Jason Bateman is Obsessed with Classical Music
Classical Guitar Tips
[via Life’s a Pitch]
Read MoreFree Stuff: Ornamentation Ebook
Classical Guitar Tips
During the fall semester I wrote a lengthy paper on ornamentation on the guitar. It begins with an examination of renaissance free ornamentation (divisions). Next, it moves on to baroque ornamentation, then 19th century ornaments. The final section of the ebook examines some technical considerations for realizing ornamentation on the guitar.1 It should serve to […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Ponce Edition
Monday Motivation
“Be not so bigoted to any custom as to worship it at the expense of truth.” —Johann Georg von Zimmermann Lately I’ve been listening to some of Ponce’s music. I’ve not heard a lot of it and I haven’t studied any. These four pieces, performed by Jeffrey McFadden, caught my ear.
Read MoreAn Interview with Stephen Aron
Interviews with Classical Guitarists
Stephen Aron has been in the guitar performing/arranging/teaching/composing business for a while. His recordings are great, and he’s a fantastic arranger (scroll down) and performer. You can connect with Mr. Aron on facebook. Part 1 How Mr. Aron got started on guitar What he’s looking for in prospective students Choosing repertoire for students Part 2 […]
Read MoreOn My Mind
Best of the Classical Guitar Blog
There has been a severe lack of posts in the last few weeks. I’ve been giving a few solo recitals (along with a guitar duo performance thrown in) and traveling a lot to do doctoral auditions. Things will be quieter in a few weeks, and The Classical Guitar Blog with back to normal. In the […]
Read MoreBranding for Better Practicing
Classical Guitar Practice Tips
A brand is an identity. When I say “Nike,” you think shoes. When I say, “Yamaha,” you’d probably think of guitars. Both those are brands: strong identities associated with a name. Musicians, especially those trying to make a living in music, should have brands as well. A brand is easy to think up, just ask […]
Read MoreOn Teaching Children
Guitar Teaching
Music is a gift. A gift for all ages and all cultures. It’s not for adults only, but children as well. You might ask, “Why should I bother teaching children classical guitar?” There are many reasons. One that comes to mind immediately is that children who study music and classical guitar are the future core […]
Read MoreThree Ways to Develop an Arpeggio
Classical Guitar Technique, Classical Guitar Videos
We can take the most basic of arpeggios and develop them in several ways. The first is to just move the thumb around. Second, move the whole thing around. Third, rotate through the fingers (explained in detail here). What else should I do video lessons on?
Read MoreHow to Prepare a Score
Classical Guitar Practice Tips
Before sitting down to begin work on a piece, a few things can be done to make your life easier. Organize I make copies of all my sheet music and place them in a binder. This serves two purposes: (1) it keeps the original nicer while still having a performance edition and (2) it lets […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Tampalini Edition
Monday Motivation
“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.” -Og Mandino Today we feature Giulio Tampalini […]
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