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…
Lesson for Study No.6 Op.60 by Fernando SorFrom my sheet music eBook (PDF): Ten Classical EtudesIncludes fingering, notation & notation + TAB edition.YouTube Video Lesson Link (4k) The first etude is a basic legato study by Fernando Sor. As you improve…
This classical guitar lesson in right hand articulation is brought to you by Strings By Mail and Gohar Vardanyan. It has an excellent discussion about how to play legato, staccato, detached, and general articulation. I like the two different camera angles as well.…
Thomas Viloteau via his youtube channel gives a lesson in right hand arpeggios of classical guitar. He discusses aspects of gaining control, variety to avoid the difficulty of repetitive motions as well as control the texture, keeping the hand stable,…