UWS Classical Guitar Society

UWSCGS has been disbanded...New Guitar Circle...Bobbys Classical Guitar Space

2010-01-12T14:28:00.010Z

Due to constraints of work I have had to disband the UWSCGS. Thanks to all members, RSAMD students, guitar makers, professional concert guitarists, commercial sponsors and university staff that were involved. I hope that we can all keep in touch.

On a positive note I am perhaps interested in helping to form a Guitar Circle based in Milngavie/Bearsden or the Westend of Glasgow that would meet once a month to play some tunes and discuss music over a glass of wine.

There is a new blog called Bobbys Classical Guitar Space which will allow me to, from time to time, post recordings of myself and friends. It will also allow me to keep a record of my ever growing interest in beautiful guitar related music.

Ron Moore

2010-01-03T11:55:00.002Z

As many of you probably know Ron Moore is sadly no longer with us.

Venue Change for Carlos Bonell Event

2009-11-25T14:04:00.003Z

Unfortunately, due to the Council recently organizing a street party in close proximity to the Masterclass, the venue for this has had to be changed due to the noise levels, although other event details remain unchanged.

Saturday, 28th November,

2009 Children's Matinee Concert with Carlos Bonell at 12.30 p.m.,

St. Mary's Church, Haddington

tickets are £7 per adult, which includes 2 children free

Evening Concert with Carlos Bonell at 7.00 p.m. (doors open 6.45 p.m.),

St. Mary's Church, Haddington

tickets are priced at £14

Sunday, 29th November,

2009 Masterclass with Carlos Bonell 2.00 p.m.

at The Bridge Centre, 11 Poldrate, Haddington

Participant tickets £15 (players must be of grade 4 standard).

Booking for this is essential as limited spaces are available.

Observer tickets cost £9, with a group discount of 3 for £20.

This is a rare opportunity to see Carlos in Scotland - he has played before Royalty and at the White House - and this promises to be a weekend to remember. As well as playing a feast of Scottish tunes he will also be playing amongst his repertoire music from his latest Queen CD. Concert tickets are available at Waterloo Bistro, Poldrate, Haddington or Sounds Instrumental, Musselburgh.

Telephone 01620 823134 or e-mail elizabeth-mercer@hotmail.co.uk for more details and to book places at the Masterclass.

Tuesday Lunchtime Music at the Ramshorn 27th Oct

2009-10-26T09:10:00.001Z

Guitar player Ben Kearsley

Details here

Simon Thacker 28th Oct

2009-09-23T15:30:00.002+01:00

Simon Thacker and the Nava Rasa Ensemble
"Inner Octaves"

28th Oct, 8.00pm,
Old Fruit Market,
Glasgow

John Williams November

2009-09-23T15:28:00.000+01:00

John Williams and John Etheridge,
22nd Nov,
Old Fruit Market,
Glasgow

Neil Wilson

2009-09-23T15:25:00.001+01:00

Classical Guitarist Neil Wilson
9th Oct,
City Halls, Glasgow

Guitar Event 26th and 27th Sept

2009-09-23T15:20:00.003+01:00

The Acoustic Affair Present International Guitar Night
Sat 26th Sept

Glasgow City Halls, Recital Room

Brian Gore, Lulo Reihnhardt and Itamar Erez

The Big Guitar Weekend will arrive in Glasgow shortly Fri 12th Nov - Sun 14th Nov

2009-09-18T11:09:00.005+01:00

The Big Guitar Weekend (BGW) is almost upon us and should appeal to classical and many other styles of guitarist this year. The programme is packed with amazing musicians and guitarists including Pavel Steidl, Martin Taylor, Clive Carrol and The Scottish Guitar Quartet.

There is also a concert by local ensemble Da Capo Alba.

The web site for the BGW 2009 schedule looks very interesting and informative.

Videos of some of the participating artists can be viewed in the "Media" section.

It is possible to attend particular events or take part in all events for the 3 days including guitar orchestra.

If you love guitar you will not be dissapointed.

Bobby

Carlos Bonell Concert and Masterclass

2009-09-18T11:07:00.001+01:00

Extract from posting on Edinburghguide.com...

Classical Guitar Concert and Masterclass by Carlos Bonell

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Greenstrings Music - Posted on 16 September 2009

Internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Carlos Bonell will be in concert on Saturday, 28th November, 2009 at 7.00 p.m. (doors open at 6.45 p.m.) at St. Mary's Church, Haddington, East Lothian. Carlos is no stranger at the White House or playing in front of Royalty, and this promises to be a night to remember. Tickets cost £14 and are available at Sounds Instrumental in Musselburgh and Waterloo Bistro in Haddington or by contacting Greenstrings Music by e-mail: elizabeth-mercer@hotmail.co.uk.

He will also be performing at a special children's matinee, tickets cost £7 per adult, which include 2 children being admitted free. Please e-mail from details: elizabeth-mercer@hotmail.co.uk

On Sunday, 29th Novermber at 2.00 p.m. Carlos Bonell will be conducting a classical guitar masterclass in Haddington, East Lothian. Participants must be of grade 4 or above standard. Tickets for participants are £15 and observers £9. This is an ideal opportunity for both amateur and accomplished players to 'pick up tips'. Further details are available from elizabeth-mercer@hotmail.co.uk

Vida Guitar Quartet Concert in Edinburgh

2009-09-18T11:03:00.000+01:00

08/10/09 – Stewart’s Melville College – Edinburgh – Scotland
by Vida

When Thursday, October 8, 2009
19:30 - All Ages

Where Stewart's Melville College (map)
The Performing Arts Centre, Stewart's Melville College, Queensferry Road,
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK EH4 3EZ

Classical Guitar Concert at Ramshorn

2009-06-08T13:55:00.000+01:00

...Tuesday Lunchtime Music at the Ramshorn continues on Tuesday 9 June with The World of the Guitar, presented by Peter Argondizza, featuring Spanish and Latin American music (Villa Lobos, Manuel de Falla and Albeniz), Mauro Giuliani’s two arrangements of Scottish melodies, and more recently written works.

Peter Argondizza, a regular visitor to Tuesday Lunchtime Music at the Ramshorn, has played with the Hebrides Ensemble and many of the country’s leading orchestras, and has commissioned and premiered works by Sally Beamish, Edward McGuire, Thomas Wilson, Stephen Davismoon and Rory Boyle. Recent concerto performances include Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez and Malcolm Arnold’s Guitar Concerto. He is the founder of the Glasgow Guitarfest weekend at the University of Strathclyde which is now the Big Guitar Weekend collaboration with the RSAMD. His first CD “…from the hook to the hill” is now available on itunes.

Please note that this will be the last performance of the 2008-2009 season of Tuesday Lunchtime Music at the Ramshorn.

Tuesday 26 May, 1.15 to 2.00pm, Ramshorn Theatre, 98 Ingram Street. Doors open 12.45pm: tea/coffee on sale. Please feel free to enjoy your snack lunch whilst listening to the music and, if you are pressed for time, to stay for just a part of the performance. Admission free for Music Society Members - show card at door. Others: £4.00 at door.

Alan Tavener
Director of Music, University of Strathclyde
Director, Cappella Nova
University of Strathclyde
Livingstone Tower
Richmond Street
GLASGOW G1 1XH
Scotland

Tel: (+44141) 0141-548 3444
Fax: (+44141) 0141-552 4053

Visit the University of Strathclyde Music Society website:

http://www.strath.ac.uk/music/
http://www.cappella-nova.com/

Amazing Result and Congratulations to Ian Watt

2009-06-01T20:35:00.004+01:00

Ian Watt has won the silver medal in the Parkening International Guitar Competition.

Official Announcement...

Parkening International Guitar Competition Names 2009 Winners

Malibu, Calif., May 31--Christopher Parkening and Pepperdine University today announced the winner of the second triennial Parkening International Guitar Competition. Emanuele Buono, 21, of Italy won the prestigious competition with his stirring performance of Concerto no. 1 in D Major by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra at Pepperdine's Smothers Theatre during the final round on Saturday, May 30. He received the $30,000 Stotsenberg Prize and Gold Medal from benefactor Dorothy Stotsenberg of Malibu, Calif.

The Parkening International Guitar Competition, the world's preeminent guitar competition with the largest prize purse of any classical guitar competition, took place from May 28 through May 30, 2009.

After winning the Gold Medal, Buono said, "It feels like a dream. I can't believe it." Talking about the pressure he felt during the final round he commented, "I was less tense after the performance because I felt I played very well."

The Silver Medalist, Ian Watt, 18, of Scotland, received $12,500 in addition to his medal; the Bronze Medalist, Juuso Nieminen, 29, of Finland, was awarded $7,500.

The three finalists, Buono, Watt, and Nieminen, were selected from a pool of 15 standout competitors, and each performed a concerto with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra under the baton of celebrated conductor Alondra de la Parra. The winner was announced after a short deliberation by the judging panel.

The three, along with Rafael Aguirre Minarro, 24, of Spain and Silviu Ciulei, 23, of Romania, competed in the semi-final round on May 29.

Other competitors included Yuri Aleshnikov, 24, of Russia; Michael Bautista, 30, of the United States; Carlo Corrieri, 20, of Italy; Colin Davin, 21, of the United States; Alexei Khorev, 30, of France; Laura Klemke, 28, of Germany; Marco Sartor, 30, of the United States; Andrew Stroud, 28, of the United States; Edward Trybek, 27, of the United States; and Aleksandr Tsiboulski, 29, of Australia.

All of the competitors performed on the first full day of the competition (May 28); five semi-finalists were then selected to proceed to the second day. The competitors performed required and free-choice repertoire and were judged on musicianship, tone, technique, and stage presence.

The distinguished panel of five judges, representing different areas of the classical music world, were Nancy Allen, principal harpist with the New York Philharmonic; Manuel Barrueco, world-famous guitar virtuoso; Stephanie L. Challener, publisher of Musical America Worldwide; Thomas Frost, Grammy Award-winning record producer; and Costa Pilavachi, former president of EMI Classics.

The 15 competitors vied for cash awards that totaled $57,000. The fourth and fifth prizewinners each received $1,000. Awards of $500 were given to each of the remaining 10 competitors.

Emanuele Buono was born in Turin, Italy, in 1987. In 2005 he graduated with full marks from the "Giuseppe Verdi" Conservatory in Milan, where he is currently pursuing a music diploma. He also received a three-year diploma from the "Francisco Tarrega" Academy and has attended the International Master Classes of "Accademia Musicale Chigiana di Siena" every year since 2007. He was awarded first prize at the XXXIII International Guitar Competition in Gargnano, Italy. He was the first Italian winner of the Ruggero Chiesa International Competition in Camogli, Italy, also winning the award for best interpretation of a romantic piece as well as the audience choice award.

The Parkening International Guitar Competition is pleased to congratulate and announce the winners of the 2009 competition:

The Stotsenberg Prize Gold Medal was awarded to Emanuele Buono.

The Silver Medal was awarded to Ian Watt.

The Bronze Medal was awarded to Juuso Nieminen.

The Fourth Prize was awarded to Rafael Aguirre Minarro.

The Fifth Prize was awarded to Silviu Ciulei.

What a fantastic achievement for the 18 year old Scottish guitarist

Andreas has left the University

2009-05-29T16:00:00.004+01:00

It's a great pity that Andreas has left the University of the West of Scotland. Andreas seems to now have the classical guitar bug (Although still slums it with steel string too :-)).

Hope that you coontinue developing your playing. Will catch you playing a gig in Belgium some day.

Regards

Bobby

Free CD featuring Agnew/McAllister Duo available on request

2009-05-16T15:28:00.003+01:00

New CD release - Hiccup

The Agnew / McAllister Duo is delighted to have been featured on the latest release from RTÉ lyric fm – Hiccup.

The Duo’s 2007 recording of Greg Caffrey’s Pluck blow II (The Return) was one of the works chosen by RTÉ to feature on this latest release!

RTÉ lyric fm has commissioned over sixty five works from more than fifty composers since 2002.

These include songs, solo works, chamber music, orchestral compositions with narrator, electroacoustic pieces and improvisatory works. The musical styles range from quite tonal pieces in classical, world and jazz styles to the most challenging of contemporary music.

Hiccup includes works by Bernard Geary, David Fennessy, Rhona Clarke, Elaine Agnew, Gain Bryars, Fergus Johnston, Andreja Malir, Jurgen Simpson, Marian Ingoldsby, Greg Caffrey, Siobhán Cleary and Fergal Carroll presented in a beautiful gate-fold case with extensive notes on each work.

If you would like a FREE copy of Hiccup, email us at lyric@rte.ie and include your name and full address.

Please mention the Agnew / McAllister Duo when requesting your copy!

You can also write to us to request a copy at:

RTÉ lyric fm
Cornmarket Square
Limerick
Ireland

Peter Argondizza CD Launch

2009-05-16T14:42:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 9 June, 1.15 to 2.00pm, Ramshorn Theatre

Guitar CD Launch

Peter Argondizza returns to the Ramshorn to celebrate the launch of his second CD, with music by J S Bach, Latin American music, and Argondizza commissions Sally Beamish's Madrigal and Rory Boyle's Lullabies for Daft Jamie.

Tickets: £4.00 at the door. Venue Map.

http://www.peterargondizza.com/

RSAMD Guitar Department Concert

2009-04-20T15:07:00.000+01:00

Guitar Department Concert with Andrzej Mokry

Monday, May 25, 2009 (7:30 PM) Andrzej Mokry Guitar

To reserve tickets, please call the Box Office on 0141 332 5057.

Tickets and Info

Price: £5

Location: Guinness Room

Classical Guitar Event in Milngavie This Week

2009-04-20T14:57:00.005+01:00

Classical Guitar Recital in Milngavie Saturday 25th April

Ben Kearsley will play a recital at Cairns Church. 7.30pm

£7.00 there is also a concession rate.

Congratulations to Scottish Guitarist Ian Watt

2009-03-24T10:21:00.003Z

Ian Watt has been selected as one of only 15 world class competitors for the 2009 Parkening International Guitar Competition being held at Pepperdine University this May.

Ian is the youngest competitor and the only competitor from the UK.

Congratulations and good luck!

Exciting Event: Classical Guitar Retreat

2009-01-15T16:31:00.002Z

An important notice from Matthew McAllister

The very first Classical Guitar Retreat takes place this summer at the Cathedral of the Isles on the Island of Cumbrae off the west coast of Scotland.

Classical Guitar Retreat is a unique course set on a beautiful Scottish Island with some of the very best performers and educators working to guide, educate and inspire students of the Classical Guitar!

Individual Tuition
Masterclasses
Guitar Orchestra
Chamber Music Workshops
Lectures
Solo & Chamber Concerts
Student Concert

To find out more about the course, teachers, concerts and stunning location please vist:

www.cgretreat.com

See you in July!

Matthew McAllister

Artistic Director

UWSCGS

2008-12-09T11:19:00.004Z

We will meet this Wednesday at 12.00 in G106.

Looking forward to enjoying every one's playing, discussing music and making plans for next year.

Bobby

Flute and Guitar Concert this Tuesday!

2008-11-24T13:03:00.000Z

Tuesday 25 November
1.15 to 2.00pm, Ramshorn Theatre

World Flute

One of Ireland’s finest young flautists Aisling Agnew and classical guitarist Matthew McAllister have developed a unique range of repertoire together since teaming up in 2001, and present a cross-section including J S Bach’s Sonata in E Minor BWV 1034, Greg Caffery Pluck Blow, Francois Borne Carmen Fantasie, Gismonti Agua e Vinho, and Piazzolla Libertango.

Tickets: £4.00 at the door

http://www.fluteguitarduo.com/

Venue Map: http://www.strath.ac.uk/maps/ramshorntheatre/

Guitar Event at Glasgow University Chapel this Wednesday!

2008-11-24T12:52:00.003Z

Solo works for the Guitar: A Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Evening of Classical Music and Poetry

Christoph Denoth is an internationally acclaimed guitar soloist. Born in Basel, he has travelled the world over to perform with chamber-orchestra ensembles and international music festivals. He was recently named the first musician in residence at Balliol College, Oxford. He is very interested in the connections between music and poetry and has performed and composed music to Garcia-Lorca's Canciones. On this occasion, he will be playing a repertoire of Heitor-Villa Lobos, Isaac Albeniz, Fernando Sor, and Manuel de Falla."

Here is his web-page for further
particulars:here!
Wednesday 26th November 2008, 18:15h

Glasgow University Chapel

FREE ENTRY

Frevo Quartet concert in Glasgow!‏

2008-11-12T11:32:00.000Z

Concert Cancellation

2008-11-07T17:25:00.000Z

Unfortunately Neil Wilson's Concert has been cancelled.

Bobby

The Big Guitar Weekend!

2008-11-05T09:34:00.003Z

Friday 14 November - Sunday 16 November 2008

Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama,100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow G2 3DB

Please note that all events take place in the Academy.

www.rsamd.ac.uk

"Spread over three days, this mini-festival features an even wider range of participative classes and master classes, together with concerts featuring participants as well as guest artists. Observers are also welcome.

We look forward to seeing you at the Festival!"

Dr Peter Argondizza bgwglasgow@peterargondizza.com and Allan Neave
Artistic Co-ordinators

Details here!

Neil Wilson Concert in Paisley

2008-11-05T09:25:00.000Z

Scottish Classical Guitarist Neil Wilson will be playing in Paisley on Saturday evening.

Saturday, 8th November, 19:45
The Wynd Centre, School Wynd, Paisley

Flamenco in Paisley Sat 18th Oct!

2008-10-17T16:07:00.003+01:00

See Jaleo Flamenco.
Direct from Seville.

Paisley Town Hall
Box Office 0141 887 1010

Tapas + Performance £16
Performance only £12

Sat 18th Oct
7.30 doors open for Tapas
7.45 doors open for Performance only.

Bream Fans Set Your DVD and Video Recorders

2008-10-09T11:54:00.003+01:00

Julian Bream

10 Oct 2008 21:00 BBC Four
Andrew McGregor introduces a compilation of performances from the BBC archives of 1962-1979 by the legendary classical guitarist Julian Bream. As well as playing solo, Bream also collaborates with fellow guitarist John Williams and jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli.

Broadcasts:
10 Oct 2008 21:00 BBC Four
11 Oct 2008 01:40 BBC Four
11 Oct 2008 03:40 BBC Four
13 Oct 2008 00:30 BBC Four

Link here!

Thank you to Duolisme for a very entertaining performance

2008-10-05T19:27:00.003+01:00

The Duolisme performance at the RSAMD was great fun to attend. It is nice to go to a concert occassionally where classical players see their role as performers and entertainers.

All the best for the future!
Bobby

New time for Masterclass

2008-09-29T22:17:00.003+01:00

Duolisme's masterclass will now start 5.30 not 6.00 as previously stated

Strathclyde University Guitar Ensemble Opens Door to New Members

2008-09-19T13:38:00.004+01:00

Strathclyde guitar ensemble is accepting new members. The ensemble is directed by Peter Argondizza and meets on Wednesday evenings.

Details here!

Note: Date of Duolisme Masterclass is now fixed

2008-09-16T23:15:00.003+01:00

The previous post has been updated. The date for the masterclass is now the 30th Sept!

Forthcoming Classical Guitar Events

2008-09-15T19:12:00.010+01:00

Invitation from Matthew McAllister

Hello everyone,

I hope that some of you will read this and get in touch with me if you fancy having a shot in a masterclass / workshop I am setting up later in the month.

I have invited the Dutch guitarists Peter Thissen & Frank Lamm who make up Duolisme to embark on a tour of Scotland from the 24th September until the 4th October 2008.

I am in the process of setting up an open masterclass which the duo will direct on on Tuesday the 30th Sept and the venue is confirmed as Hall 2, Hillhead Library, Byers Road. 6-9pm

If you are interested in taking part, that could be simply watching the various players perform their pieces and get some inspiring and positive advice and tips from Peter and Frank or if you wish to taketo the stage and perform a piece please get in touch. You can reply to this email or ring me on 0141 339 4296.

This could be an opportunity for students taking exams to play some repertoire, for amateur players to get some top level professional advice and for enthusiasts to sit back and enjoy an afternoon ofguitar music from players of various ages and levels! There will be a relaxed and friendly atmosphere about the day and I hope that many of you are interested in having a go! I have attached a flyer for the duo's Glasgow concert at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, this will be a fantastic concert which is not to be missed!

The other tour details are listed below:

Thursday 25th September - ForfarVenue: Forfar Arts Guild, East and Old Parish church hall (Chapel Street) Time: 7:30pm Tickets: £6

Saturday 27th September - Kilconquhar Venue: Kilconquhar Parish ChurchTime: 7:30pmTickets: £6 / £4

Thursday 2nd October - EdinburghVenue: National Gallery (the mound) Time: 6pm Tickets: free (35 minute performance)

Friday 3rd October - GlasgowVenue: Guinness Room, Royal Scottish Academy of Music & DramaTime: 7pmTickets: £7 / £5

Saturday 4th October Venue: St Paul's Cathedral Dundee.Time: 1pmTickets: £3.50 / £2.50

Duolisme will be giving a public masterclass for students at the RoyalScottish Academy of Music & Drama on Thursday 2nd October from 2pm till 4pm.

I hope to see many of my students performing a piece for the Duo in the masterclass so go for it come along and have a go!!! When I have an indication of numbers of players I will set the exact timings and venue for the masterclass and workshop. I want to wait to see how many people are interested before I book the correct size of venue for the right length of time. Let me know soon!

Best wishes,
Matthew

Matthew McAllister
www.matthewmcallister.com (More details at this link!)
info@matthewmcallister.com

Clyde Suite Score for Free

2008-09-15T19:06:00.001+01:00

Get the score for Ron Moore's Clyde Suite free in this months Classical Guitar magazine.

New events in the pipe-line and a new source of classical guitar supplies in Milngavie

2008-08-01T15:53:00.005+01:00

-The UWSCGS will form its first guitar orchestra next year. We are looking forward to a musical year of weekly sessions, professional concerts and many other events.

-Haydock music is a new musical instrument store based in Milngavie. The manager Alistair Haydock is very keen on Classical Guitar and music education in general. Visit his web site at HM or the shop at 5a Stewart Street, Milngavie.

Session 23

2008-04-30T17:50:00.010+01:00

Thanks to Scottish Guitar Maker Euan Hannah for todays presentation on guitar making. It was fascinating to get all those details directly from the horses mouth.

Thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and support over the semester. Today's was the last session of semester two 2008.

We will be back in September with new plans and activities. It's been a very enjoyable experience and I have learned lots from everyone.

It was interesting to contrast footage of concert guitarists from various decades against each other today. Kanengiser's GFA "Future of..." gave us an entertaing and funny view of the guitar's leading lights and provided a nice way to conclude things this session.

All the best to Jeff. (Get a good teacher in France!.) We hope to get to your going away bash on Friday.

Bobby Geary

Jeff's Last Day

2008-04-30T11:47:00.004+01:00

Unfortunately today is the last working day for Jean-Francois at the University.
Jeff (as he is know in Scotland) has been a regular supporter of the guitar society and has made very rapid improvement in his classical playing over the last year. Jeff is also an accomplished live performer playing his own style of solo guitar. We wish him the very best for his future musical ventures and for life in general. We hope that he keeps in touch and continues with his classical guitar studies.

Bobby Geary on behalf of the UWSCGS

Session 22

2008-04-24T11:17:00.000+01:00

Jeff gave a fun demonstration of electronic looping in live performance, including, how to emulate percussion on the guitar.

Various society members had go at looping. My own efforts showed a requirement for more than a little practise.

Thanks from all of us to Jeff for his time and patience in putting the session together.

Hampshire Guitar Orchestra HAGO

2008-04-21T09:51:00.003+01:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a performance by HAGO in lovely church venue in Portsmouth. It was a fun and entertaining evening and the playing was of a very high standard. Derek Hasted does wonderful work with HAGO and maintains a collection of very useful web resources at the HAGO site.

Bobby Geary

Session 21

2008-04-16T09:47:00.000+01:00

This session was composed of:

-A technical warmup
-Some fingering work on some simple ensemble pieces.

Session 20

2008-04-09T19:43:00.004+01:00

Today's session consisted of detailed RH "warm-up" session. Focus was on consistency and evenness of attack, rhythm and tempo.

Leon, Dave and Andreas then played some nice music.

Session 19

2008-04-02T21:43:00.003+01:00

Started an experiment in primitive improvisation/composition. The aim was to create a "Midnight in Paisley" Hopperesque groove in 3 parts.

Modal around an Em chord.

4/4 time

4 bars bass only, 4 bars bass + chords, 4 bars bass + chords + upper voice.

1. Walking bass restricted to 6 notes on strings 5 and 6. Crotchets only.

2. Chordal part restricted to 2 note chords on strings 2 and 3 only. Minims and semibreves only.

3. Upper voice no string restrictions, notes up to 5th fret only. Defined rhythmic patterns.

No theory, just experiment and ears.

Well it did sound musical and appropriately sinister. Make sure you keep your written notes for next time.

Perhaps the piece will be called Cart Flow

Repertoire Book Available

2008-04-02T11:13:00.003+01:00

The John Mills student repertoire book is now available from the music shop.

Individual Lessons

2008-03-19T20:31:00.001Z

We all know what to work on for next time!

There will be no session next week as it is easter break.
We restart on Wed April 2nd.

Individual Lessons with Laura

2008-03-12T20:07:00.005Z

Book your slot now to avoid dissapointment. Email me to obtain details and make your booking.

Bobby

Lauras Session Recap

2008-03-12T19:17:00.007Z

Summary of session is comments below.

Exciting News

2008-03-10T17:40:00.003Z

Laura Husbands will give an informal workshop during our Wednesday slot this week and will be available for indvidual lessons on Wednesday afternoon next week.

Session 18

2008-03-05T17:34:00.000Z

We played the Sor study to strick time with a metronome and explored the effect of emphasising beat 1 of the bar, then beat 2 and 3.

Finally we grappled with an experiment on the Gibsom Power Tour. This instrument boos you if you play out of time.

Session 17

2008-03-05T12:26:00.002Z

Last weeks session took place on Wed Feb 27th

We looked at the problem of fingering an unfingered short Sor study from scratch.

In particular we discussed how changes in RH fingering can alter the left hand choices and vice versa.

Session 16

2008-02-26T16:24:00.000Z

In this session we reviewed the Carcassi study section by section.

Areas of focus:

- Choosing RH fingering and sticking to it.

- Alternative LH fingering to suit the needs of particular players.

- Aiming for evenness and consistency of attack and rhythm.

Tomorrows session will be at 1.00 in the same room as last week.

Session 15 (Semester 2)

2008-02-13T17:31:00.008Z

Today we started things off with a substantial right hand technique session

-Rasgueado in various forms, rhythms and tempi.
-i m, m a and i a warm ups.
-Review of simple tremelo on a single string exercise.

-Started a Carcassi study which necessitates efficiency of the right hand and correct right hand technique.

-Applied a variety of memorisation approaches to the first section of the study:

Physicality...Left hand shapes, blocks, connecting shapes, movement, fingerings that allow relaxation of the left-hand. middle voice only, chords only, movement of Bass only.

Musicality...Harmonic flow of chords, melody of Bass, Tension and Release, Simple dynamics. Articulation of Bass

Notes on the page...Which notes form the melody and other voices? What key? What time signature?
Well done to everyone. You have obviously been practicing! (Dave is a man of enviable posture)

Will post arrangments for next week shortly.

Bobby

Seeking your opinions on Memorisation ?

2008-02-12T18:57:00.001Z

For me memorising a piece and internalising its structure is essential before it can be played musically with authority and conviction. The three legged stool article suggests possible approaches to assist with efficient memorisation of pieces.

What are your views and experiences on this important aspect of musical development?
Any viewer of this site is welcome to contribute comments at any time.

Leon has started the ball rolling with this personal view of his own playing.
(See comments and add you own views!)

UWS Classical Guitar Society

2008-02-12T15:27:00.000Z

We are back in business. Starting tomorrow Wednesday 13th February at 1.00pm in M008.
Unfortunately this probably won’t be our permanent home this semester. I'll post changes as they are sorted out.

See you there!

Tomorrow is Right Hand day!

Session 14 End of Our First Semester of Many

2007-12-12T20:22:00.000Z

I am very grateful to all those who have participated in this experiment. It seems that we can look forward with great relish to the continuation of our musical journey next semester. (I'll post the new dates, times, venue ... in January)

Leon (some would say by sheer fluke) won todays challenge. I hope that we enjoy his new strings as much as he does. Thanks for your help Leon. It's really appreciated!

Well done to everyone today!

Special thanks to:

The University of the West of Scotland for hosting the society.

Matthew McAllister for giving up his time to provide us with our first workshop.

Laura Husbands for performing at our first University wide event.

Friends who link to and use this West of Scotland based Classical Guitar site.

The Music Centre Our local music shop (Just to the left of the Coats) who sponsor the UWSCGS. A very good place to shop for that last minute musical xmas gift!
http://www.paisleymusic.com

Bobby Geary

Pavel Steidl's Masterclass

2007-12-12T20:19:00.000Z

No point in trying to describe it. You had to be there.

12th December End of Semester Session Moved to 12.00

2007-12-11T09:33:00.000Z

Because of a clash with Pavel Steidl's masterclass at the RSAMD

Tomorrow's session will take place at 12.00.

-We will have an epic technical exercise warm up session that will get us through to the new year. So come along prepared nice and loose. The last person standing (sitting) wins a major prize.

-We will also review the Noad chapter that we are working on and then play some solo pieces.

Apologies for the change of plan. I hope that the short notice won't cause too many problems.

Thanks to Laura for the Varied and Beautiful Programme that She Delivered with Grace and Sensitivity

2007-12-06T10:41:00.000Z

Programmme

1. Passacaglia for Passalaqua by Ivor Mairants

2. Segovia by Albert Roussell

3. Inverno Porteno by Astor Piazzolla (transcribed by Sergio Assad)

4. Fantasia by Roberto Gerhard

5. Preludio (The 1st movement of La Catedral)by Augustin Barrios

Recital this week

2007-12-03T13:51:00.000Z

Laura Husbands will give a short classical guitar recital on Wednesday 5th of December in the Witherspoon building room M008 Starting at 1.15pm (Please be seated by 1.00pm).

There will a charge of 3£ per person in attendance.

Hope to see you there.

Bobby

Laura Husbands wins Second Prize in the Prestigious Ivor Mairants International Classical Guitar Competition

2007-12-03T13:48:00.000Z

A fantastic achievement.
Congratulations to Laura from the UWSCGS!

Jeff''s New Tune

2007-11-28T14:52:00.000Z

Jeff has a made a new(ish) contribution to scottish culture on his web site. I think that he is gradually becoming Scottish. Listen to "Scotland the cool" on his music link.

Session 13

2007-11-28T14:34:00.000Z

Today was fun

-We looked at a facsimile of the original tablature of "What if a Day or a Month or a Year" and attempted to play it directly in lute tuning.

-Jean-Francois took the warm-up today.

-We reviewed the "Music in Two Lines" chapter from Noad's book. Working on each section for the week after next.
-We discussed out plans for next year.

-Remember Laura Husbands will be with us next week so come along and enjoy her beautiful recital.

I want to thank everyone for the planned wee celebration this Sunday!
Thank you to certain individuals who were singing today. You know who you are.

Bobby

Excellent Flash Card Web Page

2007-11-22T11:07:00.000Z

Alan Coady's blog recommends this link at musicards.net

Session 12

2007-11-21T15:28:00.000Z

Summary for today:

-As a group we listened to and discussed a variety of classical guitar pieces played by Bream, Devine and the Assads to name a but a few.

-Reviewed the Spanish study part two. p,i,m.

-Introduced a section of a scale based Tarrega technical study.

-Played solo pieces. Well done again to those who played solo!

Session 11

2007-11-15T11:50:00.000Z

This Wednesday we:

-Reviewed our solo pieces.
-We focused on phrasing and on the physicality of playing a simple melody.
-We explored a dynamics control exercise where RH was mainly P,M.
-Had a discussion on the elements of simple harmony.

Followed by a "cool down" session.

Going further with the same pieces for next week! Where we have RH triplets P,I,M.

Congratulations to Ian Watt

2007-11-14T11:17:00.000Z

Well done Ian. Reaching the final of Classical Star is a great achievment. We look forward to seeing and hearing more of you in the media.

Session 10

2007-11-07T14:32:00.000Z

Proceedings for today were as follows:

-Warm up LH,RH with emphasis on movement at position 1.
-Technique session on the rest stroke and tone production in general.
-Introduced a simple solo piece from Jane Pickering's lute book as a vehicle for exploring issues of consistent tone production and simple phrasing.

-Introduced Spanish Study from Noad's book to be used as a dynamics exercise for next week. (p48 new edition, p71 old edition)

-Discussion on UWSCGS future events.

Recital Wed 1.00pm 5th December m008

2007-11-06T12:12:00.000Z

I am delighted to announce that Laura Husbands will perform a short recital for the society in our usual slot on Wed 1.00pm 5th December in m008.

News article about Laura

Bobby

Session 9

2007-10-31T14:41:00.000Z

Summary of Todays Session:

-Warm up.

-Introducing a simple position shift on a single string exercise.

-We played through our ensemble pieces and it sounded (if I say it myself) quite nice.

-Jeff won our Rasgueado competition. As a prize we are organising a dance with a flamenco dancer for him!

-We played some solo pieces and had a chat about what it is that defines classical guitar as being different from other styles of guitar. (I offered(laboured) my strongly held opinions on the virtues of classical guitar technique, the aesthetics of classical guitar sound and music as well as the special importance of the composer in classical culture.)
Please feel free to give your opinion on this by clicking on the comments link below!

Session 8

2007-10-24T14:37:00.000+01:00

Todays efforts:

-Quick warm up.

-Introduced some new white notes on fret 5 via spelling out position 2 (including F stretch on 1)

-Started ensemble pieces from Derek Hasted's free music links.

For next week we are looking forward to:

1. Sea Reivers
2. The Mermaid
3. We Wish You a Merry Christmas (A bit too early)

Session 7

2007-10-17T14:30:00.000+01:00

Activities today:

-Introduced syncopation ideas and a related simple exercise.

-Introduced a Berklee style single note reading exercise in position 1
to consolidate note recognition, finding and rhythm playing.

-LH and RH exercises.

-Thanks to all who played solo to the class especially those who did this for the first time.

Well done. Nice playing today.

It's very gratifying to see the progress that everyone is making.

Free Flash Card Software

2007-10-17T14:23:00.000+01:00

Dave from the group has suggested using freeware music flashcard software called Notecard available at FreewareGames

Flash Cards for new readers

2007-10-14T14:21:00.000+01:00

Click above image and print this out!

Session 6

2007-10-10T14:58:00.000+01:00

Summary of todays activities

-RH Bass/treble stability exercise to follow up from Matthews session.
-Early Noad reading exercises.
-Gave out Flash Card Paper.
-Looked at simple slurring exercise in the context of a Sanz piece.
-LH cool down session.

Wed Session Will Take Place as Normal

2007-10-09T20:50:00.000+01:00

The session on Wed the 10th Oct will take place as normal in M008 at 1.00.

Matthew McAllister Event

2007-10-09T20:32:00.000+01:00

Matthew gave a very inspiring session today. Demonstrating the importance of sound RH fundamentals. He followed up with an intersting exercise in beat division in 3/4 time. Well done to those who played solo.

Matthew then gave a mini-recital playing a beautiful rendition of Green and Golden and Toledo by Ralph Towner, Registro from Suite Venezolana by Antonio Lauro and Farewell to Stromness by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

The session finished with Q and A where we discussed the nails, taste in composers and few technical questions.

A big thanks to Matthew for coming to Paisley and to those who supported the event by attending. It is everyones participation that makes such events possible.

Plans are afoot for a lunch hour concert series starting soon!

We wish Matthew well for the US tour and we hope to see him again soon.

Session 5

2007-10-03T15:16:00.000+01:00

Today we had:-

-An extended LH warm up "The dreaded spider"
-Some new RH notation and small exercise pieces. pi,pm and pa together.
-A Jazz scale session
-Some nice Belgian chocolates thanks to Andreas!
-Some nice solo playing. Well done to those who did it for the first time!

Noad's Book Arrives

2007-10-02T09:56:00.000+01:00

The Noad Book that we are using is now available in the music shop. (The Music Centre)The price is £14.95. Its a good book for technique and contains some lovely tunes. Please try to get a copy ASAP.

Session 4

2007-09-26T14:23:00.000+01:00

This week
- We had an extended warm up for RH
- Usual LH warm up
- Introduced new simple rhythm ideas in 3/4 time
- Started to look at "Greensleeves" and think about LH fingering choices

News: Professional Guitarist Matthew McAllister has provisionally agreed to take a special session on Tuesday 1.00 on the 9th October.

I will confirm this soon.

Thanks to all who came along and made it fun today!

Bobby

Session 3

2007-09-20T14:12:00.000+01:00

This session consisted of :-

- a review of elementary reading material
- a "flamenco style" rendition of the Malaguena
- a general discussion on approaches to guitar technique

The group agreed to work on Allemande II for next week's session on Wed 26th Sept in M008

Thanks to those who attended!

New Venue

2007-09-18T12:24:00.000+01:00

We have moved venue to the Witherspoon building (opposite to the student union) ground floor room M008. It's a nice "out of the way" room that could also be good for concerts. It is booked every Wed at 1.00 for the rest of semester.

All the best

Bobby

Review of Starting to Read...

2007-09-14T09:32:00.000+01:00

One finger per fret
The aim is to try to make note recognition and note finding instinctive. One idea is to repeatedly pick a flash card at random, then recognise and play the note (with the correct left hand finger) as quickly as possible. This can be done 10 min a night, say whilst watching TV.

Session 2

2007-09-13T15:59:00.000+01:00

The 12th of September session consisted of :-

-Warm up
-Introduction to Guiliani RH studies
-Session 1 simple reading studies in position 1
-Starting work on a simple solo piece (Malaguena) in 1st position.

Thanks to all those who attended.

Details for next week will be posted soon!

Session 1

2007-09-05T16:11:00.001+01:00

The University of the West of Scotland Classical Guitar Society came into existence in September 2007. The first meeting was held in the Oswald Building in R101 and was well attended. The focus was to keep things light, simple and fun.

Bobby Geary opened a discussion exploring the possible activities of the society. Various staff agreed to be concerts assistant and ensemble assistant. The society is still to elect a treasurer.

A techniques warm-up got everyone moving and plans were made to start on ensemble and individual playing at the next meeting in R101 at 1.00 on the 12th September.