BC Regional Virtual Guitar Lessons '25

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the BC Regional Virtual Guitar January 14 - March 13, 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 13 December 2024 @ 1200 PST

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On is happy to welcome back the Victoria Conservatory of Music  (VCM) to their virtual offerings! Soldier On, in conjunction with VCM will be offering virtual acoustic guitar lessons.

These virtual sessions will provide an introduction to a variety of cords, strum patterns and the ability to learn basic songs. Classes will involve live and interactive instruction with no more than four participants, which allows participants to maximize their time with their instructor. Participants are advised that cameras are required to be turned on in order for the instructor to correct and assist throughout the sessions. Participants will be given access to a google drive with recordings of the lessons and suggested items to practice. 

Participants will be split in to two (2) groups based on skill levels and each group will receive eight (8) hours of online instruction over the course of these 8 weeks.

First Timers/Beginners defined as: You have hardly touched a guitar before.
Beginners/Intermediate defined as: You have played a little guitar before (for 1 or 2 months at least). You can strum a couple simple chords if the tempo is slow and plunk out one or two melodies.

Don't have a guitar? But are still interested in participating? No worries, Soldier On will provide a guitar for you. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 8

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the province of BC who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Please read carefully as groupings are based on experience level: 
Group A: First Timers/Beginners 
Monday's @ 1100am 
Jan 13, 20, 27,
Feb 3, 17, 24,
Mar 3, 10

Group B: Beginners/Intermediate
Thursday's @ 1800
Jan 16, 23, 30,
Feb 6, 20, 27,
Mar 6, 13

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 1 hour of lightly paced activities once weekly for the duration of the event (approx 8 weeks). 

Participants must be comfortable turning on their cameras in order for the instructor to provide feedback on technique.
 
Participants will require basic strength and mobility to support the weight of a guitar and strumming motion; wrist and finger dexterity. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. 
   
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.