An Interview with Carlos Barbos-Lima
Interviews with Classical Guitarists
Emon over at Guitarkadia published a three-part video interview with Carlos Barbosa-Lima. The first part is embedded below. Part Two and part three can be seen over at Guitarkadia. Interview w/ Carlos Barbosa-Lima Part 1 from Emon Hassan.
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Pena Edition
Monday Motivation
“It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” -Abraham Lincoln In today’s video Julian Bream sits with Paco Pena for a chat. Fun to watch!
Read MoreThe Real Truth About Performance Anxiety
Guitar Performance Tips
Is that it’s probably not going away, and we should be grateful for that. The nervousness and excitement before a concert is what gives us that edge as a performer–it’s what makes interpretations exciting and keeps us coming back. In the audience, the feeling of a live concert is entirely different from that of recordings. […]
Read MoreAn Interview with Luthier John H. Dick
Interviews with Classical Guitarists
I lived in Iowa for about 22 years, spend eight of them playing guitar, but somehow I missed that Iowa is home to Luthier John H. Dick. His shop is in West Branch just outside of Iowa City. He was kind enough to let me drop by while I was in Iowa doing some performances. […]
Read MoreOpen Thread: Horror Stories
Ask the Readers
I want to hear the stories behind the nicks and dings on your guitar. Any good ones? I just put my first real ding on my Thames while changing strings. My high e string slipped out of the 12-hole tie block leaving this beauty: I still remember my first ding on my Kenny Hill New […]
Read MoreTeaching: How to End a Piece (Interpretation 101)
Guitar Teaching
There’s a belief that students must learn to move their fingers first. Only after the ability to play has been well established can the student begin work on musicality, musicianship, interpretation, and stage deportment. This is certainly true in some respects. Students do have to learn to move their hands a bit first. From their […]
Read MoreAngled vs. Straight Left Hand Position
Classical Guitar Technique
The photos above show two common positions for the left hand: the first is with the knuckles parallel to the neck (straight), the second is angled. Common wisdom is that the hand must always be in the parallel position. I disagree. Easy Doctrine Once again, we’re back to easy. Sometimes an angled hand positions makes […]
Read MoreThe Fingertip Myth
Classical Guitar Technique
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been telling students that they must play with their left hand finger tips. This is the strongest position and yields the best sound. The reality is, however, not so clear cut. The Easy Doctrine If there’s one overarching philosophy I try to preach on the classical guitar […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Noteworthy Edition
Monday Motivation
“Do something. If it doesn’t work, do something else. No idea is too crazy.” -Jim Hightower Last Friday I had the opportunity to catch the Noteworthy Duo in concert. They did a fantastic job. Their repertoire of choice is South American music which makes for a very attractive program. This piece was one of those […]
Read MoreNews: Austin Peay State University Guitar Workshop
Around the Web
From June 28 to July 2, 2010 APSU will be hosting the first annual Summer Guitar Workshop. The workshop will offer a variety of classes for both fingerstyle and classical guitarists and will feature a several competitions. Join the Facebook Group to get updates about the festival. The Faculty Stanley Yates, Director Stephen Aron, Classical […]
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