Guitar Workshop: Focus on Rhythm with Will Bernard

Rhythm is at the heart of great guitar playing. In this workshop, guitarist Will Bernard explores rhythmic concepts including clave, polyrhythms, syncopation, space, and rhythmic independence, showing how they shape soloing, comping, phrasing, and groove. Through demonstrations, listening examples, and hands-on exercises, participants will study rhythmic approaches drawn from jazz, funk, Latin music, and beyond while developing practical tools they can immediately apply to their playing. Open to all levels and musical backgrounds. Participants are encouraged to bring their instruments.
About Will Bernard
Guitarist Will Bernard is known for his stylistic range, distinctive rhythmic approach, and deep roots in jazz, funk, groove, and experimental music. A Berkeley native now based in Brooklyn, Bernard studied with Dave Creamer, Art Lande, and Julian White, and also explored classical composition at University of California, Berkeley under Andrew Imbrie. He first gained wide recognition through Peter Apfelbaum’s Hieroglyphics Ensemble and later earned a Grammy nomination with the genre-defying trio T.J. Kirk. Bernard has released numerous recordings as a leader and has toured internationally with groups including Stanton Moore Trio, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, and Groundation. He has performed with artists including Herbie Hancock and Medeski Martin & Wood.
“He’s probably the most versatile guitar player I’ve ever worked with… He’s just killing.” — Stanton Moore