Herman Schamp (°1954 Ghent) is both a classical guitarist and a classical guitar teacher. After completing his studies at the conservatory, he met and became friends with Digno Garcia, who introduced him into the music of Paraguay and northern Argentina. This was an opportunity to work together with Antonio Torres, Carlos Espinoza a.o. After Digno’s death, he founded his own band, Caminando, with Jopie Jonkers, Koen De Cauter and Karel Vercruysse. Meanwhile he studied Django style guitar playing with Fapy Lafertin and played Jazz Manouche with a.o. the Limberger family and Xavier Bronchart. There were enriching encounters with Joop Ayal, Bill Greenow and others. Back then he homerecorded the CD “Les Lilas”, with songs of his own and silenced versions of Django Reinhardt compositions. Later, in cooperation with Tcha Limberger and Bas Cooijmans, two additional CD’s “Schemer” and “Tussen Hemel en Aarde” were recorded, composed in a very contemporary poetic language. After Tcha moved to Budapest a vast period of compositional study and reflection followed. Apart from the guitar duo with Tcha Limberger he is also involved in projects with young artists like Bart Vervaeck and Stijn Bettens.

Digno Garcia, for introducing me into the folk music of Paraguay.

Fapy Lafertin, for opening a door to the Django style of guitar playing.

Olivier Messiaen, for his 'Traité de rythme, de couleur et d'ornithologie'.

And thanks to my pupils. Amongst others, Magali De Rouck and Myrddin De Cauter.