Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

A TAFE music demo recording course has inspired a Montville resident to start writing tunes, build himself a home studio and form a new band.

Aspiring songwriter, Jonathan Adkins said the short course at Nambour TAFE run by acclaimed international guitarist and writer, Peter Koppes, has given him the motivation to take his leisurely interest in music much more seriously.

“Music is a creative process and I’d always found it difficult to construct a song properly”, Jonathan said. “My songs always took a direction of their own, without me in control. Peter gave me some fantastic tools for developing and completing a song – to rehearse it, play it live and record it.”

With Peter Koppes’ help, Jonathan built a home studio in his basement and between them they recorded a CD. Peter is well know as songwriter and guitarist with the highly influential Australian rock band, The Church.

Mr Koppes said his TAFE students were encouraged to network and collaborate with like-minded musicians. “That’s a big part of being in a band and recording understanding what personalities, styles and ages you work best with,” he said. “Students are definitely given the opportunity to experiment with mixes of people from different genres. Because it’s not always obvious and you never know unless you try.”

To get his confidence up Jonathan Adkins has already started playing locally including at Montville’s Family Day, Mary Cairncross Cafe and Zana’s restaurant in Montville. He has teamed up with another local musician, Taz Harrison to form their new band, Fairweather.
www.myspace.com/fairweatherofficial