Classical Guitar Immersion – Performance June 12-19, 2020 SPACE AVAILABLE

Classical Guitar Immersion – Performance Development – June 12-19, 2020 Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon Maximum: 7

CGI is an immersion experience where a handful of guitarists join me for a week of performance preparation on the historic Columbia River Gorge at the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon.

UPDATE: CGI ’20 is currently sold out before the open registration date of September 1st! Cancellations do happen so those who would like to be put on a waiting list can send a refundable deposit of $395. You’ll be notified by April 5th (after final payment is due) if there is a spot available. If there are no spots available for you you’ll be refunded your deposit by April 10th. The good news is that with your deposit you’ll get the preparation benefits of my online workshops in preparation for CGI.

In this close and intimate setting students get personal attention through daily masterclasses where technique, practice concepts, and performance skills — including the tools to help eliminate the effects of performance anxiety — are explored. While proven teaching concepts are the foundation for our work, CGI is also shaped by its participants. Often we find a better way to express an old idea or sometimes even new concepts are formed, all by the community of players that make up CGI. 

In fact what new wrinkle is discovered at CGI often becomes part of my teaching curriculum. CGI a functional learning organization, shaped in part by you!

In addition to our daily masterclasses we have an informal evening ensemble rehearsal.

The CGI Year in PREVIEW

CGI is more than just a week-long workshop but rather the culmination of months of direction to help in your preparation. Beginning months before CGI participants will be guided through  preparation of the works to be performed at CGI in monthly online workshops. Beginning with the proper approach and continuing through the implementation of practice directive such as ‘Slow Practice’, ‘Goal Directed Movement’, ‘Backward Sectionals’ that will go towards establishing a strong technical foundation while solidifying the memorization of your new work. 

As CGI approaches our workshop will cover the practice directives more aligned with musicianship skills and in the final preparation our workshops will focus on performance skills that help to eliminate the effects of performance anxiety.

These preliminary workshops will get you prepared to be playing at your peak when you arrive at CGI, where that peak level will be raised even further.  

And if you happen to miss a workshop they will be available for viewing online.

CGI Overview

With panoramic views of the historic Columbia River Gorge the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center is the ideal location to immerse yourself in a week’s worth of classical guitar education. The daily schedule includes two master classes, ensemble rehearsal as well as technical and performance coaching. Spend your free time reviewing the video of your lesson, practice, compare notes, but also leave time to enjoy the grounds. It’s easy to find a few friends to walk the trails or play tennis (few brave the unheated outdoor pool), or spend time in reflection overlooking the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

Three meals are provided each day in Wright Dining Hall. Special diets are available upon request.

All classes take place in Creevey Hall, a large teaching room attached to a large kitchen where personal food items can be stored and pre-breakfast gatherings take place amongst your fellow guitarists.

Each participant will have a private room and bathroom with shower.

The social aspect of CGI is a big part of why people keep coming back. It’s all guitar, all week. It’s during our discussions around the dining table, morning coffee, or during walks around the beautiful grounds, where everyone shares their guitar experiences.

Repertoire

All levels are accepted at CGI. Strong preference will go to students familiar with my method. The only other requirement is that each student must be prepared to play at least two works, one from the study repertoire and one from the general repertoire, from memory, and the required ensemble piece from score. Our week culminates in a performance for the local Menucha community and special guests.

The ensemble music will be part of our final concert.

Schedule

Friday
1:00-3:00 Portland Airport Arrivals and Pick-ups
4:00-5:00 Check-in
5:00-5:30 Orientation
5:30-6:00 CGI Orientation
7:00-8:00 Dinner

Saturday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-5:30 Master Class
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

Sunday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-5:30 Master Class
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

Monday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-5:30 Master Class
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

Tuesday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-5:30 Master Class
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Ensemble Rehearsal

Wednesday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Ensemble Rehearsal and Performance Staging
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-4:30 Performance Warm-up
4:30-5:30 Public Performance
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Performance Review

Thursday
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Master Class (new works)
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Open
3:30-5:30 Building a Repertoire Base
6:00-7:00 Dinner
8:30-10:00 Outdoor Fireplace Gathering

Friday
7:30-8:00 Check-out
8:00-9:00 Breakfast

Schedule subject to change

Housing and Meals

Each participant will have a private room and bathroom/shower and a shared small living room area.

In addition we have private access to a large kitchen complete with microwave, coffee machine and refrigerator. Participants can bring snacks and drinks and store them in Creevey. We will meet in Wright Hall each day for meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered each day except for day of arrival (dinner only) and the final day of our departure (breakfast only).

Alternate diets can be accommodated at an additional cost of $40.00. An extensive list of options are available. Reserve your meals no later than four weeks prior to the first day of CGI. For more information, and to request an alternate diet, go to http://menucha.org/dining/alternatediet.

Fees & Deadlines

  • CGI cost is $2195.00 and includes all housing, meals and classes as well as monthly workshops prior to CGI.
  • A non-refundable deposit of $495.00 secures a spot. Registration to past participants opens immediately after the previous CGI and extends until September 1st.
  • Open Registration begins August 2nd (earlier deposits will be taken for open registration and any spots that open on that date will be given on a first-come-first-served basis).
  • Final Fee for CGI Performance Due: March 1st
  • Final Repertoire List Due April 1st
  • Alternate Dietary Requests Due: May 18th.

General Info

Menucha is a great place for doing some simple hiking. The hiking trails are relatively flat but you can find some hills. There are tennis and basketball courts as well as an outdoor (unheated) swimming pool.

The weather can be a little rainy, usually some nice weather but of course dress in layers. Bug repellant is not a bad idea for our annual outdoor fireplace night.

There are no phones or TVs in the rooms and wifi is rather slow but available. Click HERE for more information about your stay at Menucha.

Getting to Menucha

I want everyone to arrive no later than 4:00 pm on the 1st day. We will form a carpool made of up local students who can pick-up and drop off those flying into Portland International Airport.

Students should plan on staying through Friday breakfast on the final day.

Please send me the following to help coordinate your arrival:

  • Arrival time (local or remote students)
  • Cell phone number
  • Air travelers should also send your itinerary including arrival and departure times and flight numbers. (I’ll coordinate pick-ups and get everyone in contact with each other the week before)

Menucha Retreat and Conference Center
38711 East Historic Columbia River Hwy
Corbett, OR 97019-0008
Phone: 503-695-2243 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST, weekdays)

Scott Kritzer

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