7 replies to this topic

[celtic muse]

Hi everyone. It's been a good while since I joined this site and introduced myself. Just want to say that I sat my first Classical Guitar exam recently. It was only Grade 1 but I have to start somewhere! It was very nerve wrecking but I enjoyed it greatly.

I was very pleased to get my result and find that I had scored 83 percent out of 100. It has boasted my confidence a lot. Part 1 of the practical exam was to play prepared scales and arpeggios. Part 2 was the 3 prepared pieces that I had studied and learnt. Part 3 was the scary sight reading test, reading a line of music which you had 30 seconds to look at and then play. I did very badly in part 4 the ear training section. Luckily this part is worth only 10 per cent. but it showed where I need to work on a lot to improve for future grades. I am now preparing for grade 2.

I have recently begun to start to study Flamenco Guitar as well as Classical and I love the Flamenco Sound. I will never be a great Flamenco or Classical Player, but who cares, I enjoy the challenge of learning.

I have recently started to study Blues Piano as well as some elements of Jazz Guitar. I really love the sound of Steel Slide Guitar but cannot see myself ever studying this. It's just nice to listen to people like Kirk playing it.

The member on a different part of this site who recommended looking at Howard Goodall's television programme on the structure of Music was spot on. It's a great series which breaks Music into Melody, Rhythm, Harmony and Bass. It is great.

Hope this does not sound like self bragging, I am so happy at passing my first guitar exam and relieved at the same time.

Best wishes

Celtic Muse

[mattz196]

Bragging well deserved Celtic , well done.

[mset3]

Celtic,

Congratulations! Good luck with your studies.

Mike

[paulg1630]

Passing any exam is a good achievment.Well done good luck for the future

[Stu74]

Congratulations celtic muse. :claping:Can i ask what 3 pieces did you learn for your exam?
I learnt a little bit of classical guitar last year when i 1st started having lessons and i have to say even though it isnt really my thing i really enjoyed it.

[eddiez152]

Congratulations celtic muse on your achievement. I hope it takes you to your highest levels.

[celtic muse]

Stu74, on 10 July 2012 - 02:20 PM, said:

Congratulations celtic muse. :claping:Can i ask what 3 pieces did you learn for your exam?
I learnt a little bit of classical guitar last year when i 1st started having lessons and i have to say even though it isnt really my thing i really enjoyed it.

Dear Stu74

The first piece was by Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841) entitled "Vals" which I think simply translates as Waltz. The second piece is by a contemporary French composer Claude Gangon entitled "Marakesh". The third, again by a contemporary composer Gary Ryan entitled "Day of the Match".

My favourite piece of the 3 is Marakesh, although Carullis piece comes a close second. I found the Marakesh piece the most demanding for me technically. My guitar teacher said that it is quite close to Grade 2 standard, while I put in Day of the Match, which is lovely to play but easier to play (for me) than the other 2 pieces.

I'm glad you enjoyed your classical guitar. I really like it too initially however I was put off when I joined a Classical Guitar Society which had a very snobbish elitist attitude to Classical Guitar. I did not stay in that society very long. Luckily I found a teacher who transmitted his enthusiasm for classical guitar, as well as Jazz to me and keeps me hard at work on my scales and fingerings! I have also recently discovered the books and DVD's of the Jazz Guitarist Jimmy Bruno which I think are great.

Best wishes to you.

Celtic Muse

[Stu74]

Vals was one of pieces i worked on for a while.I think it will probably be the same Vals you play.My teacher said it is a good one to learn for the grade 1 exam.It is a while since i played any classical.I think tomorrow i will dig out the music for the pieces i learnt and see how much i can remember.
I will have to try and find the sheet music online for "Marakesh" and "Day of the Match" although it may take me a long time to learn them it will be nice to do a bit of classical again.
Funny you mention a snobby attitude with the Classical Guitar Society.My old cassical guitar teacher nearly chocked to death when i told him i also played electric guitar.Using a plectrum was also a big No No when i had my lessons with him.