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  Testimonials

Warwick Daly – Guitarist for ‘Tailgate'

Warwick

I just had an AWESOME Rockstar Experience. Signing up to the 8 week program was one of the best things I have done, loved every minute of it and YES, I went from playing the guitar at home to going onto a stage with a band and ripping it up. Leah, Paul and the other coaches are fantastic, they give you lots of helpful advice and you learn so much over the 8 weeks. I would recommend Rockstar Experience to anyone.

Amelia Richardson – Drummer for ‘Burn After Reading'

Amelia

I would just like to say a big thank you to you all for the support and encouragement you gave me during the 8 week course. My drumming has improved so much and I am more confident! I really enjoyed the rehearsals and the final gig night! I will definitely be doing it again.

Steve Smith – Vocalist for ‘Dino's Bar & Grill'

Stevie Rocks!

I signed up with Rockstar Experience after having done something similar as a guitarist and vocalist before. So I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. Whereas before I was expected just to know everything with little input, this program gave me insights that would have taken months of lessons. I learned more in 2 hours than a whole year of vocal lessons before. So my previous vocal coach is now sacked! After 8 weeks my confidence was much higher and at the final gig I had no nerves at all. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and I also met some great musicians. The coaches are friendly, helpful, inspiring and real musicians. I will be returning....

Michael Santagati – Guitarist for ‘Dino's Bar & Grill'

Michael Santagati

After years of "putting down the guitar" and only picking it up again a few years ago, I decided to sign up with Rockstar Experience after I met up with with Leah at a music expo. It sounded like fun and i guessed it would probably give me the opportunity to meet a few musos and play a bit more regularly which i was craving for.... I was wrong! It gave me much more than that. Rockstar not only gave me what I was looking for in the interim, but it also gave me the inspiration to play in a band again.... The team at rockstar are fantastic, not only do they know their stuff backwards, they're top folks as well. The education they provide, support, coaching and knowledge they share is second to none. At first I was a little reserved and thought I wasn't good enough as a guitarist but with all the coaching provided for the songs (hats off to Paul the guitar coach), I was cranking out some awesome sounds....l'd recommend the program to anyone!

James Banfield – Bass Guitarist for ‘Alcorox'

James Banfield

I only took up bass guitar within the last 12 months or so, after my son left me his guitars to go travelling. I decided to try and play them. After 8 months of struggling, a friend suggested trying Rockstar experience. At first I was hesitant as I knew my limitations and I was not confident as I was still hitting wrong notes and playing too fast. After much urging I decided to give it a go! Well to my amazement Leah & Paul welcomed me and matched my experience with musicians of similar knowledge. It took a few weeks to get my timing right, but now I feel like we are all musicians, rather than just lounge room wannabes. I am grateful to the assistance and knowledge of Leah & Paul and the various expert coaches that have imparted their wisdom to us as a group. I don’t know where this journey will lead me, but I am confident that I can now perform and keep the ‘ Rhythm Section’ pumping. If you have any hesitations about Rockstar Experience DON’T!.........Become your own Rockstar and enjoy the experience!

Brian Chappell – Drummer for ‘Alcorox'

Chappy

I bought this package at an auction in 2008. It was entirely my fault that I had not taken up the experience until now and Leah and Paul are to be commended for honouring my purchase after such a long time for a donated package! I had not played the drums for 50 years (I am now 69) and was extremely nervous about letting the other members of our group down and that I would feel "out of place", but as the weeks have gone by I am now extremely excited about performing and it is because of the knowledge and experience given to me during the past 6 weeks. Three great people who can take a novice and make them feel like a pro! Thanks Guys.......Chappy.

Andrew Last – Guitarist for ‘Shearwater'

Andrew Last

I came to Rockstar Experience by chance having met Leah at her stand at the Australian International Music Show. Chatting to Leah she told me they were looking for a lead guitarist to fill a spot. I immediately thought "mm they probably want a Clapton or Hendrix and I'm sure there are plenty of guitarists out there that could do a better job than me". In any case I left my email address and a few days later received an email to say they still needed a guitarist. In a moment of abandon I rang, spoke to Paul, and signed up! Best thing I could have done. Eight weeks later I was on stage with a great bunch of other players performing some great sounding songs to an audience. Each week of the program built my confidence and gave me expert advice on playing in a band, arranging tunes, and helped me to focus my guitar practice to a productive outcome. I didn't quite know what to expect and had always thought that being in a band meant becoming an expert at my instrument first. This taught me otherwise and gave me confidence in my own ability and that I just needed to get up and give it a go and play to my level and capabilities. There was a place for me to grow as a guitarist in a band. Being in a band is about playing good songs to the best of your ability. I can do that! I'm looking forward to the next round and hope to stretch my playing to more complex arrangements and songs. I now look at this program as a very valuable extension of my guitar practice. Well worth the time and effort. Well run. Thanks Leah and Paul.

Ex Rockstar Experience members win $10,000 in Cover Band Comp!
Rockstar Experience congratulates ex Rockstar members Cameron McPherson and Luke Cincotta, whose band "Stimulus Package" have just won $10,000 in the Melbourne "Calling All Coverbands" competition.
 Cameron told us a while ago: 

"I owe you guys a lot because I hadn't picked up my guitar for a little while before Rockstar and was looking like just letting it get dusty in the corner, but that whole Experience made me realise that good fun gigs are really quite achievable and that's what really got me and Luke going...."

Only a few months later, and Stimulus Package are the recipients of a $10,000 prize and major gig opportunities. With hard work and determination, the boys now have an awesome band and serious earning prospects. Check them out!

Rob Van Stokrom – Guitarist for ‘Zero 2 Hero'

Dr Van Nostrum

"I thoroughly enjoyed my Rockstar Experience - thanks for one of the best experiences I have had. Your knowledge of music and band dynamics resulted in an unforgettable experience that was not only personally rewarding but a credible effort when our band, 'Zero 2 Hero' did our gig in front of such a great crowd - it was awesome. Thanks for the coaching, lessons and knowledge you have given me. I was a muck around acoustic guitar strummer for years, now I am a guitarist able to play some of my favourite listening music with others in a band! Can't wait for Term 4!"

Malcolm Boag - Bass Player for 'PlayBack'

"Rockstar experience is exactly that. A rockstar experience. Paul and Leah know their stuff and are always helpfull with the tips. I have done it twice now and would gladly do it again. Well worth it!"

Tony Hewitt – Drummer for ‘Zero 2 Hero'

Tony

"I had Friday night withdrawal symptoms for weeks after our sessions ended. I really enjoyed the course, and am very grateful for the support and encouragement you gave me. You got me drumming again after a thirty year lay off for which I will be forever thankful. Since Rockstar finished I have bought myself a drum kit, and joined a 1950's Rock and Roll band. Our first gig is in October."

Jasmine Funda - Vocalist for 'Zero 2 Hero'
Jazzy rocks

"Remembering the "fire in the belly" I got from music when I was younger, I was determined to have that re-ignited, and re-ignite it they did. Thanks Leah and Paul, you started me on the road to better confidence with my voice!"

Cameron McPherson – Lead Guitarist for ‘Payload’

“To me, Rockstar Experience was the kickstart I needed to rekindle my enthusiasm for music, particularly guitar. It was an amazing opportunity to play in a band with a great group of guys. We shared an experience that I don't think any of us will ever forget, or regret. The passion's back, I'm playing every night again - and although I might never land another gig in the city - I can now safely say I've been a Rockstar, if only for one night."

Catherine Schrank – Co-Lead Vocalist for ‘Pet Food Only’ 

Cath lives her dream

"I used to sing a lot with my sisters when I was growing up, but I never had the guts to actually sing in front of other people. When I was given Rockstar Experience as a birthday gift, I had no idea how I was going to do it - I was terrified. But after only a couple of rehearsals I started to loosen up and find my inner performer again. The final show was incredible - a life changing experience. In all honesty it was a real turning point for me in terms of gaining back self confidence, and I would recommend anyone in the same situation to just take a leap of faith and do it. I know how scared I was, but I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Mark Cincotta – Drummer for ‘Pet Food Only’

“I'd always fancied myself as a bit of a drummer having been in a few bands with mates thrashing about on a Saturday afternoon, annoying the wife, kids and neighbours playing along with my favourite cd's, as between work and family life I’m pretty busy. So when I heard about the Rockstar program and especially the coaching available, I thought I owe it to myself to have a go. As always I was a bit nervous about my ability compared to the other guys/girls, but we all got matched up into our bands and within the first few hours friendships were made and I was actually doing it for real. With a coach for every instrument (including a drummers dream in Mr Elyan Fernova ) no one was ever stuck, or out of their depth. I have learnt technique, how to work with other musicians, and adjust my sound for all types of music - and have a whole new network of mates. I got to rock a room of around 250 people with real lights, big sound - with friends - and I’m still grinning :-) With today’s technology I can watch it any time, and the memories will always be there. Thanks to Leah, Paul and the whole Rockstar team.”

Pete Gleeson – Lead Vocalist for ‘Payload’

“Rockstar Experience was fantastic. The coaches were really helpful and supportive without being pushy. This allowed participants to develop their performance in an enjoyable environment without unnecessary pressure. The people who I met and played with were not only a great group of musicians but a really good bunch of fun people. I had an absolute ball. If you’re considering Rockstar Experience but have some doubts I say, do it…sign up…you won’t regret it!!”

Shaun Herberg – Bass Guitarist for ‘Payload’

"Although I'm a pro keyboardist, I've wanted to play bass for a long time. Rockstar gave me the opportunity to pick up a bass guitar and 'rock out' to hard rock tunes that have no place for a keyboard player. The learning curve was steep, but definitely worthwhile. Coaching was top-notch and all rehearsal equipment was provided. The exhilaration leading up to the showcase performance - plus the unique friendships I developed with bandmates along the way - was awesome!"


Rockstar Experience in the Media

Rockstar Experience was featured on Vega 91.5FM's breakfast show with Dicko, Dave and Chrissie. Chrissie herself participated in Rockstar Experience.

Press the below play button to hear some of the fun she had..

Listen To Chrissie's Rockstar Experience

 

Below are some of the media reports from our first experience, run in 2008:

The Age Newspaper

3AW 693 Radio

Australian Musician Magazine


Watch the feature news story that ran on SBS World News on our original Rockstar Program. 

 

 


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