Valentine’s Treat

Posted on February 7, 2022 by
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Nessun Dorma (updated) TAB

Posted on February 1, 2022 by

Updated Arrangement of Nessun Dorma (TAB option)

In honor of Valentine’s Day I have made an updated arrangement of Nessun Dorma which is now available in both guitar and guitar and TAB notation.  Go to Store to purchase

Store

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Stories from the Stage: the Concierto de Aranjuez

Posted on January 29, 2022 by
Oregon Symphony program from September, 1991

I found a scrap book that my mother kept which contained this Oregon Symphony program of my performance of the Concierto de Aranjuez in September of 1991. This was the first of three performances of this masterpiece that I performed with the Oregon Symphony Pops, conducted by Norman Leyden. In this first performance I mostly remember being terrified.

Continue reading →
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Classical Guitar Christmas II

Posted on November 19, 2021 by

Classical Guitar Christmas II is now available on all streaming platforms. (iTunes, Rhapsody, Tidal, etc). You can preview the tracks on Spotify below.

The recording features my updated arrangements from my original recording in 1995 as well as a bonus track with soprano, Janet Chvatal performing I Wonder as I Wander.

Classical Guitar Christmas II was recorded by Bob Stark at Bob Stark Studios in Portland, Oregon. Guitar by Jeffrey Elliott.

All solo guitar arrangements will be available in a few days for both standard and TAB notation. (Subscribe to get updates).

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Classical Guitar Immersion – Performance June 20-26, 2022

Posted on August 7, 2021 by

Classical Guitar Immersion – Performance Development – June 20-26, 2022 Mt. Angel Abbey, Mt Angel, Oregon. Maximum: 8

CGI is an immersion experience where a handful of guitarists participate in a week of performance preparation at the historic Mt. Angel Abbey, in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Students will be featured in a public performance for the Mt. Angel community. Also, new this year is an opening concert featuring myself and Mario Diaz in a tribute to Luthier Jeffrey Elliott

UPDATE: We are adding a space this year. Usually CGI is 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 deposit of $495. You’ll be notified by the date when final payment is due, (April 5th) 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.

In addition to our daily masterclasses students will participate in a nightly ensemble rehearsal led by former Oregon Guitar Quartet member, Mario Diaz.

Monthly Classes on Performance and Theory

CGI is more than just a week-long workshop but rather the culmination of months of direction to help in your preparation. Beginning in September Mario and I will begin working with students on preparation of the works to be performed at CGI. I’ll be working with students on practice concepts and Mario will be working with students on Music and Fretboard Theory.

Mt. Angel Abbey in Mt. Angel, Oregon

Participants can enjoy the grounds of the historic Mt. Angel Abbey including panoramic views of the Willamette Valley, the library which contains historical documents, a natural history museum, coffee shop with pastries and even the Benedictine Brewery where the monks make some of the finest beers around. Their motto: “Drink and Believe”

Your Day at CGI

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 grab an afternoon coffee.

Dining and Accomodations

A fantastic selection of food is available for our meals, served in buffet style, (and don’t forget the coffee shop pastries!)

In addition to a private room and bathroom three meals a day will be provided.

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 enrolled in lessons with either myself or Mario Diaz. Participants should arrive with at least two memorized and performable works as well as be prepared to release and perform the chosen ensemble work(s).

Feed and Deadlines

  • CGI cost is $2195.00 and includes all housing, meals and classes, concerts 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 9th (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.
  • e

Schedule

Monday, June 20th
1:00-3:00 Check-in
4:00-5:00 Student Performance Dress Rehearsal
5:00-6:00 Instrument Display (Jeffrey Elliott and Gregory Miller
6:30-7:30 Dinner 8:00 PM Scott Kritzer and Mario Diaz perform a tribute concert to luthier Jeffrey Elliott

Tuesday, June 21
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, June 22
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

Thursday, June 23
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

Friday, June 24
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

Saturday, June 25
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Ensemble Rehearsal and Performance Staging
1:00-5:00 Open
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:00-6:30 Performance Warm-up 7:00-8:30 Performance7:00-8:30 Performance

Sunday, June 26
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Performance Review & Goals Set for 2023
12:00-1:00 Check-out

Schedule subject to change

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Three Monthly Online Workshop

Posted on July 10, 2020 by

TechTalk for the Classical Guitarist

Tech Talk with Scott will explore the foundation for a solid technique for the classical guitarist. Subjects will focus around proper positioning, efficient movements and technical exercises that can aid in a more relaxed, more efficient way of playing resulting in better accuracy and faster playing.  

Performers will bring their guitars and questions. Auditors can watch and participate in the Q & A at the end of each session.

TechTalk Registration

  • WHEN: 1st Saturday of the Month
  • TIME: 1 pm PDT

Ask to join the Tech Talk with Scott Kritzer Facebook Group.

Perfect Practice for the Classical Guitarist

Perfect Practice

All the information on the internet won’t make you a better guitar player without practice. But even players who practice consistently often show few results for their efforts and with good reason; a practice that feels good is one that produces short term results. Conversely a perfect practice actually feels like anything but.

The benefits of good practice often don’t manifest themselves for weeks so players often chase a variety of concepts only to come up short. A consistent practice, based on newly discovered information on how we learn, will reward the player with a more effective practice and positive results, with less time spent in the practice room.

I have spent decades developing practice guidelines and tools that will keep your practice effective and fresh. In addition you’ll learn how to use the Kritzer Studio Practice Plan.

Perfect Practice Registration

  • WHEN: 2nd Saturday of the Month
  • TIME: 1 pm PDT

Ask to join the Perfect Practice with Scott Kritzer Facebook Group.

Performance Anxiety Rehab

Performance Anxiety Rehab

Performance anxiety robs us of our potential and neutralizes our hard work in the practice room. While some nervousness is natural and even beneficial prior to a performance, its important to eliminate the needless and even damaging effects of performance anxiety that undermine your hard work and potential developed in the practice room.

Join me for these series of workshops where we’ll learn how to manage performance anxiety through effective practice tools resulting in a more satisfying performance experience.

In addition, we’ll form a community of players who will meet for PAR PODS; a safe environment to try out your newly learned performing skills!

Performance Anxiety Rehab Registration

  • WHEN: 3rd Saturday of the Month
  • TIME: 1 pm PDT

Ask to join the Performance Anxiety Rehab Facebook Group.

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Performance Anxiety Rehab Monthly Webinars

Posted on April 9, 2020 by

Performance Anxiety is one of the most debilitating factors a performing musician must face. Most performers suffer from some form of pre concert jitters. Some experience performances interrupted by mistakes, memory slips or by negative self talk. Those who suffer from the effects of performance anxiety also experience the frustrating realization that so much potential was left in the practice room.

(Click here to register for my upcoming webinar Performance Anxiety Rehab – Memory webinar). Space is limited.

Performance Anxiety Rehab incorporates over 40 years of performing and teaching experience.  In these monthly webinars I’ll share the steps to gaining a greater performance experience.

Performance Anxiety Rehab Online Webinars

I’ll be offering a monthly 1 hour webinar of the subject of Performance Anxiety (PA). The format will be in Part 1 to introduce that workshop’s subject and its application to repertoire.

Registrants will get a study packet of material prior to each webinar and everyone will get an assignment from that material for the next webinar. Next I’ll work with a few players and on implementing some PA practice concepts – it’s a safe environment to try things out!

Part 3 will be devoted to your questions about PA.

The webinars will consist of Participants who can be seen and heard and Attendees, who won’t be, but who can still ask questions. Let me know if you’d like to perform. (Space is limited)

Performance Anxiety Rehab – Memory and Encoding – Online Workshop

Saturday, April 18, 2:00 PM PDT

Memory is a big issue in PA and dealing with it effectively is best done from when you first begin learning a new piece. We’ll talk about the three types of memory (all important) and begin working on the first; encoding. Encoding is best done as we start a new piece.  The more relevant information we gather at the beginning the more we insure proper the encoding. This allows us to draw on this material in even the most pressurized settings.

We’ll be using Fernando Sor’s, Study in Bm, Opus 35, No 22 as a template. Over the next few months we’ll take this piece through the PAR steps enabling you to fully experience the benefits of applying PAR techniques to your repertoire, and readying the piece for performance.

Beginners to advanced players welcome!

Performance Anxiety Rehab – Memory Webinar Registration (Space is limited)

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Online Workshops – FREE

Posted on March 17, 2020 by

I decided to bump up the dates of these 1 hour workshops on technique, practice and performance anxiety, and make them FREE due to the COVID19 virus and its ramifications.

Tech Talk, Perfect Practice and Performance Anxiety Rehab (PAR) will regular workshops for Premium Members on my upcoming new website. Check them out – at no charge.

Each workshop will be comprised of Performers and Auditors. I’ll interact with Performers directly while Auditors observe. Both groups can ask questions.

All participants will need to become a Subscriber. If you’re not already a Subscriber become one by going to the Subscribe button on the left hand panel of this page.

Performers will play or demonstrate (depending on the workshop) while Auditors can watch and participate in the Q & A at the end of each session.

All three workshops will be broadcast over ZOOM. Space is limited so register soon. Once you’ve subscribed contact me (Contact Scott) and let me know which workshop you’d like to attend (you can attend all three). Also let me know if you’d like to act as a Presenter or Attendee. You’ll get a confirmation of your registration and the ZOOM workshop link.

Tech Talk for the Classical Guitarist

Saturday, March 28 @ 2:00 PM PDT

Scott’s Tech Talk for the Classical Guitarist will explore the foundation for a solid technique for the classical guitarist. Subjects will focus around proper positioning, efficient movements and technical exercises that can aid in a more relaxed, more efficient way of playing resulting in better accuracy and faster playing.

Performers can demonstrate their technique questions on the guitar.

Perfect Practice

Saturday, April 4 @ 2:00 PM PDT

All the information on the internet won’t make you a better guitar player without practice. But even players who practice consistently often show few results for their efforts and with good reason; a practice that feels good is one that produces short term results. Conversely a perfect practice actually feels like anything but. Since the benefits of good practice often don’t manifest themselves for weeks, players often chase a variety of concepts only to come up short. A consistent practice, based on newly discovered information on how we learn, will reward the player with a more effective practice and positive results, with less time spent in the practice room.

I have spent decades developing practice guidelines and tools that will keep your practice effective and fresh. In addition you’ll learn how to use the Kritzer Studio Practice Plan.

Performers will get feedback on their current practice regime and practice techniques.

Performance Anxiety Rehab

Saturday, April 18 @ 2:00 PM PDT

Performance anxiety robs us of our potential and neutralizes our hard work in the practice room. While some nervousness is natural and even beneficial prior to a performance, its important to eliminate the needless and even damaging effects of performance anxiety that undermine your hard work and potential developed in the practice room.

Join me for this workshop where we’ll begin to learn how to manage performance anxiety through effective practice tools resulting in a more satisfying performance experience.

Performers will get immediate feedback on how to develop performance skills guided by intuition instead of that destructive voice.

In addition, over time we’ll form a community of players who will meet for PAR PODS; a safe environment to try out your newly learned performing skills!

ABOUT Scott

Posted in Guitar Tips, Performing Skills, Practicing the Classical Guitar, Technique | Comments Off on Online Workshops – FREE

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

Posted on August 25, 2019 by

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)

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Three Works by Manuel de Falla

Posted on May 18, 2019 by

A selection from my recent Portland State University concert; three works from the ballet music of  Spanish composer Manuel de Falla.

The first few minutes is background to the music being played. It’s a story of love, jealousy and revenge. All on one little guitar.

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