Shane

solo performing artist - teacher - recording artist - composer - arranger - kiwi

All of these titles and more describe Shane Cammell, accomplished solo guitarist. With over 39 years of playing the instrument to his credit, and more than 25 of those spent teaching full time, Shane knows the guitar.

As a solo performance artist, his style ranges from classical (his training) to finger style (imagine a pianist's approach of playing right hand melody and left hand chordal accompaniment but on a guitar - the guitar "sings" each song he plays, complete with bass line and rhythm), to rock/pop (Beatles, Sting, Jack Johnson, etc.), to jazz standards (Summertime, Blue Moon) and old favorites (Somewhere Over the Rainbow, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Amazing Grace, etc.). He has performed on cruise ships (Princess and Norwegian lines), in concerts, festivals, weddings, parties, fundraisers, markets, cafes, restaurants, and more. With just his guitar and amplifier, he can easily adapt to a variety of venues to create the perfect sound for your event.

As a teacher, Shane brings not only his talent and experience to bear, but also a love of learning and teaching others to reach their musical goals. His students describe him as "patient and personable", "flexible and understanding". Complete beginners, those with moderate experience, and even professional guitarists have all expanded their skills and repertoire under Shane's tutelage. Shane offers lessons in person or via webcam, with students in the U.S.A., New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. 

As a recording artist / composer / arranger, Shane's efforts thus far have produced four albums of originals, eclectic cover tunes and classical melodies: 4ONLYU (2000), A Work in Progress (2001), The Song Goes On (2004) and his latest Subtle (2013). He continues to compose original works and arrange popular music, and is planning to release another album by 2015. Currently, 4ONLYU and Subtle are available for download (by single tracks or as a complete album) or on CD.

As a kiwi, Shane was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He traveled the world onboard cruise ships for several years, and lived in Japan for 18 months teaching English and performing as a solo guitarist in various venues around Tokyo. Having completed his Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music (Wellington), he moved to California by request of Bethany University to head up their guitar department. 

Currently he commutes between California and New Zealand for gigs and teaching, though recently, COVID has forced Shane to shelter-in-place like so many individuals.  

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