Classroom Music Magazine Review (February 2006)
The review was written by Craig Ogden, principal guitar lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music and one of the finest classical guitarists playing today. Craig describes the book as ‘an inspiration’ and ‘the best beginner’s tutor I have come across’, being ‘beautifully presented and written in a relaxed and engaging style’, while ‘providing an educational breadth previously neglected in most other tutor books’. He also described the book as ‘a bargain’.
Guitar Academy, Book 1 [1st edition]
Review by Craig Ogden
(The review as it appeared in print)
As Richard Corr is a seasoned teacher of the guitar in a classroom environment of some 20 years, it is unsurprising that Guitar Academy Book 1 is as comprehensive and useful as it purports to be. The introductory notes outline with articulate clarity the difference between Corr’s own book and others on the market. Supported by published aims of the Federation of Music Services that propose a more ‘holistic approach to teaching and learning’, and by other luminaries including John Williams, Corr has endeavoured to integrate aspects of guitarist’s education often divided between the different styles of guitar playing. His tutor book includes the most significant elements of the classical and popular traditions, ranging from classical technique to strummed song accompaniments, ensemble pieces, ear training and improvisation. Harking back to my own earliest years of guitar tuition, I realise now how truly valuable such an integrated approach would have been. While it seems only logical to develop beginner guitarists’ ears and rhythmic senses at the same time as building their ability to play guitar itself, this is often overlooked.
In Guitar Academy Book 1, Corr suggests the nylon strung classical guitar as the most appropriate instrument for beginners as it is in some ways the easiest to play. It’s worth noting that this book won’t really suit students only interested in thrash metal. It’s really aimed at guitarist’s predominantly interested in classical or finger-style playing, but it will provide an educational breadth previously neglected in most other tutor books.
Fundamentally the book consists of three parts: 1) classical guitar tutor, 2) ensemble supplement – including improvisation, 3) song/chord tutor. The various elements of classical guitar technique are elucidated with admirable clarity and simplicity, as are the basic principles of reading music and finding notes on the guitar. The CD that comes with the book has examples of all the exercises, many of which have accompaniments for teachers to play in lessons. The teacher and pupil parts have been recorded on separate stereo channels so each part can be isolated by using the balance control. The ensemble portion of the book also includes opportunities for improvisation (with backing tracks on the CD), with suggested modes including pentatonic, Ionian and blues, and has exercises to encourage playing well-known tunes by ear. The song/chord tutor uses a range of well-known and popular tunes to introduce basic chords and strumming patterns. Pull-out flash cards for testing note recognition along with some advice about internet resources complete a rigorously researched and road-tested resource.
The book is beautifully presented and is written in a relaxed and engaging style. It is simple yet comprehensive and is the best beginner’s tutor book I have come across. At £10.99 this book is a bargain and for many will be an inspiration.
Craig Ogden is an Australian-born guitarist and principal lecturer in guitar at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has recorded extensively for Chandos, Virgin, Hyperion, Nimbus, and Sony, and has performed concertos with orchestras including the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Hallé, BBC Philharmonic and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestras.
