Getting More Out of Your Guitar Practice Time

Posted on August 2, 2011 by

Table of Contents for Getting More

  1. Getting More Out of Your Guitar Practice Time

In my 5 part series “Getting More,” you’ll learn how to get more from your practice time, lessons, performances, and even from your attendance of concerts and master classes.

Part 1-Getting More from your Practice

Do you find that you lack the time to practice? Perhaps you find that you’re missing more sessions than you’d like to admit. When you do practice, are you unsure of what you should practice, or even how to practice? Do you lack focus? Do you find yourself only getting so far with a piece before you lose interest and move on to something else? Do you have very little playable music to show for your practice time or for the years you’ve spent playing the guitar?

A well-thought-out practice schedule, one that you find yourself adhering to more consistently, will help eliminate these problems.

Consistency

The number one factor in using your practice time effectively is consistency. Consistent practice equals consistent playing. Yet, this is where most players fall short. If you find yourself missing more days than you’d like, then look to shorten your practice schedule. If you become more consistent, then even with a shorter practice time you’ll show improvement. Further, if you develop an organized practice plan, you’ll find that you actually need less time to practice, while making long-term improvement. Bottom line: organize your practice, and you can afford to shave time off. A shorter, more focused and organized practice, coupled with consistency, will give you fantastic results. Continue reading →

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Kritzer Performs in Germany, August 2011

Posted on July 11, 2011 by

Evening Music for the King

August 26, 27, 2011

Castle Neuschwanstein, Bavaria

Kritzer performs "Evening Music for the King"


The Castle Administration of Bavaria is presenting for its 3rd season- an exclusive concert in the Singers Hall in the castle Neuschwanstein on August 26th and 27th, 2011 in the heart of Bavaria. The castle was the dream home of King Ludwig II and the Singer’s Hall was built to host musical guest, composer Richard Wagner. This year Janet Marie Chvatal & Marc Gremm will welcome special guest, America’s premiere classical guitarist Scott Kritzer, who has performed with the Kronos Quartet and in solo concerts in Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall in London. Kritzer has toured and recorded extensively in Duo with Janet from 1994 – 2004 in the USA and Canada. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the “Children’s Cancer Help Fund” in Germany.

Tickets are available at the Allgäuer Newspaper. Telephone Number is in Germany (011.49) – 01805.132.132 or on the Website: www.allgaeuticket.de The concerts will be sold out – no tickets available at the door!

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Nail Repair for the Classical Guitarist

Posted on July 1, 2011 by

Proper nail care is essential for the classical guitarist. Even the most careful player will, on occasion, need to replace or repair a nail due to a crack or breakage. I’m sure there are many ideas on this subject and this is limited to what I’ve found works for me. I’m interested in other solutions so let me know!

This video will demonstrate a couple of different solutions including the ping-pong ball replacement for a broken nail as well as how to fortify a cracked (but not broken) nail with either a ping-pong ball or toilet tissue and under which conditions these methods are appropriate. Hopefully with this information a cracked or broken nail won’t keep you from practicing or performing!

Enjoy and let me know your ideas!

Scott

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Classical Guitar Immersion 2014 – Performance Preparation, Corbett Oregon

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

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. Continue reading →

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Classical Guitar Immersion 2012 – Technique and Musicianship, Corbett Oregon

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Classical Guitar Immersion 2012 – Technique & Musicianship
March 30th-April 6th, 2012
Menucha Retreat & Conference Center
Corbett, Oregon
Maximum Attendees: 15

What is Classical Guitar Immersion – Technique & Musicianship?

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.

One of Menuch'a Many Views

Classical Guitar Immersion Technique & Musicianship 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, how to read music, how to memorize music and musicianship. Secondly, the internalization of these skill sets comes from supplied repertoire and excerpts. This internalization process gives you a blueprint for technique practice, the integration of technique into repertoire and the most effective tools for learning and interpreting music. You need not be an advanced player to participate. Beginning to advanced players are encouraged, with the only requirement being that you are a serious student of the classical guitar. 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

Technique

Technique Class

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. Continue reading →

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Master Class – Science of Melody

Posted on June 28, 2011 by

I’ll be offering a master class on my article Science of Melody on Saturday, July 16th from 3:00-5:00 pm PDT for both local and remote students. The class will consist of 3-4 performers and an unlimited number of auditors (although only 5 remote players total can be accommodated through SKYPE).

The student will learn a thorough approach to phrasing through the exploration melody. Students are often amazed at how the basics of musicianship (metric stresses, short notes to long, and basic phrasing concepts using dynamics and rhythm) can dramatically affect not only the musicality of a work but the accuracy as well!

Performers of all levels are eligible – the only requirement is that the performer prepares for the class by following the article The Science of Melody’s Initial directive of being able to play the melody alone, with the fingerings that will be used in the entire work. We will likely only work a section or two of each performers piece but we will work all the concepts mentioned in the article – ultimately integrating the accompaniment with the melody. The student will learn a system that can be applied to many works in his or her repertoire, new or old. (This is a great technique to apply to a new piece!!).

Auditors will simply observe and are free to ask questions and participate in the conversation.

Saturday, July 16th, 3:00-5:00 pm PDT
Performers $40
Auditors $25

Performer and Remote Audting spots are SOLD OUT. Still space for local auditors who can attend in person. If you are still interested please send me a note and I can put you on a waiting list in case of a cancellation. Thanks, Scott

How to Register

Contact me directly and let me know if you are planning to audit or perform. If you’d like to be a performer I’d be happy to discuss your repertoire choices but please mention your preference. I’ll let you know if there is still space available at which point you can either send payment to PAYPAL or mail a check to: Scott Kritzer, 1235 SE Division, Portland, Oregon 97202-1055.

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Northwest Preview on All Classical KQAC 89.9 FM

Posted on June 13, 2011 by

Scott Kritzer taping his interview and performance in the KQAC All Classical 89.9 FM studio.

Listen to the Scott Kritzer interview and performance on Andrea Murray’s Northwest Previews on All Classical KQAC 89.9FM, previewing his June 19th Portland Performance on Thursday, June 16th at 6:00 pm PDT. Go to the All Classical website and follow the instructions for Listen Now to listen over the internet, live from anywhere in the world! If you happen to miss the interview you can catch it beginning Friday, June 17th using the OnDemand feature of the Listen Now feature at All Classical KQAC 89.9.

Always good to see KQAC's On-Air Host Robert McBride

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Right Hand Placement for the Classical Guitarist

Posted on June 12, 2011 by

You can maximize the quality of the sound of your instrument simply by placing your right hand near the back of the sound hole. Often guitarists find themselves playing behind the sound hole, choking the sound of the guitar (I know I have). Watch the following video to find the proper placement of your right hand for an optimal sound.

For more educational and entertainment videos, check out my Scott Kritzer YouTube Channel.

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Nessun Dorma, the making for Classical Guitar

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

It was an odd choice to be sure. Coloratura soprano and my duo partner Janet Chvatal suggested I arrange this piece, the trademark of famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti, from the Opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini.

Classical guitarists seemed to be in two camps on arrangements; you do them or you don’t. I was in the latter before I began working with voice and guitar repertoire. Sure, I’d done a few Scarlatti harpsichord works, and a Bach organ work, but other guitarists arrange at a much more prolific rate.

Over the years I worked with Janet, I made a series of arrangements for voice and guitar from opera works: O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini, Oh Quante Volte by Bellini, and Deh vieni non tardar, by Mozart, in addition to some Schubert and Mozart piano/voice works.

Janet’s suggestions were often fruitful, but arranging Nessun Dorma for solo guitar seemed like crazy talk. This worked posed dilemmas which I had yet to face. First, Pavarotti’s performance was the watermark. I couldn’t compete with that. Next, the power and volume of the orchestral and vocal line brought chills if not tears. How was I going to achieve authenticity when the guitar could never reach this dynamic range?

I was about to give up, when I remembered my father’s reaction to Nessun Dorma. My father (who had passed away a fear years prior) was a big Country and Western music fan. One Christmas I bought him an album of Pavarotti arias. My mother told me that he used to lie  on the floor, eyes closed, listening to the recording. When Nessun Dorma played, tears would stream down his face. Continue reading →

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Classical Guitar Immersion 2011 Student Recital

Posted on June 7, 2011 by

This don’t-miss event is the culmination of work done at Classical Guitar Immersion 2011 by visiting and local players and is always a great hit.

Tom Exhibiting Nerves of Steel

Thursday, June 23rd, 7:30 pm
The Old Church
1422 SW 14th
Portland, Oregon
Admission: N/C

Students arrive at CGI ready to roll up their sleeves with one goal in mind; to prepare for a recital. Working on the technical and musical aspects comprise only part of the CGI experience. Principles from my Performance Anxiety Workshop (held during the CGI week as well as annually in the Kritzer Studio) are also applied. The work these students accomplish in less than a week is nothing short of herculean. I am humbled by not only their effort but the results!

This year’s concert will feature works for solo guitar by Sor, Barrios, Aguado, Duarte and Sanz as well as guitar ensemble works by Vivaldi, Telemann and Scott Joplin.

Students prep for Recital

What makes these concerts unique is that the listener gets a chance to almost experience what it would be like, as a non-professional, to get up and perform. Make no mistake, while each of these performers are non-professional musicians, they experience every bit of performance anxiety that a professional does.

Lee and Brent, Backstage

Calm and Cool Charlie S.

They are more visceral and the human emotions more on the surface. As a result I find that audiences enjoy these recitals as much, perhaps more, than a professional recital.

Also, for those aspiring to study and perform on the classical guitar they provide a window into what one could someday be doing!

Mike Displays Great Technique

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