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Spanish flamenco guitar Lessons

Chord learning Routines: The C and Am chord

1 Introduction

1.1 What are you going to learn?

In this lesson you will learn a C and Am chord, and use them to play this 4 bar song song.

You will learn the shapes, how to play the chords with clarity and above all, play them in a context that simulates the real thing. This means that you will learn to hear in advance the music you wish to play, so as to prepare and synchronise your left and right hand to play it, to a beat.

You will not be reading what you have to play, but rather, hearing what you have to play. This way of learning and playing, will be more rewarding, it will increase your learning speed and therefore your final satisfaction.

You will also consolidate a routine, for learning other shapes, with a self assessment criteria that will prove to you that you know it.

1.2 How are you going to learn?

Step by step, having fun, and following strictly my guidelines to help you immediately create some beautiful music.

So, rather than simply playing two chords with no logic, you will learn how to use them to play a song with feeling. This end result feels better, it also makes sense and as a consequence you have more fun and learn quickly..

You will learn the chords and songs in four steps.

1.2.1 Step one

In step one you will relate visually the shape of the chord, to the fretboard, to place your fingers in a specific sequence and arpeggiate the chord to create a four beat musical phrase.

You will identify the foundation of the chord, the note on which it is constructed from. That is our target note, the note to look for whenever we want to play any chord.

In step one, you will learn how to produce clear chordal sounds with patience and repetition.

1.2.2 Step two

You will initiate a slow practice routine to memorise and consolidate the shapes of the chords.

You will play the chords in tempo to create rhythm and further consolidate the clarity of the execution.

1.2.3 Step three

In step 3 you will play this song, a simple 8 bar song, where you play chords for half of the time, the rhythm of the song, and the other half you will play the melody, which would be the vocal line, what the vocalist of a band would sing.

1.2.4 Step four

You will complete assignments to prove that you have learnt the how and what of playing the C and Am chord.

2 Step 1: How to memorise a shape ( The C and Am chord )

2.1 The Goal

The goal of step one is to learn to play a chord by applying the following routine.

In this course you will first see the shape of a chord as a diagram, then you will apply this routine:

Place your fingers in order
Name the bass
Play the bass
Play one string at a time from the bass
Clarity Check: If a string sounds muted,place a pen underneath the tips of your fingers and lift them, this will clean up the sound
Play one string at a time from the bass

Let’s learn this routine.

2.2 How to understand a diagram

In the following diagrams you will see chord shapes with numbers.

These numbers correspond to the following fingers of the hand, that you will use to apply pressure onto the fretboard.

Right handed people generally use the left hand to form the shapes. Left handed people generally use their right hand.

2.3 C Chord

Your first objective in this learning will be to relate the chord diagram to the guitar fretboard.

This is the C chord diagram. In the diagram you have vertical lines and horizontal lines.

The vertical lines represent the frets. The horizontal lines represent the strings in order from sixth to first.

2.3.1 Fingers

1st finger where ?

Look at the diagram and relate.

Where must I place my first finger to start creating the shape?

On what fret?

My first finger, as shown in the diagram must go in the first fret.

On what string?

My first finger, as shown in the diagram, must go on the second string.

Place your finger down.

2nd finger where ?

Let’s move on to the second finger. Please leave your first finger down.

Ask yourself: Where must I place my second finger to continue creating the shape?

What fret?

My second finger, as shown in the diagram, must go on the second fret.

What string ?

My second finger, as shown in the diagram, must goon the fourth string.

Place your second finger down.

3rd finger where?

Let’s move on to the third finger. Please leave your first and second fingers down.

Ask yourself: Where should I place my third finger to continue creating the shape?

What fret?

My 3rd finger as shown in the diagram, must go on the third fret.

What string?

My 3rd finger, as shown in the diagram, must go on the fifth string.

Say three and place your third finger down and strum with your thumb.

2.3.2 Get a good sound

Are any of the strings buzzing when you strum?

If they are you need to raise the tips of you finger fingers, grab a pencil and lift them, also extend your wrist. Look at the angle of the hand in relation to the guitar. Look at how my wrist is straight, correct your position and play the chord again.

Are you still hearing some buzzing? Repeat the clarity check.

Consolidate

I would suggest before you continue to rewind the video from the start and repeat all the instructions.

2.3.3 What is the bass

I hope this question has come to your mind. The bass is the lowest note of the chord on which we build it from the foundation.The bass is the name of the chord.

So the bass of C is c. Where is the bass? The bass c has to be the lowest note of our chord, and in this case, we produce the c note as a bass by pressing the 3rd fret on the 5th string.

2.3.4 Play the C chord

You are now ready to apply swiftly the chord learning routine. Play along with me.

Name the bass
Play the bass
Play one string at a time from the bass
Clarity Check: If a string sounds muted,place a pen underneath the tips of your fingers and lift them, this will clean up the sound
Play one string at a time from the bass

Rewind and repeat this last section

2.3.5 Tips

Some tips to keep in mind.

Keep your hand relaxed
As a general rule, to avoid unnecessary strain, keep your fingers on the fretboard just the necessary time to create the sound you wish and then let go.

Repetition
I also find it more practical, to help develop long term memory, not to repeat each exercise, more than two consecutive times, before taking a break or moving on to a new exercise.

2.4 Am Chord

Let’s take a break from the C chord and learn the Am chord.

2.4.1 Fingers

Please look at the shape and where each finger is placed. Play the chord in the following sequence:

Place your fingers in order

and ….

say aloud the fingers as you do so.

Say one and place your first finger down.

To do so you must have answered the question: What fret and what string does my first finger go on? In this case fret 1 string 2.

Let’s do it together.

Say two and place your second finger down.

To do so you must have answered the question: What fret and what string does my second finger go on? In this case fret 2 string 4.

Let’s do it together.

Note: Please make sure your first finger stays in place.

Say three and place your third finger down.

To do so you must have answered the question what fret and what string does my third finger go on.

Let’s do it together

Keep your fingers in place .

2.4.2 The bass

Name the bass of the chord

What is the bass of the Am chord ? a. The bass is the name of the chord; on top of which we add more notes to compete the sound.

Where is the bass of the Am chord?

The bass is in the low register. This is the low part of the guitar. The bass can be an open string or a string I am pressing with my left hand.

So do I have a low open string that sounds like a?Yes I do. So, this is the bass and the lowest note of the chord from which we play our chord from.

Play

2.4.3 One note at a time

Play this chord with me, one note at a time, count it in: 1 2 3 4.

2.4.4 Get a good sound

If any of your notes do not sound clear enough, please use the pencil to correct your finger placement.

Play the chord one note at a time.

2.4.5 Play the Am Chord

You are now ready to apply swiftly the Chord Learning Routine. Play along with me.

Am chord

Name the bass
Play the bass
Play one string at a time from the bass
Clarity Check: If a string sounds muted, place a pen underneath the tips of your fingers and lift them, this will clean up the sound.
Play one string at a time from the bass

Rewind and repeat this last section.

3. Step 2, Play C and Am chord in tempo

To move on to step 2, you must be able to already play with clarity the C and Am chord.

You will now learn to play the C and Am chord in this manner:

3.1 The Goal

Listen

3.2 Working towards the goal

3.2.1 Spot the common notes

In order to jump from the C to Am chord you need to find the similarities between them. Practice with me this combination. Get your fingers ready for the C chord but apply the Chord Learning Routine

Play one string at a time from the bass. ( 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 move)

3.2.1 Slowly join the chords

Now lift up your third finger, put in on the third string and play the Am, and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. In the diagram in red, you can see the common notes.

3.2.2 Play along with me non stop

Repeat with me, try not to stop and also say what I am saying: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 move. The word move is your cue to move your finger. This time I will play the chords two times.

C Chord.

Name the bass
Play the bass
Play one string at a time from the bass:1 and 2 and 3 and 4 move, 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 move

Do not lift your fingers up from the fretboard.

3.2.2 Clarity Check

Please take a moment to correct your position and sound both with the C and Am chord. Strum each chord to check for clarity.

3.3 Repeat all step 2

4.0 Step 3, Play a song

4.1 The Song

Listen

4.2 Learn the chords

This song is made up of chords and a melody.

Let’s learn the chords. First get the C shape in place.

4.2.1 Listen

Listen to what you have to do, tap your feet and move your body to the beat.

4.2.2 Imagine

Keep tapping your foot, move to the beat and imagine the sound of what I have just done.

4.2.3 Sing

Sing what I have just done.

4.2.4 Play

Play it with me.

4.2.5 On your own

Stop the video and do it on your own. After each repetition ask yourself the following:

Check questions

Did you turn on your metronome?

Did you tap always your foot while playing?

Did you count it in?

Did you sing or say what you were doing?

Repeat
Repeat this exercise as many times as you need to, until you can answer with a yes all the check questions.

4.3 Learn the melody

Let’s learn the melody.

4.3.1 Listen

Listen to what you have to do and tap your feet to the beat.

4.3.2 Imagine

Keep tapping your foot and move your body to the beat, and Imagine the sound of what I have just done.

4.3.3 Sing

Sing what I have just done.

4.3.4 Play

Play it with me.

4.3.5 On your own

Stop the video and do it on your own.

Check questions

Did you turn on your metronome?

Did you tap always your foot while playing?

Did you count it in?

Did you sing or say what you were doing ?

Repeat

Repeat this exercise as many times as you need to, until you can answer with a yes all the check questions.

Let’s combine the chords together with the melody.

4.4 Play along with me

4.4.1 Rewind and repeat

5.0 Step 4 Assignments

5.1 Quiz

guitar_fretboard_diagram_24 Download

Please submit your replies to the group forum for peer review.

What is the bass of the Em chord?
If the C chord has three notes C E G, draw on the fretboard diagram, two new shapes that have these three notes.
If the Am has three notes A C E, draw on the fretboard diagram ( two new shapes that have these three notes.
What is the summary of steps you have to follow to learn a new chord ?

Place your ……

Name ……. Play the ………

Play one …….Count …….

Clarity……….

Play one …….Count ……..

What is the difference between strumming a chord and playing the chord one note at a time?
What is the beat of a song?
What is the difference between the melody and chords of a song ?

5.2 Record yourself

Record yourself in video, with your phone, playing example 3.2.2. Your recording must answer yes to the following check questions. Once you are satisfied please submit your recording to the teacher.

Check questions

Did you turn on your metronome ?

Did you tap your feet while recording ?

Did you count it in ?

Did you sing what you were doing?

5.3 Record yourself

Record yourself in video, with your phone, playing example 4.1. Your recording must answer yes to the following check questions. Once you are satisfied please submit your recording to the teacher.

Check questions

Did you turn on your metronome ?

Did you tap your feet while recording ?

Did you count it in ?

Did you sing what you were doing?

5.4 Record yourself

Record yourself in video, with your phone, playing C | Am | C |Am, each chord lasts 4 beats. Strummingwith a pick or thumb. Your recording must answer yes to the following check questions. Once you are satisfied please submit your recording to the teacher.

Check questions

Did you turn on your metronome ?

Did you tap your feet while recording ?

Did you count it in ?

Did you sing what you were doing?

Are you strumming form the bass ?

Can you hear every single note with clarity?

5.5 Play the Em chord

Write the routine you have to follow to learn the Em chord. Apply the routine and learn it.

5.6 Play the G chord

Write the routine you have to follow to learn the G chord. Apply the routine and learn it.

Note

Songwriting and music production, courses, tips, studio recordings how to write a song, can be found through the corresponding links

Creativity leads to well being

How to FIND notes on the Guitar Fretboard – Video transcript

June 18, 2019 Thomas Lorenzo

This is the transcript of lesson 1 of the Beginners Guitar Course. Please follow this link for next available starting times.

What are you going to learn

To identify by sound and name the notes of C scale, on all strings and frets on the guitar.

You will also learn a song, a rhyme that you will sing and play, to teach you how to anticipate aurally and visually, the next note of the scale you wish to play.

You will also learn to think in a musical way so as to emulate what goes through the mind of the professionals, when we play. This will drastically increase the speed and fun of your learning, on how to find notes on the guitar.

Why learn how to find notes on the guitar?

So you can locate visually and by sound, the scales, chords and melodies we will use in our course.

What will you do differently after this lesson

You will be able to create musical phrases of four beats duration, which are one of the basic building blocks of music. As a consequence, this will open up a pathway for your learning that simulates the real thing.

You will be able to coordinate your left and right hand to play the C scale in tempo, all over the guitar to help you in your how to find notes on the guitar.

And you will be able to look for sounds horizontally or vertically, as on the guitar ,pitch can increase vertically, decrease vertically, or increase horizontally, or decrease horizontally.

How are you going to learn to find notes on the guitar?

You will learn to find notes on the guitar in four simple steps

First of all , you will learn the names of the strings, that correspond to pitches, musical sounds.
Then you will learn the relationship between the pitches of the C scale, and the frets on the guitar.
In step 3, you will learn a melodic rhyme to help you find all the notes in relation to a beat.
In step 4, you will create your own practice routine, to develop the skill with fun.

Rules

Apply at all times when you play the following 3 rules:

Always sing what you are playing.
Always play in tempo.
Always tap your feet or move your body to the beat.

If you do not, you will not be feeling the context, the music, therefore you will not learn.

Names of the strings

The guitar has 6 strings: E A D G B E. Each string is adjusted to produce a specific pitch, a musical sound we can sing. These pitches have defined names. In English, we use the letters of the alphabet C D E F G A B to define them.

The fatter guitar string produces the lowest pitch. As we jump from string to string, the strings get thinner, they also vibrate more quickly and the sound increases in pitch.

The fatter string is tuned to a frequency we call E. It is commonly called the E string but please remember that this is relative, as this can change, this is not an E string but a string tightened until it produces this pitch, we call E .

So if I press the string somewhere else, Do I produce a new sound? Yes.

Is this new sound an E?

No . It is not since it does not sound like an E. It sounds higher in pitch. There fore it has a different name. It is called the G note .

So what frequencies do we generally tune the open guitar strings to ?

Starting from fat to thin they coincide with the frequencies of :

Acronym

You can remember the names of the pitches, frequencies of the strings, by using an acronym. I like to use the following:

E very to remember the name of the E string

A pe to remember the name of the A string

D eserves to remember the name of the D string

G reen to remember the name of the G string

B ananas to remember the name of the B string

E veryday ( to remember the name of the high E string

Play along with me this acronym

Every, Ape, Deserves, Green, Bananas, Everyday

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need too.

Step 2 Find the notes of C scale

Take it easy

All musicians including myself, struggle with new exercises. This is absolutely normal. However, music is a discipline where you learn by repetition. Do not expect to fully understand the following new concepts until you have repeated the exercises, a lot. So , just sit back and enjoy the ride and in a few minutes time you will have learnt the C scale all over the guitar.

The C scale has seven notes

The C scale has seven notes: C D E F G A B . After the B we go to C D E F and so on.

So this is a low c and this is a high c. The high C doubles the frequency of the low C. The frequency is the number of times the string vibrates per second.

Therefore, as I go up in pitch, I start to repeat the same notes, but in a higher octave, a higher pitch,

Frets and notes

In order to answer how to find notes on the guitar, all you need to understand is that between the notes of E F, and B C there is only one fret distance and between all the other notes there are two.

This is one fret distance. This is two frets distance.

So let us start with the sixth string.

What is the frequency we tune the 6th string to ….. E ? So this is an E sound.

Play the note

Sing the sound

What is the next letter in the alphabet ?

How many frets is F away from E?

One

Play the F

Sing the sound

So F is a musical note that is higher in pitch than E, and we produce the sound by shortening the string by one fret.

Next note

What is the next letter in the alphabet after F ?

How many frets is G away from F ?

Two

Play the G

Sing the sound

So G is a musical note that is higher in pitch than F, and we produce the sound by shortening the string two more frets.

Next note

The next letter in the alphabet is:

How many frets is it away from G ?

Two

Play the A

Sing the A

So A is a musical note that is higher in pitch than G, and we produce the sound by shortening the string two more frets.

Next note B

The next letter in the alphabet is:

How many frets is it away from A ?

Two

Play the B

Sing the B

So B is a musical note that is higher in pitch than A, and we produce the sound by shortening the string two more frets.

Next note C

The next letter in the alphabet is:

How many frets is C away from B?

One

Play the C

Sing the C

So C is a musical note that is higher in pitch than B, and we produce the sound by shortening the string one more fret.

Next note D

The next letter in the alphabet is:

How many frets is D away from C?

Play it

Sing it

So D is a musical note that is higher in pitch than C, and we produce the sound by shortening the string two more frets.

Next note E

The next letter in the alphabet is:

E, So we are back to the E , but a higher E

How many frets is E away from D

Play it

Sing it

So E is a musical note that is higher in pitch than D, and we produce the sound by shortening the string by two more frets.

Step 3 The Musical Rhyme

You will now learn a short musical rhyme to play in tempo the notes of the C scale, in a manner that will help you memorise both names and sounds and increase the speed of your learning drastically and ther fore learn how to find notes on the guitar.

The C scale on the 6th string

Notice: that I sing the sound of the note I play,   and then sing what I will do next with the same sound,

Also notice that the rhyme lasts 4 beats, four taps of your foot.

Play along with me, 6th string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 6th string.

Play along with me

Stop the video , rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need too.

Play along with me, 5th string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 5th string.

What is the frequency we tune the 5th string to  ….. A  ?

So this is an A sound.

Play it

Sing it

Play along with me

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need to.

Play along with me, 4th string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 4th string.

What is the frequency we tune the 4th string to  ….. D  ?

So this is a D sound

Play it

Sing it

Play along with me

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need too.

Play along with me, 3rd string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 3rd string.

What is the frequency we tune the  3rd string to ?

So this is a G sound.

Play it

Sing it

Play along with me

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need too.

Play along with me, 2nd string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 2nd string.

What is the frequency we tune the  2nd string to  …?   B

So this is a B sound.

Play it

Sing it

Play along with me

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need to.

Play along with me, 1st string

Let´s play together the rhyme on the 1st string.

What is the frequency we tune the 1st string to  …?  E

So this is an E sound.

This is also an E sound, but this E is higher and this E is lower in pitch.

This low E vibrates exactly four times slower than this E. They are the same notes, but in different octaves.

Play it

Sing it

Play along with me

Stop the video, rewind and repeat this exercise as many times as you need too.

Assignments

guitar_fretboard_diagram_24 Download

Now it is time for you to complete the assignments for this lesson on how to find notes on the guitar.

Play along

Repeat twice a day all the play along examples of lesson one.

Fill it in

Fill in the blank sheet with all the notes of the C scale .

Quiz

Please submit your replies to our google group for peer review.

Why are there different Cs on the guitar ?
Why are there different As on the guitar?
Why do we have two strings tuned to E?
Indicate with an X on what two other strings and positions can you play the C note, you create on the B string when you press the second fret.

Record and create

Record yourself singing the rhyme, non stop on 6 different strings and send it to me.

Note: Choose a very slow tempo

Check questions

Are you singing the notes in exact relation to the beat?
Are you tapping your foot non stop while singing and playing ?
Are you moving to the new note only just before you sing it ?
If your answer is no to any of the these questions, repeat 4 more times all the play along examples.

What will you be able to do at the end of the course?

Students that complete the two beginners course will move on directly to Guitar for songwriters focused towards music production.

Creativity leads to well being, How to improvise on the guitar articles

How to improvise on the guitar

July 17, 2018 Thomas Lorenzo

How to improvise on the guitar

Five reasons why it feels good to learn to improvise on the guitar.

1. Create fresh replenishing emotions

To improvise on the guitar, is a creative way of telling a musical story. Let´ s imagine we have a paragraph of 24 words that we narrate, with the objective of explaining a feeling. Consequently, we may also keep on repeating the paragraph, but with different degrees of variations, to further develop the emotion.

To improvise on the guitar is to create variations of the musical story. It gives you the pathway to extend the interpretation, to modify, adapt and change it to your needs and on the go. As a result, improvisation on the guitar, can produce extremely satisfying emotions, as I believe it is the true gateway for personal expression.

2. Interaction with others

We all know how much fun we can have, when we play with others. Music can also be a lot of fun, and improvising can be the ultimate game of enjoyment.

I relate guitar improvisation to the perfect communion of souls, in all possible conscious dimensions. Furthermore, our musical interaction just fills up the space around us, as we bond with fellow musicians and the audience.

Music and guitar improvisation is another humble path to an experience, where we all come together, to share our beloved human values. When we improvise on the guitar, in any style of music as blues, jazz, funk, rock, flamenco, we create the opportunity to interact emotionally with others, without the need of words, nor values, nor judgements of any kind.

Guitar improvisation will make you feel extremely unique, because you freely express yourself in a context, where you are accompanied and heard.

3. To explore ones inner self

I believe life can feel good when we break the rigidness of daily obligations. Therefore, a bit of controlled chaos feels good; learn to improvise on the guitar and you will enjoy a refreshing musical adventure of colours, sounds and emotions. When we improvise, we take on this adventure our dreams and souls.

When we play music knowing exactly what is ahead, and what we have to do, then it feels like we are on a road, set by others to achieve a boxed goal. However, if we are able to explore other pathways, other boundaries, other colours along the way, and interact with joy with others, the creative guitar experience will be emotionally rewarding. This non programmed road trip will become the real musical adventure. We will arrive at the same destination as the programmed road trip, but feeling very satisfied, and eager to wake up the next day to jump on board and explore another pathway.

4. Satisfaction

From my experience, when I improvise and create variations, as a consequence of my interaction with my other band members, I feel very satisfied afterwards. Satisfaction is not an easy feeling to come across, and it is the feeling that most will regenerate my whole body and soul.

Also, the more I improvise, understanding the emotional goals, choosing the right harmonic melodic tools for the job, the greater the final satisfaction.

Let’s improvise together. Come and join us at the Creative Guitar School, in Melbourne, and learn to play the guitar, to improvise in contemporary musical styles on electric guitar, acoustic guitar or nylon string Spanish guitar

5. To be unique

Music is not a visual experience, nor a competition, it is an auditive experience, that you can enjoy with your internal rhythm, soul and with your closed eyes, unless you are driving.

However, there is a lot of guitar music our there, that is a reflection of what we can do, and not what the musician is trying to express, tell or convey. Music is the gift we can use to develop a virtue, to share with others; our uniqueness, our story.

A story is not about how quick you can run, or how much you can scream. A musical story is really about sharing an emotion. Yes, when we scream we portray an egoistic feeling, but the true virtue would be to make the audience feel the need of this excitement, and get them to scream with you.

It feels good to improvise on the guitar and to be unique in our story telling, as we can accomplish a very special human interaction, that no other musical form of expression will allow.

What tools do we need to improvise effectively

As a guitarist, you will need to master all the musical tools required to know inside out, the melody and harmonic structure of the song. This means, that at any time and moment, you are playing a song, you can effectively, switch from the role of the soloist to the accompanist, or vice versa.

Once you have the song mastered, then you are now ready to start creating variations, to keep the song flowing, based upon the interaction with other band members, the audience and your feel, either as the soloist, or the accompanist of the lead guitar.

In order to improvise on the guitar efficiently, you need to learn specific melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic tools, to create variety in tension, in dramatic intensity, as the song develops.

For example, let ´s say you have played your song once, and you want to be able to play the melody, (the lyrics of the song) with more intensity the second time through. A change of octave, an increase in rhythmic intensity or harmonic tension, will give you all the desired momentum, to produce your climax.

There are literally hundreds of tools at your disposal, to help develop your creativity on the go, but all you need is just a few, to get going, and to start feeling the flow of creating music.

Improvisation and Guitar Courses

All students, in all guitar courses, I impart at my Melbourne Creative Guitar School, learn to improvise. At a guitar beginners level, you will learn to create basic variations of melody and harmony. As you progress throughout the levels, you will master a vast array of tools, to accomodate all your emotional needs.

I encourage learning through group interaction. Therefore, I teach all basic courses in Group environments . These classes have a maximum fo 4 students per class.

I further encourage the group interaction with the concerts I schedule throughout the year. All students perform live every 3 months. Before the performance, we also organise a nice barbecue to get the stomachs activated and the energy levels up high.

Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy feedback of all their musical accomplishments, since I hold the classes in my recording studio. Therefore, we are able to record the group progression, and enjoy how much we have learnt, at the different stages of the musical journey.

Creativity leads to well being, How to play the guitar articles

How to practice the guitar with joy

April 28, 2018 Thomas Lorenzo

How to practice the guitar with joy

Guitar Accuracy

When we are learning a song, we all try to achieve accuracy in it’s chords and melody; the what we will do, when and why, at all levels and at all stages, of our musical life.

However, I believe accuracy is the consequence of hearing the sound before we place our fingers on the guitar fretboard or strings. We must understand the sound, hear it and be able to sing it, before the final finger placement.

If we miss this step of hearing, singing, we may engage in a non stop practice schedule. The more you can hear and sing, what you want to play on the guitar, the more satisfying the experience will be, and the quicker you will learn.

Accuracy in the melody and accompaniment, is an important goal in our practice routine. Try not to guess where your fingers have to be, but first sing the sound, then find it. If you cannot sing the sound, you will need to imagine it first.

When we imagine a sound, we engage in the process of understanding. This process should be done at a comfortable speed, at which you can accomplish your goal. Once this process flows, then you will be able to apply the accuracy to the tempo, and play the musical phrase on the guitar, or any other instrument, at the desired speed.

The objective of all practice is to have fun, and avoid unnecessary repetition, to try to emulate what we will do, when we share our performance, and music live, with our beloved audience, that is eager to listen to you. The how to play the guitar with joy is a constant must in all daily routines,

How much discipline do we need in our guitar training

How about if we needed no discipline, only eagerness to finish a goal in a satisfying manner. If we are eager to learn, and always ask the right questions, to get to the desired goal, music will be a very enjoyable experience.

If you feel bored, distracted, then you are learning with no worthy emotion to remember. There fore, you are practising incorrectly and hot having fun. Always ask your self, how can I play what I wish, as soon as possible, and have fun along the way.

Generally, if you are not having fun on the guitar, it will be because you are playing with no tempo, your are not able to sing what you can do, you do not understand the groove of the song, and do not understand the harmonic tension of each passage you are playing.

Too much discipline and too much repetition, will create an emotional blockage. It takes a very long time to get over the feeling of disgust, or lack of desire, that this blockage will produce in you. Please learn to place a limit to all your learning, and stop much before you feel: this is to much for me. Learn how to practice the guitar with joy.

All my tips refer to all styles of guitar including: jazz guitar, blues guitar, flamenco guitar, funk guitar and all other styles.

Structured learning

A musician needs structure to be able to learn and play all styles of music. A guitar teacher should share with you the adequate educational structure to help you achieve the desired goals of the music you wish to play at a short term or long term.

Learning structure should target the question how to learn effectively with joy.

This how to learn should be fun. It must avoid unnecessary repetitions, work with solid tempos, make you sing what you wish to do; compose your own music. Also, create variations of rhythm and melody, understand the why of how to accompany on the guitar, and how emotions are portrayed, as you develop your interpretation in a song.

Structure and Guitar Improvisation

Music can be great fun when we create constant variations of a given song. However, we only can fun on the guitar if we know the song very well.

What does it mean to know a song well in any style including blues guitar. If you are able to count a song in, maintain a solid tempo, sing the melody of the whole song, non stop, and play the chords at the same time, then you know the song, and your ready to explore variations . You are on the right track of how to practice the guitar.

At the Creative Guitar School we learn how to create harmonic, rhythmic variations of the melody and of the accompaniment. We learn over 100 tools to help us create all desired emotions. We must learn to be proficient in the handing of the tools, so as to choose correctly on the go, as we in our daily interpretation of given songs.

Once you are at the stage of mastering the creative tools you will, then never want to stop playing. Music and the creative flow is like no other feeling you will experience in your life. I would describe it as pure peace of mind, as an observer of existence, in motion.

Learn music have fun. Let your self go, and see life as a viewer of emotions that colour our existence with love and pleasure,

Upcoming Guitar Courses

I am very happy that the majority of students finish courses and move on to the next. As they move on, previous levels become empty, so I schedule courses to start every 10 weeks. The next guitar course will be starting on the first week of July, from Monday to Thursday evenings, between 5 and 9 pm. If you wish to enrol, please get in touch as soon as your can, to organise an interview so I may asses your guitar skills, and put your into the best group for your learning experience, and journey in music.

As of June I announce a new price increase. However, I maintain present prices for all ongoing students, that do not take breaks in between courses and continue during the whole year.

Music Production

All guitar students have now included in all guitar courses the opportunity to record in class compositions to achieve proficiency in music production at my recording studio here in Melbourne where I facilitate most of my guitar courses.

I do hope my tips on how to practice the guitar with joy can be helpful on your music journey in life. Please also post my site for all updates on 2018 and 2019 Melbourne Concerts and Tours.

Creativity leads to well being, How to play the guitar articles

Guitar Technique How to Develop

April 1, 2018 Thomas Lorenzo

How to develop guitar technique

Guitar technique is part of the constant coordination we utilise, to learn how to play sounds on the guitar. You may develop technique by repeating mechanical movements, or you may develop technique by placing fingers on frets and strings, as a consequence of the sound you hear in your head.

The difference between one approach and another, can be that of avoiding boredom, pain and frustration. It just makes true sense, to put your fingers in a place, because you can hear the sound in your head and not only guess where the sound is, by visual cues.

Is this difficult to achieve ?

No it isn’t. It is actually easier, and more satisfying, to play the guitar this way. But, you must dive into the world of singing. Don ´t worry, we all can sing. It does not matter if you sing totally in tune. The rule is, if you can sing it, you can play it. If you can not sing it, you will be a slave to unnecessary repetition.

Initially, this involves a slow learning process, but the satisfaction you will feel, will be enough to get you practicing hours on end. You will hear what you are doing, and anticipate where you have to place your fingers, to enjoy the desired sound.

But how do we start singing, if we have never done it before? How can we sing, and then find the sound on the guitar?

It is much easier to sing a sound and then find it, than to actually memorise the sounds as the consequence of putting your fingers on the guitar.

L.I.S.P

I suggest a simple, but effective manner for learning all melodies. It is called the L.I.S.P approach.

L: Listen

I : Imagine

S: Sing

P: Play

With the under-math of a constant tempo, time frame, I teach my students to listen to melodic fragments, to imagine them ( in tempo ), to sing them and to play them.

At the same time, I also teach my guitar students, the necessary pathways on the guitar, where those sounds will be found.

I teach the guitar students, to identify the sounds, in relation to the total center. That is, we learn to hear sounds, in relation to each other, and to the chords. There fore, we learn to feel the sensation of the sound, where the sounds are. We learn to play the music in tempo, we learn to sing the sound and while all this is going on, we are using mechanical movements, guitar technique, to look for the sounds; to play and produce the musical passages.

Articulation

To articulate correctly, is to help deliver with clarity musical passages. As a guitarist, we must learn to be aware of the lyrical quality of music, and how to relate it to the instrument; guitar technique. Once again, if we can sing the melodic passage, we then have the core ingredient to relate to, to imitate.

When we sing, we can produce long notes, short notes, loud notes and soft notes. In musical terms, we relate this legato , staccato and dynamics.

If you are starting off on the guitar, you should be aware of the lyrical character of music, and immediately try to perform all passages, in this manner. However, only through musical structured repetition, will you develop the guitar technique to achieve the desired goal.

You will constantly learn to develop your guitar technique at all guitar courses at my Music School. The technique will also be a consequence of the style , whether you follow play acoustic guitar lessons, blues guitar lessons , jazz guitar lessons or flamenco guitar lessons.

A slow start

Starting off on the guitar is a slow learning process, but also a personal adventure where we will express our emotions and let go of daily life. I strongly suggest to make music every day, to practice with kindness, never with a harsh judgement , to accept our limitations, and open up to the new unexplored world of music .

How to develop more guitar technique

The more melodies you know, the more songs you can play, the better your technique will be.

However, in order to make sense of it all, the guitar student must have a thorough knowledge of chords, scales, chord scale relationships; in triad and seventh harmonic settings.

In all courses and levels at the Creative Guitar School, all students develop a solid guitar technique, either with pick or finger-style. I gradually will introduce to you exercises, so you may articulate with clarity, fast and slow passages. I will gradually introduce you to solo guitar, where the guitar has no need of accompaniment, and you will play both the accompaniment and the melody of the song, at the same time.

All students explore blues, jazz, folk and flamenco guitar styles. Once again, since guitar technique is a consequence only of what you can hear, students quickly grasp the L.I.S P concept and progress swiftly, if they implement a discipline in their learning.

Music learning is a discipline that requires constant daily training and repetition. I strongly recommend never to practice beyond the limit of discomfort, and always to produce music in a manner, where you are able to play a song from beginning to the end on the guitar.

Group lessons

I impart advanced guitar courses on one on one sessions and through my masterclasses, regularly held in Australia . I recommend studying levels Levels 1 and 2 in a group environment. As a guitar teacher, I favour group environments as yo will have the opportunity of seeing how others learn and the outcome will be most satisfying.

When you are stating to play the guitar you will achieve great satisfaction but also got through stages of frustration. If both of these cases, sharing with others your concerns and success, can be a most rewarding musical experience

Melbourne Guitar Concerts

For all those interested in my upcoming Guitar concerts in Melbourne and Australia please click on the above links.

How to play the guitar articles, Melbourne Guitar Lessons

Guitar Lessons, How to learn effectively?

November 6, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Guitar Lessons. Enjoyment and self expression

I wish to take you on a journey to explore the secrets of this magnificent instrument, the guitar. Furthermore, open an extended gateway for your ongoing personal development and well being in your life.

Music is the language of emotions and the guitar is the tool we will use to tap into those unique, beautiful, inner feelings, we all have.

I wish to guide you on your journey on how to play the guitar. Our learning experience will produce a tool box which will give you the skills you need to play whatever you wish, and how you wish. The ultimate goal of your guitar lessons is enjoyment, through self expression.

The guided pathway

At the Creative Guitar School, I cater for all levels of learning in a diversity of styles through your guitar lessons. I would now like to address the learning goals of those who are just starting out.

All musicians need to start out. Furthermore, we all deserve the right to reach our goals. However, we may find obstacles along the way and crash into them. When this happens, frustration may settle in and the guitars may end up on our walls.

I want all guitar beginners in a years time, from when you start your guitar lessons, to be able to play, off by heart, the following or similar tracks.

A sample of a song to be played in a group setting

We generally learn three tracks, per course, of similar material.

A sample of a song to play solo

Students learn a total of 6 simple songs of their choice in two levels in their guitar lessons.

- Compose a few songs like the following:

Students compose one song per level

Play three concerts. Please follow this link to see the 2016 and 2017 Guitar students and teacher concerts

Play along , off by heart tracks by: Police, Ed Sheeran, Justin Beiber, Paco de Lucia, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Norah Jones, Bb King, and James Brown.

How to study and progress with joy

We will learn to play on the guitar all the above, off by heart and with joy. I must insist, that you have to feel good about what you do, every step of the journey. You have to have fun.

A students needs to understand what they know, what they do not know and how to get to the next step of their learning, with care and patience.

The more we are able to feel what we are doing, the quicker we will learn. We will only remember physical movements for a short period of time. But, we will remember a song and how to play it for life, if we relate movements to specific sound and emotion.

Structure

I assume you have listened briefly to the above material. How do we go from knowing nothing, to playing all the above material?

We need to first establish that everything we play, must be related to a structure: it must have a beginning, an end and a tempo. We learn to play the guitar swiftly, only if we reproduce the same scenario that occurs in the professional world, in a simple musical context.

In your guitar lessons ,you will start off by learning chords and rhythm. If you follow the exercises correctly, in 3 weeks time, you will be playing a song from top to bottom.

Aural training

In order to learn efficiently, you must be able to hear what you do , feel it and know where the sound is to be found on the guitar. You need to memorise melodies and the corresponding harmony associated.

You need to hear the harmony in advance, so as to anticipate the desired emotion. In order to hear, you must sing or mumble and you need to create. Only when you create, will you be able to make sense of melody, harmony, rhythm and structure.

You cannot memorise a mechanical movement outside a musical context. There must be a targeted desired sound and emotion so you may memorise what the movement is for. I will guide you, with specific exercises to help you hear and find the sound on the guitars.

Goals

In a short period of time, you will be able to play simple melodies, solo guitar, play in a group setting, play bass lines, counter lines, create diversity in rhythm and have lots of fun.

You also need to follow discipline which is based on repetition with love and respect for your limits. There should be no need for frustration or negative thoughts in your learning.

Very soon you will experience positive results and find the joy of sharing music in a group setting, creating your own melodies and hearing how they come life.

Technique

You will notice that I have not mentioned the word technique, as such really is only a consequence of all the above. We need movement to create music and all the above exercises, require solid technique, for us to be able to feel them and enjoy the experience.

How much do I need to dedicate per day for my guitar practice ?

I have designed the courses so that if you dedicate 20 minutes, every day, during 20 weeks you will have accomplished all goals.

Guitar learning requires constant dedication and work, but the results are extremely rewarding.

Group learning

I have designed a series of exercise to be completed in group settings, to encourage guitar students to interact and get together outside classroom hours. This will help you in your training .

Concerts

All guitar students will get a chance to play at the School concerts. Ee celebrate the events every 10 weeks.

You can do it

There is no secret in learning to play the guitar. We only need dedication and above all, to understand what we are doing and why. Music is not just about playing chords, it is about playing a song in a tempo, with a beginning, an end, with changes, sections, and intensities.

You tube videos, generally, show us how to play a songs with chords. But, not what to take into consideration to be able to coordinate all the movements, in a sequence and in relation to a specific tempo.

All songs are glued together by tempo. All the exercises you will enjoy in your guitar lessons are based on playing in tempo. Which would be like feeling a constant heart beat to your playing.

Interview

Please call me to schedule an interview for your guitar lessons. I need to asses your skills and recommend you the appropriate group for your learning, based upon your musical knowledge, aural and visual learning skills.

The next level

Once you have completed your first two levels, you will be ready to understand how to learn any style or music of your choice. You will have all the tools you need to undergo further challenges and the resulting joy of such.

You may read about all guitar lesson levels offer through guitar lessons at the Creative Guitar School through this link.

Times

All courses are scheduled during the evenings. Private guitar lessons are scheduled during morning and afternoon hours. Please refer to guitar lesson prices and conditions through the following link.

More info

If you would like to learn more about my professional activities, outside the educational scenario, please refer to my Melbourne Concert Latin Flamenco Guitar Site.

Melbourne things to do

Melbourne Creative Guitar School Concerts

October 14, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Melbourne Creative Guitar School Concert December 9

Every 10 weeks, all my guitar students get together, enjoy a nice lunch and perform a memorable concert.

I just love how music lovers can join to share their passion of life through music. As always, it feels just great to see everyone having such a good time with music, and all our friends.

In the picture, we have the baby chair, which unfortunately did not fit any of our sitting postures.

In the following picture we can see, and really get the feeling of how hard a student has to think, to remember the name of the song they have to play.

The concert was a great success and once again I must say thank you for making the Creative Guitar School the place to be.

Melbourne Creative Guitar School Concert September 23

We all came armed with our guitars, marching like true stars!

Congratulations to everyone. What a delightful day having you all play at our regular Creative Guitar School Concert. We held the concert on September 23, at the Armadale Uniting Church Hall.

The warm up lunch and the aftermath, truly justified all the hard work you have put into your guitar.

We all know that guitar playing requires discipline. It is a daily journey exploring, enjoying aspects of who you are, that are hidden behind layers of our constrained emotional adulthood. Music brings out the child inside of us, who wishes to explore and enjoy life with true happiness.

On September 23, we heard songs from Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Bach, Paco de Lucia, Beatles, Adele, MGMT and many more. Students played solo, in duos, trios and in quartet.

Guitar Lessons Structured Learning

The objective of the Creative School Music Curriculum is to encourage guitar students to learn songs in a manner where they can play them live, in a group, or an ensemble.

We play all contemporary music styles as: jazz, pop, reggae , blues, funk, and especially flamenco which is one of my guitar passions.

We require all students to understand concepts of structure, harmony, melodic variations, rhythmic variations, improvisation and composition. All students learn to hear a melody and play it on the spot. They also learn to identify the chord sof the songs they wish to play, by understanding the tonal centre, and the chords derived from such.

Our creative self expression will benefit from structured learning. I also set guidelines to help achieve our musical objetives with true satisfaction.

Melbourne Music School

New Group Guitar Courses

July 21, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

New Group Guitar Courses

I have scheduled upcoming group guitar courses to start this week; July 16. There are no spaces left for the present course . However, the school has scheduled new level 3 and 2 courses, to commence the week of July 23. on Mondays at 6pm and 8pm .

Please sign up to our newsletter for updates on courses times and The Creative Guitar Social Club activities.

Upcoming School Concert

I have scheduled out next school concert for September 23. The Creative Guitar School Social Club will hold the concert at the Armadale Uniting Church. Please refer to our social club Facebook pages for all updates on these events.

If you wish to attend my major Melbourne concerts: Thomas lorenzo please follow this link to read about upcoming concerts, past concert reviews, articles: read about and listen to all my latest releases, available on iTunes or Spotify.

Advanced Guitar Groups

I am calling out to all guitar students who wish to be part of our guitar ensembles. The new ensembles will interpret arranged tracks of pop standards.

All students will learn to define melodic roles as soloists or accompanists. All accompanists will experience the pleasure of developing melodic accompaniment. The will also learn to present a given composition in an improvised manner. They will create melodic variations that will maintain the attention of the listener throughout their performance. We will record all tracks live and share them on our social networks.

This is a unique opportunity to further develop your musical skills and to participate in a challenging musical experience.

The ensemble will perform live on September 23 at the Creative Guitar School Concert.

Flamenco Classical Guitars for Sale

For Sale Flamenco Concert Guitar, Eduardo Duran Ferrer

June 24, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Premium Collectors Delight

Superior Concert Flamenco, Artisan

(Granada, Spain)

Eduardo Duran Ferrer Concierto Blanca (New )

RRP: 8500 My price: $7999

Selected by Thomas Lorenzo ( Flamenco Guitarist and Composer ) “Absolute excellence in timbre, tonal balance and projection “

Buy PayPal: $7900
Regular postage included only for Australia: Metropolitan areas.
( Includes Flight Case Pro 11 GCL-L; valued at $360)

Call me: Book a free audition 0448348701

Authentic Flamenco Sound

This guitar represents the traditional Flamenco sound, from Granada, Spain. Only with white guitars, made of Spruce or similar, and handcrafted in this manner, can a guitarist achieve the desired attack, extreme dynamics and projection required for Flamenco interpretation.

Tradition

The Ferrer guitar makers have been around since 1875. In the late 70s, their expertise was sought after by Yamaha Guitars . Eduardo Ferrer was hired and invited to Japan; during three years he taught Yamaha artisans how to make and improve their handcrafted line of classical guitars.

Timbre

This unique guitar projects extremely well in the mid frequencies; around 500 hz. All high end notes have brilliant sounding overtones; adding thickness to the overall sound. The low frequency is reinforced by the natural overtones emanating by resonance, throughout the guitar.

First prize winner

Hand picked from the finest selection of Flamenco Artisan Guitars.

Casa Luthiers in Barcelona stocks the finest selection of Artisan Concert Flamenco guitars for sale you can find in Spain: Paulino Bernabé, Ana Espinosa, Felipe Conde , Hermanos Conde, Mariano Conde, Juan Fabian, Santiago de Cecilia, Vicente Carillo and Eduardo Durán

Juan, the manager, only accepts those guitars he believes sound right no matter how reputed the constructor is. So when I go into his shop I know I have the best to chose from.

Selected by spectrum, projection, dynamic range , balance , harmonic and melodic clarity.

Once in his shop, I sat down for a few days and tried out all the artisan guitars without asking brand or price. I made selections based upon which offered a richer tone, more projection, a larger dynamic range, a balance in all registers and clarity in perception of what I played. I tried all the guitars listed above and chose the Eduardo Duran

In depth selection.
Once I had selected the guitar, I called its creator, Eduardo, and asked him to audition all his similar models. This took me from Barcelona to Madrid and through 4 stores . I just love picking good guitars. I chooses this one, on sale, as its qualities were superior to the other: same model, same Luthier.

Diversity

This guitar blends well in all styles of music; from classical, jazz, folk and flamenco. It works extremely well in rhythmic passages and can projects with extreme sweetness in high registers.

Buy PayPal: $7900
Regular postage included only for Australia: Metropolitan areas.
( Includes Flight Case Pro 11 GC LL; valued at $360)

Call me: Book a free audition 0448348701

Your dream sound

This guitar will definitely add distinction to your live performances and recordings. Your work will ultimately stand out more than with other top model guitars.

Personally, when I play this guitar, I enjoy been able to portray more emotions; the instrument seems to come to life with each new passage. You will enjoy the variety of timbres, the dynamics , the attack and the authentic Flamenco sound.

This guitar will make your dream sound come true.

Compare

In the video I compare this model of Eduardo Durán with a Hermanos Conde handcrafted model I bought back in 2006, in Madrid, at the original Conde store, located on Calle Gravina 7.

Specifications

Flamenco Concert Guitar Eduardo Durán Ferrer

Top: German Spruce
Back and sides: Cypress
Fingerboard: Ebony
Varnish: Shellac
Scale: 657mm
Pegbox: Runner

Flight Case

Included in the price is the Hiscox Pro-GC-LL guitar case, (Valued at $360)

Crush resistance rate greater than 500kg.
Thermal insulation protecting
Aluminium Valance ( almost waterproof)

Features

Internal guitar case dimensions:
Length 1028mm 40 1/2″
Lower Bout up to 380mm 15″
Upper Bout 279mm 11″
Body Length 495mm 19 1/2″
Body Depth 117mm 4 1/2 “
Empty Weight 3.99kg 8.80lbs

Buy PayPal: $7900
Regular postage included only for Australia: Metropolitan areas.
( Includes Flight Case Pro 11 GC LL: valued at $360)

Melbourne Music School, Melbourne things to do

Upcoming Jazz Blues Flamenco Masterclass

June 17, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Upcoming Jazz Blues Flamenco Masterclass

Dates: November 2019.

Creativity through guitar music

May 14, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Creativity through guitar music

Creativity through music: a warm current that tingles up the spine, excitement beyond limits, peace, strength..

It feels good to be able to choose a language, for existence, that eliminates confusion rather than develops understanding of facts.

A gentle strum, a choice of chords a change of rhythm, textures, intensities, and there we have it: a door opens up to start feeling who we are and, we start sharing such beauty with others.

We recently finished our first term of courses here at the Melbourne Creative Guitar School, and all the students got together for a barbecue and a concert. Yes, we all had a good time;lovely food. We played some very nice music but above all, 70 individuals shared a select special hours, where each of us was sincerely appreciated for what we thought, expressed and played.

Thank you to all music lovers for making my life more meaningful every day.

Upcoming Melbourne Guitar courses

All Melbourne Guitar courses started last week, May 3. However, I have constant requests for new enrolments , therefore new courses are always opening up. Please send me an email to learn about starting dates. Also, stay in touch, through our Creative Guitar School Social facebook page, as students are on the lookout for fellow guitarists to get together, compose, practice and perform.

Flamenco Guitars for sale

I have recently brought back from Spain part of my collection of flamenco guitars, on sale at present. I have personally selected all my guitars based upon timbre, and the projection of spectrum .

Please take a peek, listen and book an appointment to try them out. That is, if you wish to further enjoy the beauty of a unique artisan guitar in your life.

Melbourne Concerts

I am starting to warm up with all my Melbourne events. Stay tuned for my appearance on ABC ( TV), Get Cracking Series, soon to be aired nationally. What a treat !, to share my music with all Australians.

Libros de música

Libros de Música, el Arreglo un Puzzle de Expresión Musical. This is the name of my text book about arranging and orchestration; a must for all professional arrangers and composers that are in search of ways of expanding their array of musical techniques.

Melbourne Music School

Melbourne Guitar Courses starting May 4

April 19, 2017 Thomas Lorenzo

Melbourne Guitar Courses starting May 4

I have scheduled to start all Melbourne guitar courses on May 4. At present, there is availability left for the following guitar group courses; all groups have 4 students, students that study privately, may by appointment, attend any group class.

Guitar Level 1

One slot, Mondays at 6pm
Another slot left, Tuesdays 6pm
One slot, Wednesdays 6pm

Creative Guitar Level 2

One slo,t Wednesdays 7 pm

Creative Guitar Level 3

One slot, Thursdays 7pm

I require al new students to undergo a short interview, so I may asses their skills for all Melbourne Guitar Courses starting May 4. I always like to understand not only what a student knows, but also how they learn music, in the most effective manner. Some times, we tend to be more receptive to visual than aural cues.

Music learning will always require strong music recognition skills; students must also constantly develop performance skills, that will allow them to develop melodic and rhythmic variations of the composition, they choose to perform.

Music is fun

I like to play music because I enjoy myself and I am also able to share this enjoyment with others. I like to share with my students the general need of giving and receiving in life. We tend to enjoy music much more when we are able to give something we create, and perform it to others, as if it was a true gift that will be received with love; as a consequence, anxiety and other emotions that might impede this flow, disappear.

Upcoming Melbourne Concerts

I will be commencing my yearly series of Melbourne Concerts, this coming June. I will be producing the majority of the concerts, at the Armadale Uniting Church; showcasing prominent Australian World Music artists.

Flamenco Guitars for Sale

Please book an appointment to check out my collection of, flamenco guitars for sale, that I have in Melbourne. I personally have hand picked all theses guitars over the years; based upon the fact that when I come across a rare guitar that projects its spectrum, in a balanced manner, I buy it.

Libros de Musica.

My book, “ libros de música, el Arreglo, un Puzzle de Expresión Musical, “ will be featured for sale at the Feria del Libro, San Jordi, Libreria Bosch, on April 23, in Barcelona, Spain, 2017.

Length	1028mm	40 1/2″
Lower Bout	up to 380mm	15″
Upper Bout	279mm	11″
Body Length	495mm	19 1/2″
Body Depth	117mm	4 1/2 “
Empty Weight	3.99kg	8.80lbs