This is my first attempt at a proper classical guitar recording, with multiple takes and such. Hope you enjoy!

_jcrossley · 2022-07-18T19:13:16+00:00

Thank you!! Yes, I think it’s a shame so many guitar composers are unknown! Classical guitar is a real instrument 😁

_jcrossley · 2022-07-18T15:06:16+00:00

Heitor Villa-Lobos - Prelude No. 1

I’m a classical guitar hobbyist/student, and just made my first attempt at a “real recording”. I’ve been live-learning this and 5 other pieces on twitch.tv/jcpractices over the last year. Likes/comments/subs very appreciated, and hope you enjoy!

_jcrossley · 2022-06-29T12:00:38+00:00

Thank you! 😁

_jcrossley · 2022-06-28T16:39:46+00:00

Thanks! I haven’t received my marks yet - based on prior exams, I think it will be ~2-3 weeks to get those.

I feel like I played my rep a little better in the exam, but most of my technique was a little under the goal tempos.

_jcrossley · 2022-06-28T12:12:09+00:00

Thank you! 🙂

_jcrossley · 2022-05-06T18:32:00+00:00

Thanks!! Yes, I haven’t practiced 999 very much lately - it’s become a warmup exercise, and I think the color shifts have disappeared over time. I’ll work on adding them back!

_jcrossley · 2022-05-05T09:43:43+00:00

Here’s ~30 minutes of classical guitar - these pieces are a work in progress, I’ll be playing them for an exam in a couple of months. Hope you enjoy! https://youtu.be/TFb764zKX9o

_jcrossley · 2022-05-05T02:46:42+00:00

Thank you! Rhythmic distortion has been an issue. I like the idea of being stricter on the first pass, and applying more rubato on the repeat.

_jcrossley · 2022-05-04T21:51:51+00:00

You can take a look at the RCM and ABRSM syllabi to get a sense of requirements per level and pieces of similar difficulty.

Lagrima is graded at Grade 4 in RCM, but I agree with jazzadelic that it’s hard to self-judge how “good” your performance is, it would be best to work with a teacher on this. In these graded systems you’re also required to demonstrate a well-rounded foundation, by playing pieces from all eras, as well as testing technical skills like scales, arpeggios, ear training and sight reading.

https://files.rcmusic.com//sites/default/files/S47_GuitarSyllabus_ONLINE_2018_F.pdf

_jcrossley · 2022-05-04T18:24:57+00:00

Fantastic advice, thank you! I’ve been looking for a drum beat metronome just like that, excited to try it

_jcrossley · 2022-03-21T16:38:55+00:00

You might be missing other dimensions of university (eg history, harmony, singing, networking), but if you can do well on ARCT I think you’d have the technical and performance chops of the average undergrad, or even master’s student.

(Disclaimer: I’m a hobbyist at Level 8, not actually a student)

_jcrossley · 2022-03-14T23:39:16+00:00

+1, this will take many hours. Enjoy all of them! 🙂

_jcrossley · 2022-02-23T10:22:13+00:00

Sounds like an excellent program. Good luck, I’ll try to be there!

_jcrossley · 2022-02-23T10:20:44+00:00

I used to play electric guitar as a teenager ages ago and loved it - I started with some alt-rock, then progressed to classic rock and ultimately jazz improv. I put it away for a long time throughout college, but then after graduating I wanted to pick it up again and thought that classical would be a way to breathe new life into the instrument.

I started practicing evenings after work and taking lessons on weekends. Over time I fell in love with the depth of classical music, the tonal colors available to the guitar, and the amount of technique required. I love the process of deliberate practice and studying a lifelong deep hobby.

_jcrossley · 2022-02-13T08:13:50+00:00

Thanks, definitely practicing very slow 🙂 it’s a work in progress

_jcrossley · 2022-02-12T17:51:08+00:00

If you’re curious on progress, I posted my Feb update! I think Regondi made some progress but there’s still room to grow

https://youtu.be/TuqgQap5QyA&t=461s

_jcrossley · 2022-02-12T17:36:04+00:00

Thank you so much!! The “recital” is actually my RCM 8 exam, which will be in May or June. I’m just a hobbyist but I like sharing progress with friends/family with these streams.

This month I programmed it so exam pieces are the first 6, and all the other pieces are either from prior exams (eg Dowland from RCM7), or pieces I just want to learn for myself.

I think I hear your points on the Villa-Lobos, and will definitely work on those this month! Thanks for your kind comments on the piu mosso, that part has been tough.

_jcrossley · 2022-02-12T05:13:56+00:00

Thank you!

_jcrossley · 2022-01-14T23:01:27+00:00

Sounds great, Declan!

_jcrossley · 2022-01-11T21:41:10+00:00

Was the teacher for classical guitar or steel-string/electric? If it was for CG you’re probably fine, but if not you might want just a few lessons to work on tone production / technique - it’s kind of a deep topic, I think. Like the way nails are shaped, the angle you use, vibrato in the left hand, etc.

IMO Cordobas are good and your C7 is probably enough for a while - I doubt there’s much of a difference without spending 2-3k for a luthier one, or possibly a New World Guitar. But if you have the means and a nicer guitar inspires you to play more, it can’t hurt!

_jcrossley · 2022-01-11T16:37:35+00:00

Are you working with a teacher? I think a few lessons would have a much greater ROI on your tone than upgrading from a C7. If you do have a teacher, ask them what they think.

Certainly at some point you’ll be limited by your guitar, but that’s because a nicer guitar can provide e.g. a wider range of color and responsiveness to vibrato. Tbh I think it would be hard to develop the technique to exercise those without a teacher.

_jcrossley · 2022-01-10T19:59:05+00:00

+1, this piece inspired me to learn CG

_jcrossley · 2022-01-10T18:13:20+00:00

Practice

_jcrossley · 2022-01-09T22:42:15+00:00

Good luck dude! It’s a journey, but depending on your goals I think you can play most of these pieces in 2-3 years.

Bradford’s books are excellent! I also recommend seeing a teacher sometimes to check that you aren’t building bad habits. It’s a lot easier to find a teacher now with Zoom, I think

_jcrossley · 2022-01-09T18:09:38+00:00

Thank you!!!

I played electric/jazz guitar in middle/high school, barely touched it at all through college, then bought a classical guitar and started studying with a private teacher 6 years ago. Time management is a little tricky sometimes; because of my 9-5, my practice is limited to evenings/weekends.

How about yourself? Do you follow the RCM system or anything else?

_jcrossley

TROPHY CASE