Guitar Center Launches Master Satriani: The Chance of a Lifetime for Ten Musicians to Train with Legendary Guitarist Joe Satriani

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Guitar Center, the world's largest musical instrument retailer, continues it's ongoing support of and commitment to aspiring artists with the launch of their new competition program Master Satriani. Developed by Guitar Center in partnership with Ibanez and D'addario to inspire guitarists to reach their full potential, the program offers musicians nationwide the chance to take a master class with Multi-Grammy Nominated guitarist Joe Satriani.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120702/LA33715)  

Master Satriani, which begins accepting submissions on July 1, will offer ten emerging artists the unprecedented opportunity to learn from the guitar virtuoso and go home with a prize package that includes gear from Ibanez and D'addario. Ten different Satriani tracks from his legendary career will be provided for entrants to submit as their chance to impress the master – "His songs, your chops". Satriani will handpick the top ten entrants, who will then be flown out to Los Angeles to train with the renowned guitarist himself.

How to Enter: Starting today through August 28, unsigned artists across the United States are invited to record one of the ten official Satriani backing tracks provided and submit their audition at guitarcenter.com/satriani.

Master Satriani Grand Prize Winners Will Receive:

• VIP Trip to Los Angeles to attend a private master class with Joe Satriani
• An Ibanez JS20S Joe Satriani Signature Electric Guitar
• A D'Addario Grand Accessory Prize Package

"I firmly believe that the best way to hone your skills is to learn from fellow musicians," says Joe Satriani. "I'm excited to see what new talent comes through in these auditions and honored to partner with Guitar Center, Ibanez and D'addario on such a unique venture to give back to the guitar community."

"Without musicians, there is no Guitar Center – so helping musicians further their passions and succeed is extremely important to us" said Dustin Hinz, director of music and entertainment marketing + artist relations for Guitar Center. "We continuously strive to provide a multitude of fresh, exciting opportunities to musicians looking to hone their skills, and that is exactly what Master Satriani provides, a chance for aspiring guitarists to refine their craft by learning from the best in the business."

As the world's largest retailer of musical instruments, Guitar Center is dedicated to supporting the global music community and providing musicians with opportunities to get their music heard. Guitar Center's commitment to unsigned artists runs deep with a full calendar year of diverse programs aimed to enable musicians by providing the opportunity and exposure they need to be successful. No other retailer is developing platforms for their customer like Guitar Center.

Guitar Center's musicianship programs include the award winning music television series Guitar Center Sessions, the weekly radio show Connections Made By Guitar Center, and the acclaimed podcast series At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt as well as various competition based programs such as Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record, Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter, Guitar Center Drum Off, Guitar Center On-Stage and Guitar Center's Battle of the Blues. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

About Joe Satriani

Over the last two decades, Joe Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star "G3" guitar extravaganza. Of his 14 solo albums 2 went platinum and 4 gold with 15 Grammy nominations between them. In 2009, Satriani joined with former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, to form the stand out rock collaboration, Chickenfoot. Their debut self-titled album was recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America with over 500,000 in album shipments.

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 224 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

SOURCE Guitar Center