Max W.
GuitarBass GuitarUkuleleMusic TheoryCompositionPiano
About Max W.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles-based guitarist Max Walker brings a fiery tenacity to the bandstand that is uniquely his own, yet clearly draws from a deep well of musical influences. With 14 years of teaching experience, Walker is an experienced educator who is quick to share his passion for music performance with his students.
After receiving his undergraduate degree in jazz guitar performance from Cornish College of the Arts, Walker went on to make a name for himself as both a band leader and a sideman in Seattle. Following his recent relocation to Los Angeles, Walker also joined the student body at the University of Southern California and received his Master's degree in guitar performance from USC's Studio/Jazz Guitar program.
Walker's talent has led him to perform with some of the best acts in Seattle and Los Angeles, including the Jim Knapp Orchestra and bassist Chuck Deardorph, among countless others.
Most recently, Walker released his first record as a band leader, "Stygia," an instrumental collection that highlights both his compositional and improvisational skills.
Q&A with Max W.
Which musician would you like to play with?
Mark Guiliana
Which musician has influenced you the most?
Jimi Hendrix
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
Music theory/fretboard knowledge
How did you learn to play your instrument?
From many teachers, books, and the bandstand.
What equipment do you play on today?
A Fender Stratocaster and a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amplifier.
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Persistence
What does your instrument have that others don't?
String locks
How do you handle children?
I have worked with many children during my time as a teacher.
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Recording my first trio album
What was the biggest stage you played on?
The main stage of the Moscow Jazz Festival.
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
A Love Supreme - John Coltrane
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Cooking, Travel, Hiking, and good books!
Music style(s)
JazzRockMetalFolkFunkPop
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
All levels
What languages can you teach in?
English
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
The Max Walker Group
Other Music-related work / goals
I hope to work more frequently as a composer. A goal of mine is to eventually work in video game composition.