Belcamp, MD Blues Guitar Lessons

Blues is the heart and soul of American music. Every note sings with feeling and attitude. Make your guitar become your voice through diverse string bending and vibrato techniques, open tunings, four note chord voicings, voice leading, learn to play independent harmonies using fingerstyle or hybrid picking. Study all of the great blues forms, learn to improvise as well as compose. All of my students will learn the most important skill any musician can possess- the ability to listen to other musicians in a jam session and compliment their ideas.

Blues are the roots, the rest are the fruits

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

I cannot learn something without wanting to immediately begin sharing what I know. That's what inspired me to begin teaching, and it continues to drive me today.

My credo is, "Take fun seriously." There is a reason we say that we "play" music; it is meant to be entertaining, for the listener and the performer. I know you want to learn to play an instrument so that you have one more pleasure in your life, and not to take up a new profession. But I also assume the highest potential in my students. If something is worth learning, it's worth learning well. My goal is for people to say to each other, "There seem to be a lot of good guitarists coming out of the Madison area. What's in the water?" My bottom line: Whatever your personal objectives, it is my job to discover them and help you meet them, whether you're interested performing at the campfire or the concert hall.

If you do not live nearby, we can learn together through online chat via FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangout. I ...

Solide knowlodge and great experienced teacher.

The Blues is the foundation of all modern American Music. Knowing the blues idiom is essential for all acoustic and electric guitarists. Knowledge of blues form and improvisation is essential for all jazz and rock guitarists.

It’s always a very special time a guitar student wants to learn about the blues. As an improviser, this is one of my favorite topics to teach.
We will listen to the great blues guitarists, discussing their individual sound and technique. Lots of time will be spent learning scales and basic harmonic principles. Most importantly though, we will jam! It’s not easy at first, but I promise to keep the vibe easy-going and positive.

Max has been playing music his whole life, and teaching since 2006. Although recent students have been accepted into music programs around the country, including NYU, Peabody, Indiana, Maryland, and Miami, he loves to work with students of all ages, skill-levels, and ambitions. Max holds a BA in Music: Vocal Performance, but also teaches and plays guitar, bass, brass, and keys. He also regularly works with students on instruments that he doesn't personally play, to coach theory and musicality. Each lesson is individually tailored to the student, since everyone learns differently and has different goals (which frequently change!). Consequently, method books are only used as necessary. Max's goal is to help unlock every student's musical potential and path to personal expression!

Max also performs around the country as a professional singer and session musician, in addition to running a mobile recording business. He also composes music for film. Sharing music with others is ...

I truly believe everyone has the potential to learn guitar. It is my personal challenge to be the guide that shows you the way to do so. It is simple, you are passionate about guitar, all you need is the guidance of an experienced teacher that cares.
My instruction is specific, sequential, demanding, and engaging.

Specific:
Being specific helps us breakdown skills, that seem impossible, into manageable exercises. I call it chunking. Once we master the chunks we put it together to easily play something that, in the beginning, seems so challenging.

Sequential:
That old saying, "Walk before you run", also applies to guitar! With your playing goals in mind, I am always guiding us down a sequential path, building skills that ultimately lead you to your musical goals. I have guided students from their first lesson through to preparing for their shows in some of NYC's top music venues.

Demanding:
The sweet spot is so important in learning guitar, just like any other skill. ...

I believe understanding music theory and history are the keys to a great musician.

Knowing the right musicians and bands to look up that will help drive every student to wanting to become great.

Finally... I believe anyone can play an instrument, but not everyone can write music, and that is what I aim to teach.