Finding Masterclasses (And Concerts!)
Classical Guitar Tips
Sometimes the audience is a good place to be during a masterclass. But first, we have to find them. Guitar Societies Local guitar societies often sponsor masterclasses with their performers. You can find a directory of guitar societies on the GFA Website. There’s also a good list on the Delcamp Guitar Forum. If the society […]
Read MoreHow to Get the Most out of a Masterclass
Classical Guitar Tips
If you’re in a major city, or happen to be located near a guitar society or university, you’ve no doubt had guitarists come through. Most of them do masterclasses as well. Maybe you’ve always avoid the masterclass–thinking it more for younger students. Let me tell you: stop it. Masterclasses are a great opportunities to pick […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Turina Sonata
Monday Motivation
“If you learn music, you’ll learn most all there is to know.” –Edgar Cayce Today we feature Frank Bungarten performing Turina’s Sonata. All three movements are on youtube, if you’d like to keep listening.
Read MoreConcert Review: Eliot Fisk in Dallas, TX
Classical Guitar Concert Reviews
Last night (9/11/2010), I had the opportunity to see Eliot Fisk in concert. It was an interesting experience: I’ve seen very few of the “old guard” of classical guitarists. Certainly Eliot Fisk plays differently from many guitarists, but one thing is certain: the man has a huge stage presence and he owned the hall last […]
Read MoreI’m Thinking About…
Ask the Readers
Going to take a break from your regularly scheduled content today because I have a question to ask. But if you want to know what I’ve been thinking about music wise, it’s this. Why we don’t focus more on form in music theory classes is beyond me. Anyway, I’m thinking of putting out a one […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: James Lentini
Monday Motivation
“Music is a product of the behavior of human groups, whether formal or informal: it is humanly organized sound.” -John Blacking, in How Musical Is Man? Composer/guitarist James Lentini writes music for orchestra, wind symphony, various chamber ensembles, and guitar. This piece is one of a set he wrote for the pedagogue Charles Postlewate’s anthology […]
Read MoreReal Discipline
Classical Guitar Practice Tips
Real discipline is not sticking to a practice schedule or spending xx minutes on scales and xx minutes on arpeggios every day. Real discipline is also not practicing a certain number of hours each day or playing a hard section 20 times straight. Real discipline is knowing when to stop. It’s knowing when working on […]
Read MoreAn Interview with Michael Chapdelaine
Interviews with Classical Guitarists
Michael Chapdelaine has been in the guitar business for a long time. He studied with Segovia and many other of the older maestros, and has a unique perspective on the guitar world today–he’s not afraid to tell you exactly what he thinks. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I do. Part One […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Amanda Cook Edition
Monday Motivation
“Intelligent intuition is the result of deliberate practice.” -Jonah Lehrer, in How We Decide I was looking through some videos of concerts at Classical Guitar Retreat, and stumbled upon this video with Amanda Cook. It features two pieces composed by William Lovelady.
Read MoreBeginner/Intermediate Repertoire List
Classical Guitar Repertoire
This is a (very incomplete**) list of some of the best repertoire for beginning and early intermediate guitarists. For now, this includes mostly books/collections and etudes. Methods Most of you work with methods to start with. I personally use the by Stanley Yates. Why? He was my teacher, and after a lot of discussion in […]
Read More