The American Federation of Musicians’ monthly publication International Musician recently interviewed Doug about his impressively diverse career in music, about his newly released music book series, and about Doug’s passion for teaching music to young people.  The result is an article in the “Upbeat” section of International Musician‘s June 2013 issue (found on page 19):

Doug Cameron: Guiding Young Musicians

Violinist, composer, and arranger Doug Cameron of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) has long been seen as an innovator of contemporary violin worldwide.  He has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists- Doc Severinsen of Locals 47 and 802 (New York City), George Benson of Local 802, Tom Petty of Local 47, and more. He also frequently performs as a soloist with orchestras.

His eight CDs include his original music and span genres from his primary focus of jazz, to Celtic music, and often feature musicians like Local 47 members David Benoit, Lee Ritenour, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Joe Sample, Russ Freeman, and Russ Ferrante.  His most recent recording, the two-CD set Different Hats, was recorded in Sydney, Australia, where he performs regularly.

Aside from playing violin all around the world, the 58-year-old’s passion is teaching, particularly working with young people. Having observed how schools have progressively cut back on music programs, he’s made it his mission to teach music to students who have suffered from this plight.

“I am doing what I can,” he asserts.  “The unfortunate reality of a lot of the classes I do is with kids who already have violin or string instrument lessons privately.  I am hoping to start a foundation where I can get to kids who don’t have the means to start with music.”

At every one of his concerts he gives a speech stressing the importance of music in schools.

In his opening remarks at the outset of his stage performances, he says how he would rather see “a kid bring a violin to school than a weapon.”

“That little phrase,” he says,“has become even more profound since the Newtown shooting.  I think music is a discipline.  It cannot be duplicated in any form.”

One of Cameron’s latest projects is a music book/CD/DVD series for people of all ages.  Cameron sees these teaching tools as an extension of his musical coaching.  This series of four DVDs, released in 2012, has been a long time coming as Cameron worked on perfecting it for five years.

The series covers alternative styles: jazz, Latin, Celtic, country, and blues, providing tools for crossing over.  The first DVD, Doug Cameron’s Music Book Introduction, is a handbook in DVD form for the music business with an overview of alternative violin technique.

The Music Book Volume 1 book, CD, and DVD is the easiest volume of the series and includes “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Doug’s Blues,” and other Cameron originals.  Volume 2 offers intermediate level instruction with the tunes “Over the Rainbow,” “Time to Say Goodbye,” and other tunes.  Volume 3, an advanced book, CD, and DVD, offers “Orange Blossom Special,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and some upbeat jazzy, funk, and hip hop tunes.  The entire set is available at dougcameron.com for $119.95; each volume is also available separately.