to the fantastic food and big grin on my face from all the laughters during the camp.
It is a week where you can leave everything behind and you emerge fully into just a great time.
As a bonus the scenery in the hills of Sierra Nevada with the house and the pool will put you in a mood of total relaxation.
The camaraderie among the participants is just great. Everyone is supporting each other no matter what level you are on with your playing. You will not only learn from Rob but also from the other participants.
I have never seen anybody leaving the room after either the one to one lessons or the group sessions without a smile and expression of satisfaction.
So the question is would I go a 3rd time?
ABSOLUTELY!
Therefore see you again at the Rob Harris Guitar Camp in Monachil.

Ok friends, if you are interested in one of the camps and are not sure yet, do yourself a favour: don't think too much about it, just do it. You won't regret it at all. As soon as I arrived, I realized that this was going to be a very special week. And I was right. In fact, it turned out to be an unforgettable week.

Johnny is a fantastic host who is really focused on ensuring that each and every person has a good time and that nothing is missing. His home automatically becomes your own home and you immediately feel comfortable. The house and the location is just beautiful, the view and the location magical and inspiring.

The sessions with Rob: inspiring, challenging and motivating. It's just fun to experience this boundless passion for the instrument and for teaching. Also, of course, to see him play. Rob has the ability of incredible patience to articulate everything in an understandable way and to recognize your weak points. I can only emphasize that it really helped me a lot in the short term and continues to motivate me enormously. I also like his sense of humor, the stories and the fact that he really never tires of getting asked many questions. He takes responsibility for why you're at camp - as does Johnny.

The other gentlemen at my camp were a stunner too. From the start at the airport I had the feeling that it all really fitted together very well. 6 different characters but somehow a really good group together. Felt like living' with my best mates in a wonderful location for one week. I'm still flashed and hope we can meet again one day or maybe even plan a little reunion. I enjoyed chatting with them, listening to them and learning from them. At all: hanging with them.

To be honest, personally my week was marked by a lot of bad luck. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed being there. I still miss the relaxed splashing of the pool, the first coffee with a view of the serpentines and the great desire to pick up my guitar. Hold on... the desire stayed. It even got stronger ;) Anyway, it all has to do with the above components. Each person contributes a great deal to my wonderful experience and I am very grateful for that. That's why it's easy for me to recommend the camps to all of you to wish you a good time. Have a good time and if you want, send us a few impressions via Instagram.

Johnny, Thanks for everything You have helped me a lot. Rob, thank you for letting me learn from you and ignite another fire inside me.

Manuel

I've always been a bit wary of these sorts of things — but having been stuck at the intermediate plateau for several years, I figured that I had nothing to lose (worst case: I just practice my instrument all week).

EMC are really keen to foster a positive, non-competitive environment, and in my experience they managed that wonderfully. The other musicians on the course ran from full-time professional musicians to hobbyists, and no-one was made to feel that their musical aspirations were invalid — or out of reach.

Each day we'd have breakfast, then have a 1:1 lesson with our instructor Rob, who was brimming with musical knowledge and enthusiasm for the instrument. Every session I would pepper him with questions, and then afterwards head out by the pool to write up my notes and start practicing! Once the 1:1s were over for the day, we would all convene for group sessions (eventually culminating with a track we recorded together).

Normally there would be a couple of excursions during the week, but unseasonably poor weather meant that we just had extra instructor time (oh no)!

Dinner each night was provided (aside from one evening where we ventured to a cool bar/restaurant for pizza), and the two cooks who made our dinner did an incredible job of keeping us delighted with a varied menu.

As if that weren't enough, our host Johnny was an absolute delight. Not only did we feel thoroughly looked after, but Johnny himself is a very accomplished professional musician and delivered sessions on effective practicing and cognitive learning strategies which have opened up brand new avenues for me to incoporate all the new knowledge I received during the sessions with Rob.

So, is a visit to EMC right for you? Well, if you love your instrument and the idea of spending a week in a beautiful villa with constant tuition, wonderful people, great food and a vast supply of rock n' roll stories appeals, then yes absolutely. I genuinely feel it was a profoundly life-changing week for me, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity

Top tip: if you want to see pure joy in human form, make sure to play "Live and in Living Colour" by Tower of Power in front of Johnny.

Thanks to Johnny, Rob, the team at EMC and the amazing folks I attended the camp with for one incredible experience <3

I went to the Rob Harris Guitar Camp in May ‘22 and had an amazing time. I learnt so much more than I expected not just about playing the guitar but also about, working as a session musician, songwriting and recording techniques, lots of industry tips and many many many jokes, stories and anecdotes from both Rob and our host Johnny. I’d recommend this camp to anyone wanting to improve as a musician regardless of their level. The other campers were super kind and supportive, the food and drink were wonderful and all in a breathtaking setting in the mountains. I came away inspired and fired up to become a better musician.

Having just returned from the first EMC Guitar Camp of 2022, all I can say is don't hesitate to book on the forthcoming sessions, if you get the chance. I will confess that I was apprehensive regards my level of skill, but quite honestly it just doesn't matter. Rob Harris Harris is not only a fantastic guitarist, he is also a great bloke. He patiently observed my playing and began to work on several small changes that would a real difference. Starting each day with an individual one to one lesson, followed by a group lesson in the afternoon.
Johnny Thirkell and his wife Angie were magnificent hosts. From the moment you book, to arriving home, Johnny does everything to ensure you are looked after. Cortijo La Mata can only be described as blissful, ideally situated in a peaceful area of Monachil, with the most peaceful of views.
Each evening started with a multiple course meal, cooked by the talented Laura, during which the wine and entertaining stories would flow. Midweek we enjoyed a walk around the Sierra Nevada National Park in which Cortijo La Mata is located. On Thursday evening, we visited the fascinating city of Granada, enjoying a good meal overlooking the Alhambra Palace. You leave the week with enhanced skills, new friends and a real sense of satisfaction.
Definitely recommended.

Thank You Johnny, Rob, Angie and Laura for a cracking week I will never forget. Hope to see you again in the future xx

What a fantastic week we had in Monachil. Beforehand there was the tension whether I was good enough to be taught by Paul Turner, had I practiced enough, would the week be for me? But from the moment I met my fellow classmates and Paul at the airport, the ice was broken.

What followed were days that went from morning to night dedicated to music, practicing, talking about practicing, exchanging experiences, jamming. There were daily group lessons and individual blocks, with the indefatigable Paul. And in between there was the care for the inner man by John, supported in the evening by Laura with delicious dinners.

What an experience to work for a week in an enthusiastic group and at your own level to improve your musical skills. Paul and John really made everyone feel safe and confident to try new things, practice, make mistakes and learn from them.

The accommodations, the hiking in the area, the curriculum, the very kind guidance by Paul and John, the delicious food and drinks, the casual atmosphere, the fun group. The days were intensive, but it was worth every second!



I couldn't have wished for a better place to spend a week learning how to play bass better and feeling like a bit of a musician.

Paul and John, thank you for this unforgettable experience!

Anything I say, is not enough to express how incredible this experience was…

First of all Johnny did an incredible job organising everything and to make everyone feel at home. From the beginning he dealt straight away and was prompt in replying with any questions or anything that we needed that made us feel very relaxed and that everything was taken care of.

The week had a perfect mixture of learning and also doing enjoyable things and activities but in a very relaxed way.

Paul was an incredible tutor and took a lot of care in planning the group lessons and also the individual lessons tailored to the needs of each one of us. Always in a relaxed and fun environment and with his excellent humour and expertise, I enjoyed every second of the lessons.

At night after we were offered an incredible meal by the cook Laura and we would enjoy talking about music and all the amazing stories from all the years of playing and meeting so many artists.

All in all it was one of the best experiences in one of the nicest parts of Spain with amazing people and I enjoyed every single second of it!

I would highly recommend it to anyone interested!

When you book a place on any training course there always the nagging doubt in the back of your mind as to whether or not it will live up to your expectations. Elite Music Camps was no different but the reality is that it will surpass all of your expectations.

Not only do they have access to the very best players in the business, they actually deliver a course that over delivers in just about every element possible. From the moment you make an initial enquiry you realise that your enjoyment is the top priority for Johnny Thirkell who organises the camps. His efficient, detailed and polite responses full of information and facts are really useful right off the bat.
Once you make the commitment to go, it just gets better and better, you are given help and advise on everything from transfers, flights, accommodation and even menu and dietary requirements and of course the playing and learning.

Needless to say learning with Paul Turner is always going to be the highlight, he is a consumate professional, down to earth, humble, a great player and an even better teacher. You will learn so much from him but even better than that, he gives you what you need to go away and help you become a better player. There is no "miracle cure" that turns you into a player like Paul overnight but he does have a great ability to see your strengths work on those bit also identify the areas where you can make improvements.

I found the group learning sessions very inspiring, we had a broad range of abilities on our camp and there was something for everyone in these sessions. Of course, what could be better than disecting the lines of players like Bernard Edwards and learning each and every note in your favourite basslines!
However, your learning is not restricted to these sessions or your one to one lessons each day, I found inspiration from my course mates both in terms of playing, technique and theory but also in new music to listen to as we all shared a deep love of funk, jazz-funk and bass inspiring music!

At the camp you can completely indulge yourself in everything bass from strings and tone to amps, DI boes and recording software. It's like nothing you have experienced before!

The house is beautiful, very big and very relaxing. Johnny Thirkell is the best host you could ask for and the food and drink never ending - my expanded waistline is a testament to that! I loved the hike into the Sierra Nevada and also the stunning meal that we had overlooking the magnificent Alhambra in Granada also the Flintstone sized steak too - all hugely memorable.

The camp will allow you to learn in a relaxed and collaborative environment, spend time with one of the best bass players around and really concentrate on your playing. In addition to this the stories and anecdotes from both Paul and Johnny about the music business are absolutey priceless and highly, highly entertaining - honestly something that money can't buy (normally).

Book a space for the next camp, you will love it - it's worth every penny and so, so much more.