Classical Guitar
People are often discouraged from learning Classical Guitar because they imagine it will be more complex and intimidating than other styles. This is a great shame as the classical guitar is in many ways the ideal amateur's instrument. It is perfectly suited to solo performance- sounding complete in itself without the need to become part of a group. It has a huge repertoire of fantastic music from all parts of the world. Entry level Classical Guitar pieces are complete in themselves and immediately rewarding to play, whilst advanced students can look forward to the challenge of tackling some of the most sophisticated and beautiful music ever played on the instrument.
Classical guitarists have the advantage of learning from a tried and tested body of teaching. The guitar methods of Dionisio Aguado and Fernando Sor were published in the mid 19th centaury and have been continually developed and improved upon by successive generations of guitarists. All of my students receive a thorough grounding, establishing a proper, relaxed sitting position, before moving on to right and left hand development, tone production, reading, theory and aural skills. At all stages I introduce specially selected pieces which are appropriate to each students ability and which are interesting and rewarding to play.
Lessons are carefully planned to complement individual learning styles. I passionately believe that learning should be stress free and enjoyable. Students progress at their own pace and are encouraged to take on new challenges only when they are ready for them.
Those wishing to enter for formal graded exams can choose between 'The Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music' or the 'Trinity/Guildhall' syllabus. People who have studied with me over the years have achieved consistently good results at all grades, including a high proportion of credits and distinctions. Throughout my whole teaching career I have had only one student fail an exam. People, on the other hand, who do not wish to enter graded exams preferring to pursue a more individual course of study are put under no pressure to do so and can expect the same standards of instruction and level of commitment on my part.
More advanced students are encouraged to broaden their repertoire and deepen their understanding and appreciation of musical history and culture. Lessons become more focused on the development of each student's individual voice- reflecting his or her own interests and tastes. technical development becomes more focused on problem solving in relation to specific pieces, emphasising the practical skills needed in diploma level examinations and in public performance.