Practicing Scales: Versatility and Vitality

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…

Rolf Lislevand Plays Santiago de Murcia on a 1679 Guitar

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…

Rovshan Mamedkuliev plays Amirov

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…

Practicing with a metronome: pros, cons, & tips

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…

Rovshan Mamedkuliev Plays Gran Jota by Tárrega

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,…

William Kanengiser plays Johanson

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…

Amazing Youth Guitarist from Chengdu

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…

Review: Essential Flamenco Guitar by Juan Martin

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,…