by rick grant
Today, most every teenager on the planet dreams of being a rock star. So, they go out and buy Guitar Hero with the accompanying toy guitar and “jam” to the music, temporarily fulfilling their rock star fantasy. Instead of simulating the rock experience, why not spend that time learning to play a real guitar in a vibrant rock atmosphere at Max Level’s Academy. This rock school teaches musicians songs which they can play with other musicians at their same level of expertise.
Musician and businessman Walter Oakden conceived the idea for this unique facility as a way of teaching any level of musician to go from private lessons to ensemble playing in a minimum length of time. Instead of learning tedious exercises, Walter’s expert instructors teach the chords, rhythms and music of specific songs that can be played with other musicians. Each beginning musician learns the same songs so they are ready to play together.
This method greatly accelerates the learning process as the players move rapidly from instruction to ensemble discipline. Of course, the musicians who participate in this program are expected to practice as much as possible. The musicians are taught every aspect of performing in a real rock group, such as stage presence, musical techniques and finding the groove.
Recently, I attended the Max Level grand opening party, with established bands playing on stage and Randall Hall from Lynyrd Skynyrd in attendance jamming late into the night. The open house event brought out top players to see Walter’s well-planned studio layout. The showcase event focused on the state of the art facility with fully equipped teaching rooms and a professional showcase auditorium, including a large stage, professional light board and sound system.
During the hectic grand opening, I was able to corral Walter for a few minutes to find out more about his concept.
“First of all, it’s not about me, it’s about the musicians. Every person who comes through our doors is a musician, not a student. In this highly-charged musical atmosphere, the beginning musicians are inspired by our rock star instructors and other band members who come in for showcases. We teach the beginning musician the basics but in the context of songs so it gives them much more motivation to learn. We also encourage experienced musicians to sign up for advanced instruction and jam with our house band, Infinity. The facility will be a magnet for players looking to form ensembles,” Walter said.
While I was hobnobbing with the cool crowd at the opening bash, I stayed to check out Max Level’s House Band, Infinity, with Mark Dobies on lead guitar and vocals, Calvin Drouare on bass and vocals and Kyle Miller on drums and vocals. These cats are progressive rockers who have innovative ideas and came across as distinctly original.
For anyone who wants to find their inner-rock star, this is the place that can make it happen. Go to maxlevelacademy.com for the skinny, call 379-8961 or stop by for a personal tour at 5570 Florida Mining Blvd. just off Shad Rd. in Mandarin. Rock on!
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