How to Read Music in 90 Minutes (A Visual, Color-Based Workshop)

Learn to read and write music using simple visual tricks with arranger Marcel Camargo - for beginners



1.5 hours Location Alhambra Class size 2 to 10 guests   $75

Do you wish you could make sense of sheet music?
In this relaxed, hands-on class, you’ll learn to read music in just 90 minutes—no experience required.
We’ll explore music notation with a playful twist: Marcel is a synesthete and experiences musical notes as colors. Using his simple visual color associations, you’ll discover an intuitive way to remember notes, rhythms, and patterns—like learning a new language through shapes and colors.
It’s fun, memorable, and surprisingly effective.
Perfect for adults who never studied music, singers who want to read melodies, or musicians who play by ear and want to finally understand notation.
About Marcel Camargo
Marcel Camargo is a Brazilian-born Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer, and arranger based in Los Angeles with over 30 years of professional experience. His work includes performances and arrangements for artists like Michael Bublé, Jason Mraz, and Sergio Mendes, orchestral projects with major symphonies, and film/TV scoring work.
He’s known for explaining complex musical ideas in simple, intuitive ways—and for his unique synesthetic approach to hearing music as color, which helps students remember what they learn.
Classes are held in Marcel’s home studio in a small-group format so everyone gets personal help.
Follow-up classes on chord symbols, lead sheets, songwriting, Brazilian music (and all things musically related) are available.
What you'll get
  • How the musical staff works
  • Musical notes, rhythms, rests, and time signatures
  • How to read simple melodies
  • Simple visual/color tricks to remember notes
  • Guidance on how to keep practicing reading on your own
By the end of class, you’ll be able to read beginner sheet music with confidence.
Cheat-sheet (with optional color guide!) included.
Knowledge required
No previous experience required, we welcome anyone who is a beginner in music notation. Maybe you already play an instrument or sing but never bridged the gap with notation or maybe you're a complete novice, either way this class is for you.
What to bring
Please bring a music notebook, writing utensil and your curiosity! No instruments required (though you're welcome to bring one if you'd like).
Location

Alhambra, CA

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

How to Read Music in 90 Minutes (A Visual, Color-Based Workshop) location
Your teacher

Marcel Camargo
Marcel Camargo


Marcel Camargo is a Brazilian-born musician, educator, and Grammy-nominated producer with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Holding a degree in Ethnomusicology from UCLA, Marcel’s deep connection to Brazilian music is reflected in his work as both a performer and educator.
Having worked with artists like Sérgio Mendes, Bebel Gilberto, Michael Bublé, and featured on hit films like Rio 2 and TV shows like Dexter, Marcel brings his extensive expertise to the world of Brazilian guitar. His classes offer students an immersive exploration of Brazil's rich musical traditions, including bossa nova, samba, and other iconic styles.
Through his Brazilian guitar workshops, Marcel introduces students to key rhythms, chord progressions, and fingerpicking techniques that are the foundation of Brazilian guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, his classes will deepen your understanding of Brazilian music, expanding your skills and musical vocabulary.
Join Marcel’s class for a hands-on, culturally rich experience that combines music theory, technique, and the soul of Brazil. Discover the beauty of Brazilian guitar in a supportive andinteractive learning environment.

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2026-11-20 15:00:00
class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production los-angeles Los Angeles CA US los-angeles