JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your background in your medium? How did you get started?

DB: My earliest memory of music was my mom singing to me as a kid. My first performance was at age 10 at an elementary school dance. Since then, I have performed nearly 4000 times playing rock, southern rock, Hawaiian, country, Celtic, English Country Dance, and original fingerstyle instrumentals as a solo artist. While living in Hawaii, my music was used on radio, television, in Japan and one of my ‘slack-key’ songs became the Hawaiian Airlines theme song for over a decade! I taught privately, at Long Island University, and at the John C Campbell Folk School. My favorite? Teaching group classes at the Folk School! I feel like it’s a great way for students to dive headfirst into learning while making sure every student is nurtured and comes away with a memorable learning experience.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process.

DB: I know that students can sometimes be concerned about learning and remembering new material over the course of a week. To overcome this my technique is to introduce a few ideas, review them, then add new ones, etc.. These reviews act like a rocking motion that allows confidence to build in everyone. I also teach using songs in different styles that cater to students’ varied interests. This in turn shows students how to apply what they have learned when they go home. I am is committed to having great fun while working hard.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

DB:You can expect to work hard and have a week of great fun in my class. You will learn how tune a guitar, change strings and how to practice so you can easily continue learning when you go home. I will cover basic strumming, then add different rhythms to those patterns. Learn basic music concepts and song structure that will give you an appreciation of what’s happening when listening to any style of music. Go home being able to show your family and friends what you learned.

JCCFS: What is your favorite part of The Folk School? 

DB: I think students are drawn to John C Campbell because they want a deep learning experience that they can’t find elsewhere. I’m excited to help you discover parts of yourself and the world that may be new. I’ll share what I’ve learned and help you develop skills (music is mostly skill, you know). Expect to learn through analogies and laughter. I love and support the Folk School for engendering an enriching, non-competitive environment. Sign up! Let’s make music and friends with that thing!

JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you had known earlier in your career?

DB: Your hands and brain are muscles that need time to process new information and grow stronger. To keep learning you must be patient and keep challenging yourself. Trust that it will happen and you’ll see amazing results – regardless of how young or how old you are!

JCCFS: Where can folks find you if they want to stay up to date on your work? 

DB: Youtube @openEfingerstyleguitar