Matt Bell

“I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Guitarist Matt Bell has given himself to music based on this principle since 1991. Starting off in private sharing his own songs with close friends, he went on to discover jamming, fiddle tunes, improvisation then bluegrass, jazz and world music. Learning by way of imagination, listening, jamming and reading books Matt remained self taught until 2004 when he decided to get formal training. After two years of musical immersion at Eastern Oregon University he moved Louisiana where he immediately found himself at home amongst the many swing and traditional jazz musicians gathered there. Enrolling at the University of New Orleans he went on to finish his bachelors and earn his masters degree in jazz studies. Matt still resides in the Crescent City where he works full time studying, teaching and performing.

Ukulele and Vocals

Of all the musical instruments one might consider putting time into, the ukulele is one of the most accessible. So accessible that it is often thought of as a toy. But this ‘little flea’ has a rich musical heritage, and even its own traditions of being played quite “virtuosically“. Join us in getting some ukulele basics down. We’ll take a handful of common chords, add some simple strumming patterns, add some fun right hand rhythm “strokes“ and add some basic fingerpicking patterns. If you already know some guitar chords, you’ll be ahead of the game since the shapes for the ukulele are the same (but with only four strings instead of six.) We will learn a lot of common songs, and also focus on accompanying our own voices, fiddle tunes and jamming! Ukulele is so versatile and can fit into most musical situations. I hope you’ll join me in learning this wonderful instrument and having a great time at camp. See you there.