Welcome to the Acoustic Safe Zone
The Acoustic Campfire Song Camp is a ‘Safe Guitar’ environment! We are supportive of all, no matter what level you may be at. Guitar Breaks is all about helping you feel comfortable so that everyone brings something positive to the workshop (for more info see ‘PLAYING EXPERIENCE’)
The Acoustic Campfire Song Camp focuses on learning a couple of key songs and then playing them all together. You get the chance to play alongside other guitarists, all the time receiving guidance, support and advice from Mike and Ian on how to take your acoustic playing to the next level.
Mike Bradley
Mike has been playing the guitar since he was 12 years old, and from that first moment his love affair with music and the instrument began. Fresh out of school at the age of 16 he attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and completed a year-long Diploma course.
After finishing ACM, Mike’s life as a full time musician began, playing in numerous bands and touring up and down the country playing iconic venues such asThe Shepherds Bush Empire, The Astoria, The Underworld and London’s Jazz Café. He’s also been fortunate enough to support industry legends Paul Weller, Blondie and Katie Melua.
Mike’s session work has led to his working on a variety of projects – from performing with stars such as Ricky Wilson and Diana Vickers, to appearing in many TV shows and adverts. Mike loves being on stage performing, but is equally at home recording in a studio – where he has worked with Alex Von Soos (All Saints, Seal, Atomic Kitten), Mike Horner (The Prodigy, Shakira, Bloc Party), and Mike Chapman (Blondie, Suzi Quatro).
Mike’s a great guitar player and a good friend to Guitar Breaks!
Ian Edwards
Ian has spent the last 40 years writing, recording and performing in bands and working on projects with: Jimmy Page, Brian May, Chad Smith, Stiff Little Fingers, Reef, Steve Vai, Wilko Johnson, Zodiac Mindwarp & the Love Reaction and many more.
Former Director of Marketing and Product Development at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and Head of Operations (incorporating marketing, admissions and senior strategic management) at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London.
Ian co-authored the book ‘Running a Band as a Business’ with Bruce Dickinson (Little Angels, Waterbear Music College) and has also written extensively for Guitarist & Total Guitar magazines.
Ian now consults for music schools and artist development programmes around the world and is the founder at Guitar Breaks.
The Detail
See below for more information about this event, how to travel to us and what to expect.
2 full days of learning, playing and performing acoustic guitar favourites. This Acoustic Campfire Song Camp focuses on the acoustic loveliness of classic tracks and a few hidden gems.
You will be based in our own custom built studio, with fellow acoustic guitar players.
Each day will be structured like this:
- Workshop starts at 10am
- We spend the morning learning featured tracks, tunings and techniques
- Break for a packed lunch (bring your own) at 1.00pm
- Back at it by 2.00pm
- Day will finish around 5.00pm
- Studio located here: Milk Shed Studios, RG42 6AN
- Plenty of parking on site
The Acoustic Campfire Song Camp is ideal for those guitar players who consider themselves to be late beginner/early intermediate level of ability. Perhaps you have:
- A minimum of 2-3 years playing
- Be able to play a variety of open chords with some confidence
- Be able to play some single note melodies
- Be able to play in time
- Feel happy about playing a chosen song all the way through
More broadly this two day workshop is for those of us who love strumming chords and playing songs. There will be opportunities for some players to expand out into playing melody lines and/or short solos, should the moment arise.
Ultimately, if you like to play acoustic classics and to try your hand at a few new tunes, then this workshop is for you. If you have any questions or concerns about the level of the workshop, please don’t hesitate to contact: enquiries@guitar-breaks.com
If you would like to travel to this workshop, there are a number of hotel options available locally depending on your budget. Here are some examples:
Premier Inn, Bracknell: Wokingham Road, Berkshire, RG421NA
You can visit the hotel’s website here
Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell: John Nike Way, Bracknell, RG12 8TF
You can visit the hotel’s website here
The Village Hotel, Bracknell: Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG120QJ
You can visit the hotel’s website here
The Stirrups Hotel, Warfield: Maiden’s Green, Bracknell, RG426LD
You can visit the hotel’s website here
The Milk Shed is only 10 minutes from the M4 and 20 minutes from the M3 motorways. So pretty convenient if you are planning to drive!
We have a guide on flying to us with your guitar here.
