Belmont Students Learn from Guitar Legends

New immersive residency series connects students with industry pros for collaborative performances, masterclasses and conversations

This spring, artists like Christian McBride, Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm and Greg Howe didn’t just visit Belmont — they rehearsed, taught and performed alongside students as part of a new guitar residency series.  

Led by Assistant Professor of Guitar Dr. Paulo Oliveira, the series was designed to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that mirror the realities of a professional music career. Rather than a single clinic or performance, each residency gave students the opportunity to work directly with the most respected names in guitar and bass through campus-wide conversations and instrument-specific masterclasses to full-scale concerts where students shared the stage with visiting artists. 

“We didn’t just want great musicians — we wanted great teachers,” said Oliveira. “Artists who not only perform at the highest level but also understand mentorship and how to work with students.” 

Students prepared music in advance, received direct feedback in smaller settings and had the chance to perform alongside artists they had spent years studying. 

From Listening to Playing 

For sophomore commercial guitar major Joey Tapawan, that shift from listener to collaborator reframed his own sense of growth. After years of hearing these musicians from a distance, stepping into the same musical space brought a new level of motivation. 

“I’ve listened to these artists before, so getting to play with them really showed me how far I’ve come,” Tapawan said. “It makes me even more excited to see what’s next.” 

What surprised him most, however, wasn’t their technical ability — it was their approach to the work itself. Despite their global recognition, the artists brought ease and generosity to every interaction, creating an environment where students felt both challenged and supported. 

“They’re some of the best musicians in the world, but they’re so down to earth,” he said. “It just felt like playing music with a friend.” 

Their balance of excellence and approachability carried into both rehearsals and performances. Students weren’t simply trying to keep up — they were invited into the process, encouraged to listen closely, respond and contribute. 

Inspiration Turned Experience 

For graduate student Robbie Heyde, the experience marked a full-circle moment. Having spent years studying artists like Greg Howe, he arrived at Belmont expecting to learn from faculty and refine his skills. He didn’t anticipate the opportunity to perform that same music alongside the artists themselves. 

“I’ve been listening to Greg Howe since I was a freshman in high school,” Heyde said. “Back then, his music felt impossible to play. Now I’m here actually performing it.” 

Performing with artists of that caliber brings a new level of accountability, but also affirmation. “Playing alongside a legend is something I never thought I’d get to do,” he said. “And getting that kind of feedback — I’ll never forget it.” 

Beyond performance, students also gained insight into the mindset required to sustain a career in music. The visiting artists emphasized curiosity, consistency and a long-term commitment to growth. 

For first-year student Matthew Trevino, those takeaways helped expand both his skillset and his perspective. “It’s intimidating, but incredibly educational,” he said. “Even small pieces of feedback can change how you approach your playing.” 

As one of the younger students performing in the series, Trevino experienced firsthand the challenge, and reward, of stepping into a high-level musical environment. 

“Getting acknowledged for my playing by the artist who wrote the music gave me a huge boost,” he said. 

Experiences like these are central to how the residency was designed to function: as a catalyst for continued growth. Oliveira has already seen that impact take hold, with students returning from sessions more motivated to practice, collaborate and push their abilities further. 

“They come back excited to play,” he said. “That’s what helps them grow.”

Real-world Learning Environment 

For visiting artist Frank Gambale, that level of preparation and engagement stood out. “Most masterclasses are just a couple of hours,” Gambale said. “But this was more intensive. The students had already been preparing my music before I arrived. It was a heartwarming experience... hearing these students playing my music.”  

At Belmont, that connection between classroom and career is intentional. By creating opportunities for students to rehearse, perform and learn alongside industry leaders, the guitar residency series offers a model for experiential learning that creates long-term impact.  

For students like Tapawan, Heyde and Trevino, that impact is already clear — not just in their playing, but in their confidence, perspective and sense of what’s possible. 

“It’s shaping me not just as a musician, but as a leader and a thinker,” Tapawan said. 

For those who once studied these artists from a distance, the residency marks a turning point from listening and learning to stepping on stage, collaborating and leading.