Classical Guitar Immersion

Classical Guitar Immersion Conference (CGI)

Held annually Classical Guitar Immersion (CGI) at the Menucha Retreat in Corbett, Oregon, brings together participants from around the world to study with Scott Kritzer.

It might be best to first explain what Classical Guitar Immersion isn’t. CGI is not like the common classical guitar festivals offering a series of one day master classes taught by different teachers. While these type of guitar events are useful in exposing oneself to a variety of teaching concepts, (or what might be more appropriately termed ‘tips’) they require you to sift through information and determine what may or may not be applicable. They do little to help the player internalize an effective approach to learning as only a handful of players work directly with the teacher and seldom is a final performance organized to help integrate learned concepts into a direct and immediate practice.

Classical Guitar Immersion is a week-long event which immerses a small number of students (12-15), in a particular area of study. Currently two CGI’s exist (Classical Guitar Immersion, Performance Preparation and Classical Guitar Immersion, Technique and Musicianship) which strive to impart a particular set of skills for the classical guitar student of any level. For information regarding the current CGI’s please go to the links above. For more general information, please read on!classical guitar including technique, musicianship, practice techniques, practice plans, and performance skills. 2) The internalization of these skill sets comes from direct participation as a performer, in fact, each participant prepares for an end-of-the-week performance giving the player a blueprint for practice, study and performance.

“Scott’s deep understanding of music, worldwide performance experience, and relaxed teaching style all combine to greatly raise the level of each student.” Mike Hurley

Who Should Attend

Beginning to advanced players are encouraged, with the only requirement being that you are a serious student of the classical guitar. They’re are no auditions. Whether you’ve played for decades or just became aquainted to the classical guitar CGI will give you a solid set of particular skills.

Perhaps you’ve been wanting some foundational in fundamental technical skill sets. CGI Technique & Musicianship does just that. Perhaps you’ve thought there might be a more effective way to learn music a less haphazard approach than you’re currently taking. Or perhaps you’ve been wanting to solve the ‘mysteries’ of interpratation. CGI Technique & Musicianship will give you these skills.

For the more experienced player who wants to develop performance skills CGI Performance Preparation will catapult the player’s playing level in one week through a series of master classes, performance anxiety workshops and ensemble rehearsals.

Classes, Workshops, Lectures and more…

Master Classes

At CGI, everyone participates: there are no auditors, only performers. The more experienced guitarists participate in master classes, which consist of a public lesson dealing with technical, musicianship as well as practice and performance techniques. (CGI P & P)

Performance Anxiety Rehab (PAR) Workshop

PAR is suitable for those guitarists with less experience, or those with performance anxiety issues. Here you are introduced to effective performing tools that will help you eliminate the effects of performance anxiety, allowing you to play closer to your potential. In PAR, you also learn how to tap into the ‘natural’ ability which we all possess. The PAR workshop members perform a private concert for the CGI participants. In addition, as the master class performers ready themselves for their public performance on Thursday, June 23rd, the PAR Workshop members will participate in a one-day master class. (CGI P & P)

Ensemble

Scott brings his vast ensemble experience (with decades of performances with the Chvatal/Kritzer Duo and the Third Angle New Music Ensemble), to rehearsals. All participants at CGI are assigned a part in a guitar ensemble. Part of the CGI experience is assembling these pieces for possible inclusion in the final student performance. Ensemble parts will be emailed to you upon receipt of registration, and you will receive a tutorial on how to best prepare this music. (CGI P & P)

How to Learn Music

One of the greatest debilitating factors in playing the guitar is how we learn music. A haphazard approach consisting of reading a work over and over, implementing mistakes and points of confusion, extents the time necessary to counter these problems in the form of months worth of practice. And often, under pressure, you return to your original mistake driven learning procedure.

By isolating, understanding and learning each musical component separately you will have a deep and effective knowledge of the work before you begin your practice. Then, a series of progressive practice techniques will be discussed which will help you further develop technically, musically and with memory skills. (CGI T & M)

Technique

The student will learn a comprehensive approach to classical guitar technique including the principles for positioning and movement, sitting and hand positions, two of the essential movement forms found in classical guitar repertoire that find their fruition in scales and arpeggios and the integration of these movement forms into repertoire. The student will not only leave CGI with a complete working knowledge of the classical guitar technique but a practice plan to help continue his or her development.

By isolating, understanding and learning each musical component separately you will have a deep and effective knowledge of the work before you begin your practice. Then, a series of progressive practice techniques will be discussed which will help you further develop technically, musically and with memory skills. (CGI T & M)

How to Interpret Music

At CGI – T & M we’ll learn how a piece of music works before we learn how to play it! Often this critical stage is overlooked until well after the piece is learned when fingerings are already set, ideas are formed, (often erroneously) and the piece is shaped by a lack of technical accuracy. Applying the concepts of musicianship to the working of the melody, phrasing and form we’ll learn a formula for deciphering this information into a useful language that will better shape our ultimate performance, allowing us to express ourselves to the fullest level possible. (CGI T & M)

Fireside Chats and Continued Learning

One of the special parts of C-G-I is the immersion factor. All participants reside at Menucha and that gives way to chats around the fireplace, stories and informal instruction by me, others and possbily yourself. CGI consistently draws interesting people and I value your perspective on how the guitar works for you, or, sometimes doesn’t. How you’ve applied your life experiences to your quest in learning this tricky instrument. We share ideas here. That’s a big part of CGI and that’s partly where the immersion takes place.

Once you leave CGI you can stay in touch with those you’ve made friendships and share your experiences on my forum (www.scottkritzer.com/forum). In addition I’ll be offering, as a part of CGI quarterly conference calls so that I can continue to monitor your progress and answer any questions. There are also regular private lessons offered to remote students, Phase Learning as well as other educational opportunities. Go to www.scottkritzer.com for more information.

The Menucha Retreat Center – Corbett, Oregon

Menucha Retreat Center is a 100 acre retreat center dating back from the 1920′s, just 20 minutes east of Portland, with magnificent groves of massive trees, expansive lawns, and spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge.

The entire week will be devoted to the classical guitar. Practice spasce is available in addition to the comfortable sleeping and dining accommodations. We will even have time to stroll the grounds, take a dip in the swimming pool, or play some tennis. And we’ll certainly make time to close the day in front of the outdoor fireplace where we can reacquaint our friendships.

The Creevy Complex consists of three buildings in a quad area, a large classroom with community kitchen along with sleeping quarters (each consisting of private bathrooms and living rooms .

All meals will be taken at the retreat, vegan and vegetarian meals are available at an extra cost.

Taking the Step to Join the CGI Experience

The entrance requirements are simple; you must be a serious student of the classical guitar (at any level), and you should be are able to play at least two classical guitar pieces or studies (any level).

For more information regarding registration, scheduling information on a current CGI or summaries of past CGI’s please go to Classical Guitar Immersion. You can also contact me directly. Contact