I have been wanting to expand my classical guitar repertoire for a while. One might say, my entire adult life. I decided to give a study group a try. This one is hosted by Dr. Simon Powis, founder of the Classical Guitar Corner Podcast, and online teaching course that is subscription based.

I have been hesitant to fork over the $340 or so per year to join his course mainly due to time commitments, etc. If used properly I feel it is a great deal given the cost of university level instruction lessons.

When he announced the formation of a free, study group on FaceBook, I decided to give it go. To experience, first hand, his teaching methods and effectiveness it might have on my progress.

The first study group piece is Lágrima (Tárrega). I purchased Simon's study guide for Lágrima about two year ago. I spent about 10 minutes with it and shelved it. I didn't have the time or the ability to read and execute it.

Last week I pulled it out and started learning it. I watched the initial live stream lesson after the fact so it was about 7 days from start to making this video.

It's not perfect, or any where close to it. However, it is what I submitted to the study group. We are asked to to do this with whatever segment or even simplified single voice version we are able to muster. Whatever level we are at as group members, does not matter. I feel, Simon will have good advice for all of us. From the very beginner to player way more advanced that I.

It's on my private web server, even though I submitted it to FaceBook, it is a closed group. I will relasee it to YouTube after I polish it up.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Guita...udy_Group_Video1.mp4

Very cool, mark!

Bravo!

That’s lovely, Mark.

We gonna hear it this summer?!? Hint hint...

Thank you for the nice comments.

Still trying to nail down dates for a party. Need to firm up when and if Klaus and Bach are visiting the country.

Also have some logistics to work out around here.

Good work and great playing.
Hope you keep it up and continue to post.

English Translation of LÁGRIMA
: tear, teardrop

ooooh! that was lovely!!! Do keep us posted about how you like the FB group as you continue, and definitely share more videos!!!

Did you? How interesting.

You never cease to amaze me. Good luck.

Today was the final online session for the Lagrima study group. My latest video was viewed and Simon gave me some advice on right hand position that just took my playing to a new level. I wasn't even aware of what I was doing. I thought he would mention this missed note or that bad voicing, etc.

He also alerted me about some timing issues I was having at the end of phrases. I was simply slowing down too much, pausing to long. Again, I wasn't even aware that I was doing it.

Taking video of your performance where you can see the hand positions etc, is extremely enlightening on what could be a very simple adjustment that could make all the difference in the world.

With the help of an expert level teacher, that happened to me today. I think I will be subscribing to his on-line guitar academy.

All I want to do right now, is practice.

Here is what I submitted this morning, warts and all, with minutes to spare before the lesson started.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Guita...VideoSubmission2.mp4

That's great, mark. Nothing like an effective teacher.

Good recording, too!

Very, very nice!

And ditto what Jon said, finding a great teacher is such a gift!