If you’ve ever listened to your kids fight while you fantasized about strumming 'Free Fallin' around a campfire, a new local program might be just what you need.
Dad Rock is a five-week beginner group guitar class designed for men who want to learn to play in a fun, casual environment. Led by professional songwriter and father of two Brian Donkers, the course starts Sept. 29 in Chemainus and promises a no-judgment zone for beginners.
“I kind of loved the idea of getting back to the roots of just playing guitar and learning guitar with a bunch of other guys,” Donkers said. “And the joy of just being in a room playing music with other people and helping other guys experience that kind of light bulb moment when they can play their first chord or play their first song.”
The course focuses on what Donkers calls “functional guitar,” rather than formal music theory.
“Usually beginner guitar lessons are one-on-one, so it's you and a teacher. And often with guitar lessons, they're a little more structured in music theory and the kind of the things that can hang people up in terms of learning guitar,” he explained. “Whereas this is for people who don't necessarily need to know all the in-depth ins and outs of the guitar but want to learn how to play chords and songs and be able to pick it up quickly.”
The format is simple: students meet weekly and learn one classic song per session. By the end of five weeks, participants walk away with five songs under their belt and the confidence to pick up more on their own.
Songs already lined up for this session include 'Free Fallin', 'Wagon Wheel' and 'Heart of Gold', with room for group suggestions.
Donkers started playing guitar as a kid but said that first moment of playing music with other people stuck with him.
“There were some guys who were older than me. They were kind of teaching me and then we'd all sit and have a guitar pull,” he said. “The first time you can play a chord, even just one chord at the right time and the right place, it's this euphoric moment that you have never experienced before.”
While the name Dad Rock might suggest a very specific demographic, Donkers said the class is open to any men 21 and older.
“A lot of dads struggle to find hobbies outside of just kind of life and work,” Donkers said. “So hopefully there's some guys who are looking for something to do just for themselves and this kind of fits the bill for them.”
He’s also quick to reassure anyone who’s nervous about being a total beginner.
“I think the whole premise is a fun, low-pressure environment where you're surrounded by other guys who are in the exact same spot as you,” he said. “The idea is that everyone's kind of starting in the same place and it's a no-judgment, no-pressure zone.”
After launching Dad Rock, Donkers received a wave of comments from women saying they’d sign up in a heartbeat if there were a version for them. So, Mom Rock was born. The women’s group will meet Tuesday nights and follow the same curriculum with room for maybe some Indigo Girls or The Chicks thrown in as suitable.
Whether the first round of Dad Rock will end in a public showcase is still up in the air.
“I would love to do a showcase,” said Donkers. “I'm going to kind of leave that up to the group of guys because I don't want that to be a barrier for people joining.”
Ultimately, it’s about joy, connection and creating space for something fun in a busy life.
“I created Dad Rock to give other Dads (and non-Dads) a chance to do something they’ve always wanted and to meet some great new friends along the way.”
So why not sign up and meet your new bandmates?
Dad Rock rocks out Mondays, starting Sept. 29. Mom Rock kicks out the jams Tuesdays, starting Sept. 30. Classes run from 7:30-9 p.m. weekly in Chemainus. The cost for the five-session program is $250 and you can find out more and register on the website. www.dadrock.ca
