Classical guitar 1A
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 29 Apr 2025End Date: 08 Jul 2025This course is fullTue (Evening): 19:45 - 21:15In PersonFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £139.00
- Start Date: 17 Sep 2025End Date: 26 Nov 2025Wed (Evening): 19:45 - 21:15In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: ME129ATutors: Tony RowdenFull fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00
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What is the course about?
You will establish establish the essential technique of finger style guitar playing in different styles of music and learn some improvisation techniques. You will also learn how to read music notation and learn a little about playing by ear.
What will we cover?
- Techniques including: single note playing, free stroke and rest stroke
- Music notation to support your playing
- Learning and playing some selected scales (C, G, Am, Em, F) and arpeggio sequences (Em, Am B7)
- Basic chord shapes (Em, Am, B7, E)
- Simple repertoire
- An introduction to composition
- Improvising short phrases
- Playing simple phrases by ear
- Spanish, 19th Century, South American and popular melodies.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of simple chord shapes
- Play a number of chords
- Play a limited number of scales - major and minor, arpeggio and chromatic scales
- Play repertoire learned during the term
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of music theory equivalent to grade 1.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for complete beginners; no previous knowledge or experience required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group and individual work, reading and practising pieces in class, with teacher demonstration and performance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own nylon-strung guitar. All music materials will be supplied by your tutor. A google classroom will also be used where music sheets, audio and video resources, plus your own postings, are lodged.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We hope to schedule a follow on course next term.
Tony Rowden studied with the eminent Spanish guitarist Carlos Bonell initially at City Lit and then at The London College of Music. He has also attended classes given by Gary Ryan and John Mills. He has performed with Carlos Bonell and Clive Carroll as well as flautists, recorder players, Renaissance singers and a guitar trio. He has recently played in Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding, Lope de Vega's Peribanez and a musical version of George Orwell's Animal Farm. Tony premiered Memórias, the published works of Silvestre Fonseca's Fado arrangements, and had a piece, Serenata, written for him by Silvestre Fonseca. He has several arrangements published: Ennio Morricone's Once Upon A Time In The West and The Master and Margerita and the book Easy Ensembles. His playing is featured in the film Silent Shakespeare, with pieces composed by Laura Rossi (London to Brighton, Song for Marion), and an animated film with music composed by Miguel Mera. Tony has been teaching at City Lit for the past twenty years
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
