Classical Guitar Magazine Review (November 2010)
There is a review of Guitar Academy, books 2 and 3 in the November 2010 issue of Classical guitar magazine. The reviewer, Chris Dumigan, says that he is in ‘full admiration’ of my books and ‘heartily recommends’ them.Â
Guitar Academy, Books 2 and 3Â
Academy Music Publications.
48 and 68pp respectively (both books with CD)
Review by Chris Dumigan
(The review as it appeared in print)
Following on from my review of the wonderful Book 1 comes the other two, described as ‘a complete course in guitar for class, individual, or self tuition’. Just a glance at the subjects covered here: reading music; all manner of techniques; repertoire; theory; songs with chordal accompaniments; improvisation and composition; ensemble work and ear training, will show you how thorough this set is. To go into them in a little more detail, great emphasis is placed on the need to have a correct technique with all the correct habits right from the start; all helped by some drawings showing both good and bad aspects. Theory is explained fully and no prior knowledge is assumed. The pupil/teacher duets are also an important aspect of the set and are very helpful in keeping the student keen, and do encourage the need to play the piece at as correct a speed as possible. The lack of songs and suitable accompaniments in many tutor books can be very discouraging to budding guitarists, and this vital element is consistently taught here. The melodies used are quite accessible and known to many, and the new compositions together with the exercises to encourage composition are particularly useful, as is the introduction of improvisational elements that are often left out of other books. Recognising intervals, chords and time signatures is another welcome aspect. All in all this threesome (including book 1) is a tutor set that I am in full admiration of, and I heartily recommend it.
There is a review of Guitar Academy, books 2 and 3 in the November 2010 issue of Classical guitar magazine. Click here to see the review as it appears in print.
The reviewer, Chris Dumigan, says that he is in ‘full admiration’ of my books and ‘heartily recommends’ them. Thanks Chris!
The full text is given below:
GUITAR ACADEMY BOOKS 2 AND 3 by Richard Corr
Academy Music Publications.
48 and 68pp respectively (both books with CD)
Following on from my review of the wonderful Book 1 comes the other two, described as ‘a complete course in guitar for class, individual, or self tuition’. Just a glance at the subjects covered here: reading music; all manner of techniques; repertoire; theory; songs with chordal accompaniments; improvisation and composition; ensemble work and ear training, will show you how thorough this set is. To go into them in a little more detail, great emphasis is placed on the need to have a correct technique with all the correct habits right from the start; all helped by some drawings showing both good and bad aspects. Theory is explained fully and no prior knowledge is assumed. The pupil/teacher duets are also an important aspect of the set and are very helpful in keeping the student keen, and do encourage the need to play the piece at as correct a speed as possible. The lack of songs and suitable accompaniments in many tutor books can be very discouraging to budding guitarists, and this vital element is consistently taught here. The melodies used are quite accessible and known to many, and the new compositions together with the exercises to encourage composition are particularly useful, as is the introduction of improvisational elements that are often left out of other books. Recognising intervals, chords and time signatures is another welcome aspect. All in all this threesome (including book 1) is a tutor set that I am in full admiration of, and I heartily recommend it.
Chris Dumigan, Nov. 2010 – Classical Guitar magazine
