Classical Guitar Immersion
Performance Preparation, 2014
with classical guitarist Scott Kritzer
Friday, June 13th-20th, 2014
Menucha Retreat & Conference Center
Maximun Attendees: 7

What is Classical Guitar Immersion: Performance Preparation?

2012 CGI Participants

It might be best to first explain what Classical Guitar Immersion isn’t. CGI is not like the common classical guitar festivals offering a week of 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 useful. In addition, due to the fact that only a handful of players are directly exposed to these concepts as performers in the master classes (and usually for one class only), they do little to help you internalize an effective approach to learning.

Classical Guitar Immersion is a week-long event which immerses a small group of serious classical guitar students in three ways: First, CGI offers a comprehensive, consistent pedagogy for the classical guitar including technique, musicianship, practice techniques, practice plans, and performance skills. Secondly, the internalization of these skill sets comes from direct participation as a performer. Further, each CGI Performance-Prep participant prepares for an end-of-the-week performance of solo and/or ensemble works. This internalization process gives the particpant a blueprint for practice, study and performance. You need not be an advanced player to participate. Beginning to advanced players are encouraged, with the only requirement being that you have two to three works for the classical guitar, of any level, memorized. Thirdly, all participants live together for one week at the Menucha Retreat & Conference Center; a 100 acre retreat located on the picturesque Columbia River Gorge.

The Classes

Master Classes

Master Class at Menucha

Master Classes at CGI are similar in format to the traditional master class, but differ slightly. First, at CGI, everyone participates: there are no auditors, only performers. And secondly, each performer prepares one to three works, of which one or two will likely be chosen for the CGI Student Recital.

Performance Anxiety Rehab (PAR)

To better prepare the performer for the CGI Recital, the performer is introduced to effective performing tools that will help eliminate the effects of performance anxiety, allowing the player to play closer to his or her potential. In PAR, you also learn how to tap into the ‘natural’ ability, which we all possess.

Ensembles

Each participants at CGI is assigned a part in a guitar ensemble. Part of the CGI experience is assembling these pieces for possible inclusion in the CGI Student Recital. Ensemble parts will be e-mailed to you upon receipt of registration, and you will receive regular tutorials on how to best prepare this music.

Pre Concert Walk, Kritzer Studio Neighborhood

Fireside Chats

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, including 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.

Continued Learning

Once you leave CGI, you can maintain your new friendships and share your experiences on my forum (www.scottkritzer.com/forum). In addition, I’ll be regularly providing educational material on my website, so you can ‘refresh’ on some of the topics we covered or get abreast of the new and latest concepts. There are also regular, private lessons offered to remote students, as well as Phase Learning and other educational opportunities. Go to www.scottkritzer.com for more information.

CGI: 2014 Schedule

The Schedule at CGI is optimized for the CGI Recital with intense work early followed by more practice and reflective time. Most people arrive the morning or early the early afternoon of the 15th. Airport pick-ups, and drop-offs, will be provided by our generous local students.

Friday, June 13th
1:00-4:00 Early Check-in
4:00-5:00 Late Check-in
5:30-6:00 Orientation
7:00-8:00 Dinner
9:00-11:00 Informal Play-Around

Saturday, June 14th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Master Class
3:00-7:00 Open
6:00-7:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Practice Directives

Sunday, June 15th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Master Class
3:00-7:00 Open
6:00-7:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Ensemble Class

Monday, June 16th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Master Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Master Class
3:00-7:00 Open
6:00-7:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Ensemble Class

Tuesday, June 17th
8:00-9:00 -Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Performance Anxiety Rehab
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Beginnings & Endings (Repertoire)
3:00-7:00 Open
6:00-7:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Ensemble Class

Wednesday, June 18th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Staging Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Master Class (new works)
3:00-4:30 Open time
5:00-5:45 Performance for Menucha Community
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Performance Revies
8:30-10:00 Outdoor Fireplace Social

Thursday, June 19th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-10:30 Technique Class
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Open
3:00-4:00 2014-15 Guitar Goals
4:00-5:00 Dinner Snacks in Creevey
6:00-6:30 Drive to Community Music Center (3350 SE Francis, Portland, Oregon)
6:30-7:30 Hall Set-up – Community Music Center
7:30-9:00 CGI Recital -Community Music Center
9:00-10:00 Reception

Friday, June 2oth
7:30-8:00 Check-out
8:00-9:00 Breakfast

Schedule subject to change

The Menucha Retreat Center

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.

One of Menucha’s Majestic Views

The entire week will be devoted to the classical guitar. Gone will be the distractions created from deciding where to eat, carpooling, or when and where to practice (you’ll be able to practice any time of day or night). We’ll also have comfortable space for rehearsing for up to 4 quartets, as well as 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. Building A consists of a large classroom, three bathrooms, and a group kitchen to accommodate those midnight snacks (and where coffee is delivered every morning!) Living quarters are in buildings B, C which are comprised of four bedrooms, each with three beds and a private bath as well as a living room area. Those with special needs and those who have registered earliest will have a better chance of receiving a private room. (All other rooms will be double occupancy).

All meals will be taken at the retreat, 8:00 am, Noon, and 6:00 pm, with the exception of dinner on Friday, June 15th, which is at 7 pm. Food is served camp style. Vegan and vegetarian meals are available at an extra cost.

Entrance Requirements, Pricing and Registration Information

Entrance Requirements

• You are a serious student of the classical guitar
• You will take an assessment audition (first time participants only)
• You are able to play two to three classical guitar pieces from memory
• You agree to attend for the entire week of June 14th-21st.
• You agree to reside at the Menucha Retreat for the full duration

Cost and Registration

$1785 per person (includes 7 days of single occupancy lodging, meals, concerts, all lectures, master classes, and PAR workshops). A limited number of individual consultations will be available at $80 per session, and should be scheduled as early as possible.

Early Registration – July 15th-July 31st, 2012

Early registration is for past CGI attendees only.

Open registration -August 1st

If CGI has not already soldout, open registration allows all other past attendees and others to register. CGI has sold out on almost every occasion. If CGI is sold out, I recommend joining the waiting list by sending a refundable deposit. You’ll be informed by February 10th, 2012 if an opening becomes available upon which final payment will be due or your deposit will be returned by check.

Evening Sets at Menucha

To register for CGI 2011, send a non-refundable deposit fee of $395.00. Make check payable to:
Scott Kritzer
1235 SE Division, Ste 102
Portland, Oregon 97202-1055

Final payment for CGI 2012 is due by February 8th, 2013.

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Kritzer.

Scott Kritzer