Open Thread: How to Keep Your Hands Warm?
Ask the Readers
Some of us experience extremely cold hands before a performance. I don’t do anything other than keep my hands tucked under my armpits. I have friends that swear by, “hot hands,” and I know people that wear gloves right until they walk on on stage. How do you deal with cold hands?
Read MoreThames Guitar Comparison
Updates & Activities
Seth Guillen, a friend of mine, and I have three Thames guitars between us. So we both played a piece on all three and filmed it to see what kind of differences we could find. Guitar One: 2009 Michael Thames – Cedar top, Indian rosewood back/sides Guitar Two: 2007 Michael Thames – Cedar top, Brazilian […]
Read MoreUnlocking Carcassi’s Dynamics
Musical Interpretation and Musicianship
Want to really learn how to interpret 19th century music? Carcassi is extremely precise about his dynamics. Sor and Giuliani are less so. By examining and thinking critically about what Carcassi does, you can get general ideas about how to shape a line and deal with appoggiaturas or other musical elements. This is meant to […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Brouwer Edition
Monday Motivation
“When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men’s minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.” -Cicero Today we feature Leo Brouwer performing Astor Piazzolla‘s La Muerte del Angel.
Read MoreTechnique in 30 Minutes
Classical Guitar Technique
If there only were thirty minutes in a day to do technical exercises, here’s what I’d do: Arpeggios with slow/fast alternation– c.15 mins Three finger: p i m; p m i; p i a; p a i; p m a; p a m Three finger (w/ repeated finger): p i m i; p m i […]
Read MoreThe Musician’s Way Giveaway
Classical Guitar Tips
There is actually two copies to give away of The Musician’s Way. After Oxford heard about the review, they sent a long another copy. As such, two people won! I used http://www.random.org/ to generate a number. I just clicked on Generate twice in a row and counted the comments. Congrats to Jordan, the 25th comment […]
Read MoreHeike Matthiesen Interview
Interviews with Classical Guitarists
Heike Matthiesen is a concert guitarist based in Germany. Unlike most professionals today, she started guitar very late. She was great to talk to: enthusiastic about what she’s doing and the instrument and full of useful advice. Heike is very open to interacting with her fans, and you can connect with her on Twitter, Youtube, […]
Read MoreRead This Book: The Musician’s Way
Classical Guitar Book Reviews
When Gerald Klickstein sent me his book on tuning the guitar by ear, he also sent his other book, The Musician’s Way (aff. link). I’m always excited about books like this. Most times they fill gaping holes in the normal music curriculum, and give me at least a few gems of knowledge I hadn’t thought […]
Read MoreThink (and Look) Ahead of Your Hands
Guitar Practice Techniques
At some point when I was first getting into classical guitar, I got in the habit of not looking at either of my hands. I stare off into space or zone out — the equivalent of having my eyes closed. Looking at your hands while playing can be beneficial, but it has to be done […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: No Nails Edition
Monday Motivation
“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” -Duke Ellington Today we feature Gary Stewart playing Albeniz with no nails. The guitar he is playing is a copy of a Torres. The video is only of the guitar, not Gary.
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