The 2011 UT Dallas Guitar Competition was held March 3-5, 2011. The competition is a bit different from others: each applicant submits a CD. This is the first round. The people invited to the actual competition are then semi-finalists. There were 15 semi-finalists, and four finalists. The 2011 Competition Winners First Place: Adam Kossler (USA) […]

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This may be the most serious problem in the classical guitar world today: the obsession with difficulty. That is, the idea that pieces of a certain level are the goal. We want to be able to just get through them, or use the most difficult fingering, or play the hardest piece, regardless of how well […]

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Gohar Vardanyan has a pedagogical pedigree that most guitarists would kill for. She’s studied with Manuel Barrueco, Antigoni Goni, and Sharon Isbin. Clearly she’s gleened more than a few gems of wisdom from her teachers. Vardanyan is an artist on the cusp of a great professional career. Guitar Fort Worth brought Ms. Vardanyan in for […]

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The Columbus State University Guitar Competition & Symposium was held February 26-27, 2011. “The CSU Guitar Symposium is an annual event bringing together guitarists from around the world for education and artistic stimulation. This two-day festival consists of guest artist concerts, masterclasses, lectures, and an international competition with divisions for middle school through professional levels.” […]

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Andras Csaki is the winner of the 2009 Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition. This video of Mario Catelnuovo-Tedesco’s Sonata, Op. 77 Omaggio a Boccherini, and was taken while Csaki was recording his Naxos CD.

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Philip Hii explains the premise behind the philosophy of virtuosity he’s been laying out in previous weeks on his blog and in his book the Art of Virtuosity. Everything he talks about (rhythm, fluidity, looseness and lightness, etc.) are all part of a whole. You can’t be good at one and miss out on the […]

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Having a website is important. But what do you put on it? Obviously the goal of a site, especially for a musician, is to do one of two things. First, it can generate a lead. for instance, you might want to make a central focus of your website getting students. If that’s the case, you […]

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5 Lessons From the High School Band Room

Musical Interpretation and Musicianship
5 Lessons From the High School Band Room

Every year, public school band programs enroll thousands of students. These students learn valuable musical skills that don’t often make it to the guitar world. It’s unfortunate that we completely ignore the world of large ensemble playing because there is so much to learn! 1. Breathe! You may not of noticed this, but to play […]

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Koentopp Guitars of Chicago, Illinois has recently added Roddy Ellias to its growing list of endorsed musicians. Roddy Ellias is one of the most well-respected guitarists in Canada. His dynamism as an artist and his consistent pursuit of harmonic and melodic adventure have made him a consummate musician. Known for his energetic performances and his […]

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Today we feature Tilman Hoppstock performing Study No. 1 by Allan Willcocks. Thanks to Pete for bringing these Willcocks etudes to my attention!

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