Short Courses Classic Rock Camp with Dan Hawkins
Classic Rock Camp | Dan Hawkins | 3 days | Brighton | Age: 18+ | 24 – 26 July 2026
Crank up the amps and immerse yourself in the sound, power, and attitude of classic rock in this intensive three-day performance-focused camp. Work on iconic rock repertoire, authentic tone, and live band performance in a real venue setting.
Learn The Foundations of Classic Rock at this 3-day Camp
Spend three immersive days in Brighton diving into the world of classic and hard rock with Dan Hawkins of The Darkness, alongside Luke Morley (Thunder), Bruce John Dickinson (Little Angels), and WaterBear’s expert tutors. Designed for beginner to intermediate players, this camp focuses on authentic rock technique, tone, stamina, and live performance skills.
Hosted at WaterBear’s iconic live music venue, the WaterBear MusicBar, you’ll work on legendary rock repertoire while developing the confidence, timing, and stage presence needed to perform classic rock the way it was meant to be played.
Who is the course for?
- Beginner to intermediate guitarists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists
- Confident beginners with some playing or singing experience
- Musicians with a strong love of classic and hard rock
- Players keen to perform in a band setting and build confidence on stage
What’s Included?
- Three full days of workshops, rehearsals, and live band sessions
- Tuition and guidance from Dan Hawkins and WaterBear’s professional musicians
- Access to facilities and backline at the iconic WaterBear MusicBar in Kemptown.
- A low-pressure live performance for friends and invited guests
Location
The Camp is based at the WaterBear MusicBar, WaterBear’s iconic live performance venue in the heart of Brighton. Set within one of the UK’s most vibrant music cities, Brighton offers a rich rock heritage alongside countless venues, bars, and restaurants, providing the perfect backdrop for an immersive, high-energy classic rock experience.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
You’ll work on iconic classic and hard rock repertoire, breaking down riffs, solos, rhythms, and vocal approaches drawn from legendary artists. Sessions focus on authentic tone, technique, stamina, and feel, helping you capture the power and character of classic rock performance. Tunes will vary.
Each day follows a clear, performance-focused flow:
- Technique & warm-up classes | Targeted sessions covering classic rock technique, stamina, tone shaping, and stylistic foundations
- Learning the tunes | Break down riffs, solos, rhythms, and vocal approaches with guidance from Dan and WaterBear’s expert tutors
- Live band rehearsals | Rehearse with a professional house band, learning how to lock in, listen, and perform as a tight rock unit
- Show preparation | Work on stagecraft, confidence, and live dynamics in a relaxed, supportive environment
- Live Performance | The camp culminates in a low-pressure fun live show where you’ll perform for friends and invited guests
The Experience
- Daily rehearsals in guided band line-ups
- Hands-on tuition from Dan Hawkins, Luke Morley, Bruce John Dickinson and WaterBear’s expert tutors
- Coaching focused on listening, interaction, timing, and ensemble playing
- A supportive, musician-first atmosphere
- Final low-pressure live performance at a real Brighton music venue
What You’ll Get
- Practical experience rehearsing and performing classic rock in a live setting
- Improved tone, timing, confidence, and stage presence
- Personal feedback and guidance from experienced touring musicians
- Live performance experience you can build on after the camp
- New connections with like-minded rock musicians
Course Location
14 – 17 Manchester St
Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 1TF
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Register now. Places are limited to ensure a high-quality collaborative experience.
- Dates: 24 – 26 July 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Times: 10am – 5pm
- Location: WaterBear MusicBar, Brighton
- Cost: £750
- Age Requirement: 18+
On registering we’ll confirm availability and send you an online payment link to pay your deposit to secure your place. Full terms and cancellation policy apply.
Classic Rock Camp FAQ
Please find WaterBear Brighton campus accessibility document here, the WaterBear Music Bar details can be found on page 14. Participants with additional access requirements should contact us in advance.
Please register now on the form below and we’ll check availability, confirm your place, and send you a secure link for payment. If no spaces are available we’ll add you to the waiting list on a first come first serve basis. Terms and conditions will apply so please read carefully.
The minimum age requirements is 18+.
Light refreshments, tea and coffee are included. Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements.
The Camp itinerary will be emailed closer to the event date. If you are a guitarist or bassist please bring along your instrument and lead.
By foot
The WaterBear Music Bar is a short 15-minute walk from Brighton Station, located in Kemptown, opposite the Sealife Centre
By car
There is no parking at the campus. For parking options visit The Lanes car park or NCP for car parks near Brighton Pier.
By bus or coach
There are regular bus services across Brighton and surrounding areas. For times visit Brighton and Hove Buses. If you are travelling by coach, Pool Valley coach station is a short away.
By train
There are regular train links to and from London, Gatwick and across the UK. For train times visit National Rail Enquiries.
By air or ferry
Brighton is half an hour away by train from Gatwick Airport. The cross channel ferry is a short bus ride away in Newhaven.
By taxi
There are several taxi companies within Brighton & Hove and it is also serviced by Uber.
There is a huge variety of accommodation in Brighton close to our Brighton HQ. Visit booking.com, Hotels.com or airbnb.com to find availability and accommodation to suit your budget.
Please contact the WaterBear short courses team for further information at [email protected]
Register to secure your spot
On registering we’ll confirm availability and send you an online payment link to secure your place. Full terms and cancellation policy apply.
Short Courses at WaterBear
Short courses and workshops with legendary musicians and industry professionals. Explore your creativity in WaterBear’s studios and venues in Brighton or Sheffield, collaborate with other creatives, and build your music, performance and technical skills in a real-world setting. Take a look at our range of short courses and find the right one for you.
