Classical guitar 2A
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: ME130A
- Dates: 17/09/24 - 26/11/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Tony Rowden
Course Code: ME130A
Choose a start date
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
On this course you will gain confidence in using the guitar in a free and creative way. You will expand your knowledge of technical matters and musical styles and broaden your guitar playing skills. You will develop some ability to improvise. Styles covered will include classical, Spanish, Baroque, Renaissance, and popular music arrangements.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Guitar playing techniques including: Melody playing, free stroke and rest stroke
- Chord playing as a harmonic accompaniment, and a range of arpeggios (Em, G, C, E)
- Special effects will include tambora, harmonics and pizzicato
- Playing solos and playing in ensembles
- Transposition up or down by an octave
- Basic chord construction.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Read from notation above the fifth fret
- Play a simple melody to harmonic accompaniment
- Play 2 octave scales E, C, G
- Play a 3 octave chromatic scale in a variety of rhythms
- Play solo and ensemble pieces with more confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should have completed Classical guitar level 1, or be at an equivalent standard. You need to be able to read from notation at least up to the fifth fret, and to do so with reasonable fluency. You should have a basic grasp of guitar playing techniques including melody playing and chord playing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
We will practise together in the session, reading guitar pieces, tutor demonstration and individual coaching, plus guided listening.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring your nylon strung guitar. All music materials and resources will be available in class and in the google classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Classical guitar 2B next term, ME130B.
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.
