Classical Guitar Lessons
Learn more about the instrument, the music, artists and techniques
I have been a student of the classical guitar for over 30 years and a full time teacher for 12.
The format of each session isn't set in stone but I aim to create a programme that helps you to achieve your goals.
I don't try to force my musical tastes on you during your time with me, but I can help you to learn more about the styles you love, the artists who defined them and the musical vocabulary/techniques they used and developed.
Each lesson varies in its content from person to person, however through all my lessons I do encourage the development of organised, efficient practise to help you make the most of your time and develop more quickly.
At the first classical guitar lesson we'll discuss where you want to get to and how that might be achieved. Find out what music you enjoy plus, do some playing for fun and to measure your technique.
The Classical Guitar?
Classic/Classical guitar is a term used to describe the instruments form/design, materials and construction as well as many of the techniques that allow players to express themselves. The classical guitar is a 6 stringed guitar featuring 3 nylon strings, which help give it its characteristic sound. It has a form which has not changed considerably since its inception, but - just as with all things change does occur even if its not immediately obvious.
"As a style of music making it incorporates World music, influenced not only by consumable music but also Jazz, Blues, Rock, Metal, Latin and all things in-between."
In its relatively short life composers and players have brought elements of Spanish and Latin folk music to it - as well as Jazz, Bebop, Blues and World music. If you can name it - it can and has been played on the 'classic' guitar, just check out the work of Bret Williams, Carlo Domeniconi, Leo Brouwer or Richard Charlton. There is more to the classic guitar than the name suggests and I would encourage anyone thinking of taking up the guitar to maintain an open mind, let go of preconceptions and
embrace this wonderful member of the guitar family.
Inspiration Station
Not sure what it's all about?
Here are just a few examples of Classical guitar music to inspire and motivate you.
"The classical guitar repertoire includes music from composers long gone, to those alive and creating today."
New from the Belper Guitarist
Practise along with me
Fernando Sor’s complete studies Op.60 is one of the most famous etude collections. Each study covers a different learning concept. A very musical collection, especially when compared to other composers for the guitar, and a general guide to 'good technique', more so than a pure method book.
The primary goal of the collection, as a whole, is to promote clean legato technique with Fernando Sor exploring this by playing through various harmonies.
The studies are quite accessible ranging from grade 1 to grade 7. However the majority of the pieces are around the grade 4 to 5 level. All studies, 1-25 are available at Youtube
Sheet Music
Noel Hathaway: Rhapsody Funebre, Catharina Pratten, (1824-1895).
Romantic era music for guitar composed by Mme. Sidney Pratten, (Catharina Josepha Pratten - 1824-1895) and Emilia Giuliani-Gugliemi - 1813-1850, as well as other works for guitar.
My transcriptions are presented for private study, include fingering guides for both hands and are available as a PDF booklet in either Notation or TAB editions or as an interactive
Soundslice via a unique link.
Interesting guitar related things I've discovered recently
Rupert Boyd: God of the Northern Forest, Phillip Houghton (b.1954).
Australian Guitarist Rupert Boyd performs 'God of the Northern Forest' by Contemporary Australian Composer Phillip Houghton.
Kyuhee Park: Prelude No.2, Heitor Villa Lobos (1887-1959).
Kyuhee Park performs Prelude No.2 by Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959). This comes via her YouTube channel, which is well worth subscribing to. Looking forward to what she posts in 2023!
Anabel Montesinos: Prelude No.5, Heitor Villa Lobos (1887-1959).
Spanish guitarist Anabel Montesinos performing Prelude No.5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959).
Anabel Montesinos is a winner of several major international guitar competitions, including the Francisco Tárrega in Spain and the Michele Pittaluga in Alessandria, Italy.
New Guitar Music from Bret Williams
'Film Grain' The first composition from Bret Williams new recording 'Three Compositions'. May 2020, always inventive and beautifully performed. Visit: Bret Williams to find out more.
Female Guitarists and Composers
Wake the sigh, Emma Rush. This recording is a real delight. Canadian classical guitarist Emma Rush shines a light on 19th Century female musicians and composers for the romantic guitar.
The playing is pitched just right, always serving the music and honouring the composers many of whom you'll probably have never heard of, coming as they did from a time when earning a living from creating music was seen as the preserve of their male counterparts.
This really is worth your time and if you would like to know more please visit Emma's website: Emma Rush
Conceptual Guitar Music
This is one of the most challenging pieces I've ever performed.
The piece is called DYNJANDI and is part of UNBOUND, a commissioning project/album concept/recital program and it is to explore what virtuosity looks/sounds like in the 21st century.
I've asked 8 amazing composers from all over the world; Australia, Brazil, Iceland, Latvia, and the United States, to each write me a virtuosic solo guitar piece.
Fast arpeggios, fast scales, or complex rhythm?
It's totally up to the composers' interpretation. I'm challenged
to push my limits as a guitarist and I'm very excited for this challenge.
Rock, Blues and Jazz Guitar Music
Czech classical guitarist Pavel Steidl performing;
"Hommage à Jimi Hendrix" by Carlo Domeniconi at Moscow's International "Guitar Virtuosos" festival.
Tchaikovsky Hall, Moscow. March 21, 2011.
It's not often that you see classical guitarists bending strings (around 5'.30" - 6'.30"). Followed by a fiery legato section featuring right and left hand tapping,
phenomenal stuff! pavel steidl