Bendigo music students got to learn from the best when jazz musician James Morrison led a workshop at Bendigo South East College on Friday.
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Students from BSE College, Weeroona College, Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Eagelhawk Secondary College soaked in Morrison words of wisdom in a two hour session that also featured the jazz musician's Academy of Music band from Mount Gambier.
BSE COllege head of arts Stephen Briggs said the workshop cam eafter a phone call from Morrison.
"They were going to Albury and called us to say 'hey, we're coming through, would you like to do a workshop?'," Mr Briggs' said.
"We've done six years of Generations in Jazz here and he helped open Ulumabrra, so he has a connection to Bendigo in that way."
Mr Brigg's said Morrison's manner with students was very engaging.
"Some of the comments he was making about not comparing yourself to other people and focusing on your passion was great," Mr Briggs said. "He has a lot of good messages for students and they are universal messages. The kids will gain benefits of that for years.
"Having a professional tell how and why they do things challenges how you do it at home. Hearing James explain that it is about performing as well as practice is really important."
Mr Briggs said a visit from a high-profile perform like Morrison was a reminder of the value of music.
"We're always battling in schools to keep music programs up and running, so it's a shot in the arm when someone like that comes to town," Mr Briggs said.
"Our data shows significant (academic) improvement from performing arts kids. They want to come to school and do well because they see the value in doing something and achieving it and it ten applies to rest of their academic work."
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