Woodstock is not only about concerts, but also workshops and artistic projects, meetings with interesting people, film and theatre lessons. All of this is available on the hill over the Woodstock field, in a place called the Academy of Fine Arts. Among the many types of activities, different from the breathing in of dust by the large stage, were Frikolekcje (Free lessons) and Frikowyklady (Free lectures) lead by Jacek Spruch.

This fingerstyle master, with the Frikoszkola (Free Guitar School) tent and 20 T. Burton guitars at his disposal, gave his all in order to teach his listeners the basics of this difficult technique. Two lessons took place daily and each day was summed up by a lecture on the history of fingerstyle, illustrated by musical examples. The breaks between the lessons were supposed to be time off for Jacek, however he obviously enjoyed giving further pointers and advice to those interested very much.

Jacek had as many students as guitars at his disposal as well as two incredible enthusiasts who attended virtually every lecture at the Free school. These two came to Woodstock with their own, dashingly decorated T. Burtons.

Thanks to Jacek Spruch’s guitar abilities and his incredible talent in communicating with the students, he had a full set of students every lesson. We cannot forget about the ever-gathering audience – the lectures were listened to by smaller and larger groups of people who did not have either the ability or the courage to take a guitar in their hands. The last lecture gathered the largest group of listeners, who did not let the master go away without playing encores – he almost arrived late for dinner with his wife in his house in Hamburg.

Jacek Spruch won the hearts of the participants of Woodstock, he gained many new fans. He presented his most devoted fans with autographed CDs and books. Jacek Spruch also signed 20 T.Burtons which will be put up for auction at the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. In addition, he donated 10 of his CDs to the cause. He signed them all having been rapt by the laudable cause of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and by the unique atmosphere of the Woodstock Festival.

Thank you, Jacek!