Short Courses Prog Rock Summer Camp with Steve Rothery

Spend four immersive days in Brighton experiencing the world of progressive rock with Steve Rothery, founding guitarist of Marillion, and innovative guitarist Dave Foster, while gaining personal insights into Steve’s career as a musician.

Open to enthusiastic hobbyists and intermediate players who love sophisticated harmony, odd time signatures, melodic solos, and dynamic band arrangements, on this course you will dive into the music that shaped the genre across the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s and focus on melody, expression, technique, and song arrangement. You’ll also have the chance to play with a full band and professional PA system.

Steve will also share his insights on creativity versus technique and his approach to playing and writing, as well as how he and Dave Foster, his long-time collaborator, work together and complement each other’s abilities. You’ll gain perspectives from his decades in the music industry, including how Marillion pioneered independence through crowdfunding and connecting with fans online. You’ll come away with practical advice on building your own audience, refining your artist identity and direction, and sustaining a career in today’s changing music landscape.

Hosted at the WaterBear MusicBar in Kemptown, Brighton, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of prog rock’s most influential musicians while developing your skills in a professional yet inspiring environment.

Participants will work on iconic prog rock repertoire, studying both individual parts and full band arrangements inspired by a variety of innovative artists. Repertoire may change slightly from day to day.  The material is adapted for real-world musicianship, with a strong emphasis on melody, expression, groove, feel, tone, and ensemble playing. Steve will also demonstrate Marillion’s Sugar Mice and Easter, as well as the track Morpheus from his solo album The Ghosts of Pripyat.

What You’ll Learn

• Prog song structures and arranging techniques
• Playing in odd and changing time signatures
• Melodic soloing, thematic development, and tone shaping
• Dynamics, space, long-form composition, and tight ensemble playing 

The Experience

• Hands-on tuition and insight from Steve Rothery, Dave Foster and WaterBear’s expert tutors
• Coaching focused on interaction, listening, dynamics, and musical storytelling
• A supportive, musician-first atmosphere
• Final low-pressure informal performance showcasing prog classics 

What You’ll Get

• Practical experience playing full prog arrangements in a band setting 
• Enhanced understanding of complex music, time signatures, and ensemble dynamics 
• Personal feedback and guidance from Steve Rothery, Dave Foster and expert tutors  
• New connections with like-minded musicians and fellow participants 

On registering we’ll confirm availability and send you an online payment link to secure your place. Full terms and cancellation policy apply.