Guitar - Introduction
Instructor: Brian Volke
Course Description:
Level: 1 – 2 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Have you just learned how to play three chords? Have you just started to strum boom chukka boom chukka? This is the class for you! We’re going to learn some three and four and maybe even five chord songs. We’re going to learn how to navigate our way through folk, rock and blues strumming. We’re going to get a grip on being able to sing and play and rock and folk all at the same time.
Hope to see you there!
Brian Volke
Brian Volke- Artist (singer/songwriter) / Father and Grandfather / Teacher
Brian hails from Regina, Saskatchewan and has been playing guitar since the age of nine, and writing songs since age eleven. Brian traces his musical influences from Johnny Cash and Elvis, through the Beatles and the Monkees, to the Classic rock of Led Zeppelin and the Who.
In high school he wanted to play guitar like Pete Townshend but ended up playing like Bruce Cockburn, or maybe a mixture of the two. Then came many joyous years of playing Celtic music: Irish, Scottish, East Coast and West Coast (Spirit of the West). The best compliment he ever received was: ‘I thought you were a Maritimer!”
Discography includes: Acres of Chrome (solo) 2021 / Carmel's Parlour (with My Son Ted) 2014 and Home Again (with Tir Na Nog) 2003.
Website: BV Tunes
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.