One of the biggest problems with music education these days is that many students are practicing scales in the same way, everyday…forever. For example, let’s say a teacher is using the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams as a…
Rolf Lislevand plays A.Stradivari Sabionari, 1679 guitar. He’s playing Tarantela by Spanish guitarist and composer Santiago de Murcia (1673–1739). I just love Baroque guitar with its pluckier softer sound. When played on modern guitar the strumming is a bit harsh and…
Fikret Amirov‘s Lyrical Dance and On Hunting from Miniatures played by Russian guitarist Rovshan Mamedkuliev via GSI. Wow, a beautiful opening work followed by some extreme virtuosity in the dance. Make sure to keep watching! Mamedkuliev is the 2012 GFA winner.…
Many students wonder how often they should practice with a metronome because there is little consensus in music education as to the benefits or negative consequences. Before outlining some pros and cons of metronome use I’d like to tell you what…
Nocturnal after John Dowland, op. 70 by Benjamin BrittenThese posts explore famous works of the past and present. You might enjoy the history and video performances, or this might be a good way for students to become familiar with the famous works. Sheet…
Rovshan Mamedkuliev Plays Gran Jota by Tárrega via the Portland Classic Guitar Series. This guy definitely has energy…too fast on occasion? Impressive nevertheless. I do like his extreme articulations and dynamics, it’s exciting and fun! If more people played like this…
Some of my students are starting to play weddings and they are filled with questions. I’ve played many wedding over the years but I remember how nerve racking the first few were. If only I had a small guide and…
William Kanengiser plays The Magic Serenade by Bryan Johanson. Nice spoken introduction to the piece. via Youtube: “This video was recorded on January 31st, 2014 as part of the 2013-2014 Portland Classic Guitar Series. The piece was composed by Portland based composer Bryan…
Gerald Garcia recently did an interview with guitarist/teacher Xu Bao in Chengdu at the Sichuan Conservatoire. A very interesting interview with an accomplished teacher. Here’s a video of one of the young students via Garcia’s YouTube. Gerald, does this kid have…
Learn more or buy via Amazon: Essential Flamenco Guitar Essential Flamenco Guitar: Volume 1by Juan MartinPublisher: Mel Bay140 pages I’ve been a long time fan of Juan Martin’s other book, (Amazon: Solo Flamenco Guitar, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1) which are…
Marina Alexandra plays March of Toy Soldiers by Nikita Koshkin & Sunburst by Andrew York via TEDx on YouTube. She gives a nice little explanation of both pieces before playing which explains the musical effects in relation to the story of the…
Ten Classical Etudes Lesson: Study No.14, Op.60 by Matteo Carcassi. From my sheet music eBook (PDF): Ten Classical Etudes. Includes fingering, notation & notation + TAB edition. YouTube Video Lesson Link. This etude develops free-stroke scale-work with bass notes and a…