JUNO Week in Hamilton: Free Artist Masterclasses at Main Stage Rehearsal Studios

This March, Hamilton is hosting the JUNO Awards, and we are bringing that energy directly into our rehearsal rooms. In partnership with Hamilton City of Music, we are launching a free JUNO Artist Masterclass Series led by award-winning artists who started their careers right here in Hamilton.

These are musicians who rehearsed in local spaces, played small stages, built their sound over the years, and went on to earn national recognition. Now they are coming back to share what actually helped them grow. Each session focuses on practical, real-world topics and includes an open Q and A where you can ask honest questions about touring, songwriting, career decisions, and navigating the industry. This is about turning a national music moment into something our local community can relate to and benefit from long-term.

Brought to you by Main Stage Rehearsal Studios and Hamilton City of Music.

đŸŽ€ JUNO Artist Masterclass Series: Jon Harvey

Up Close. Hands On. Game Changing.

Date & Time: March 14, 12:00 PM

Host / Instructor: Jon Harvey

Relationship to the JUNOs: JUNO Award–winning musician with multiple JUNO nominations and Canadian Gold-certified albums with Monster Truck.

Who should attend: Vocalists, songwriters, bands, and aspiring frontpeople who want to elevate their live performance and professional path.

What it is & why it matters:

Jon Harvey is one of Canada’s most powerful modern rock frontmen, known for his work with Monster Truck and The Wild High. With international tours alongside Nickelback, Deep Purple, Alice In Chains, and Slash, Jon has performed thousands of shows over a 20-year career. In this masterclass, he’ll break down what it really takes to command a stage, build a sustainable music career, and translate songwriting into unforgettable live performances.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to command the stage as a frontman and performer
  • Touring and band insights from a 20+ year career
  • Songwriting and studio tips that translate to live performance
  • Building a professional music career beyond just the music

RSVP for Jon Harvey’s workshop: 👉 Reserve your free spot for Jon Harvey’s masterclass

đŸ„ JUNO Artist Masterclass Series: Dan Fila

Up Close. Hands On. Game Changing.

Date & Time: March 20, 7:00 PM

Host / Instructor: Dan Fila

Relationship to the JUNOs: JUNO Award nominee for Hard Rock Album of the Year with Varga (Prototype), plus JUNO nominations for Hard Rock Album of the Year and Most Promising Band.

Who should attend: Drummers of all levels—from beginners to advanced players looking to improve technique, power, and endurance.

What it is & why it matters:

Dan Fila is a Canadian rock veteran who has toured North America with Metallica and White Zombie and played with Varga and Sven Gali. Beyond the stage, he’s an innovative educator who created Canada’s first fully online music composition course. This masterclass focuses on building real-world drumming skills you can use immediately, with exercises and concepts that translate directly to live and studio performance.

What you’ll learn:

  • Essential stretching and warm-ups
  • Practical exercises you can apply right away
  • Concepts for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players
  • How to build efficiency, power, and purpose in your playing
  • Take-home drills to keep levelling up after the clinic

RSVP for Dan Fila’s workshop: 👉Reserve your free spot for Dan Fila’s masterclass

đŸ„ JUNO Artist Masterclass Series: Steve Strongman

Up Close. Hands On. Game Changing.

Date & Time: March 21, 2:00 PM

Host / Instructor: Steve Strongman

Relationship to the JUNOs: JUNO Award winner and multiple-time JUNO nominee for Blues Recording of the Year, plus a recent Grammy nomination for his work with The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Who should attend: Guitarists, blues fans, songwriters, and musicians looking to develop a unique voice and deepen their musicality.

What it is & why it matters:

Hamilton’s own Steve Strongman is a globally touring guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer with a reputation for explosive tone and soulful expression. A multi–Maple Blues Award winner and respected educator, Steve brings decades of industry experience to this session, breaking down the foundations of blues guitar and songwriting in a way that inspires players at every level.

What you’ll learn:

  • Blues guitar pillars: bends, vibrato, and pentatonics
  • How to develop your own unique guitar voice
  • Connecting the fretboard (the 7 forms) and breaking out of the “blues box”
  • Slide guitar techniques in multiple tunings
  • Songwriting fundamentals—what makes a song great and how to build one

RSVP for Steve Strongman’s workshop: 👉Reserve your free spot for Steve Strongman’s masterclass

How to Join the JUNO Artist Masterclass Series 

As Hamilton hosts the JUNO Awards, we believe the real legacy of JUNO Week happens inside rooms like this — where local artists gain access to mentorship, practical skills, and real industry insight. Through our partnership with Hamilton City of Music, these free masterclasses ensure that even musicians who aren’t nominated still benefit from this national moment. By creating direct access to JUNO-level experience, we’re helping strengthen Hamilton’s music ecosystem, support sustainable creative careers, and build momentum that lasts well beyond one week.

All JUNO Artist Masterclass workshops are free to attend during JUNO Week in Hamilton. Space is limited, and an RSVP is required.

Secure your spot and be part of what’s building here.

Register for each workshop here: 

Brought to you by Main Stage Rehearsal Studios and Hamilton City of Music.