Classical guitar 1B
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- Start Date: 16 Sep 2025End Date: 25 Nov 2025Tue (Evening): 19:45 - 21:15In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: ME128BTutors: Tony RowdenFull fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00
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What is the course about?
Establish techniques of finger style guitar playing in different styles of music and learn repertoire. You will also learn to read tablature and music notation, and learn about playing music by ear.
What will we cover?
- Techniques including single note playing, free stroke and rest stroke
- Music notation to support your playing
- Learning to play scales of C, G, F, Am and Em, and arpeggio sequences of Em, Am, B7.
- Essential chord shapes (Em, Am, B7, E,)
- New repertoire to extend your technique
- 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 small number of chords
- Play a limited number of scales - major and minor, arpeggio and chromatic scales
- Play repertoire we have studied
- Demonstrate an understanding of music theory equivalent to grade 1.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need to be able to read one octave from G on string 3 to G on string 1; know where F# is on string 1; be able to play open bass strings with your thumb; understand crotchet and quaver rhythms; know chords E, Em and Am.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group playing and individual work, teacher demonstration and performance. Guitar practice between classes is vital to make individual and group progress. Also checking resources in the google classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Play your nylon strung guitar.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
ME128c next term to complete the 1st year.
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.
