Problem: Even when students practice efficiently there is still the possibility that they are not practicing well. Here’s an example: Brad practices the most difficult sections of his music during his daily practice session (this is good). He practices the difficult…
A lesson on String Dampening for classical guitar by the excellent Scott Morris. This lesson is via Guitar Salon International. Don’t worry if you don’t fully understand all the theory or harmonic language, the main idea is that some sounds…
As a follow up to last week’s review of Ricardo Iznaola’s On Practicing: A manual for students of guitar performance, I came across a checklist including a statement called “Emotional Detachment”. Here is what Iznaola states: a. Emotional Detachment from the material being…
One of the most important lessons a student can learn is that practicing music is a problem solving experience. I read an article a few years back by classical guitarist and educator Scott Tennant that clearly defined the difference between playing…
I read an interesting section from Art of Classical Guitar Playing (Amazon link) by Charles Duncan earlier today. It was on “The Principle of Functional Tension” and was aimed at dispelling the vague notion of “relaxation” in music. Instead, the author outlines two…
Lesson: Study No. 19, Op. 60 by Matteo Carcassi. From my PDF eBook: Ten Classical Etudes. Includes fingering, notation & notation + TAB edition. YouTube Video Link. Allegro Moderato, Study No. 19, Op. 60 by Matteo CarcassiDespite being No. 19 in…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Students often ask me when to use rubato so here’s a piece of advice: not too often! Pulse is an essential element to the majority of music we play, therefore, don’t obscure the rhythmic element of pulse with unnecessary amounts…
Lesson for Allegretto, No. 22, Op. 50 by Mauro Giuliani – From my sheet music eBook (PDF): Ten Classical Etudes. Includes fingering, notation & notation + TAB edition. YouTube Video Lesson Link. This is a great introductory etude for slurs and…