Classical Guitar Magazine Review (February 2006)
There is a review of Guitar Academy Book 1 in the May 2006 issue of Classical guitar magazine. The reviewer, Chris Dumigan, describes the book as ‘one of the best [tutor books] I have ever seen’.
Guitar Academy Book 1 [1st edition] By Richard Corr, Academy Music Publications: 92pp
Includes a CD with 83 tracks
(The review as it appeared in print)
The general consensus of opinion seems to be that music education has changed somewhat over time to include a general broader approach, particularly when considering instrumental tuition. For example, there is usually a huge difference between the classical guitar tutor and the pop or rock tutor, where the former concentrates on technique and the reading of notation, whilst the latter is more to do with chords, accompanying songs and improvising in various styles. This book is trying to break down these and a number of other barriers.
So does it succeed in what it sets out to do? Well, it does include areas largely uncovered by many tutors, namely improvisation for children, ear training, plenty of ensemble opportunities, every solo having a teacher’s duet part; just to name a few. Moreover, there is plenty of opportunity to develop chordal techniques, particularly when accompanying songs, which again is singularly lacking in most classical guitar tutors. It really is not good enough in today’s climate to expect players to pick this up themselves. I know that a certain number of players can do this, especially if they have had the foresight to try a little extra-curricular activity when studying classical guitar by, for example, playing along with the current records to develop such a technique as this (for I did precisely this when I was studying guitar); I know far more people that didn’t, and they have to be the poorer for it.
There are many more subjects covered by this tutor than I have space to mention now, but suffice it to say that it really is one of the best I have ever seen, and I think every serious teacher should at least give it a look-see; I don’t think they will be disappointed if they do.
There is a review of Guitar Academy Book 1 in the May 2006 issue of Classical guitar magazine. Click here to see the review as it appears in print.
The reviewer, Chris Dumigan, describes the book as ‘one of the best [tutor books] I have ever seen.’
The full text is shown below:
GUITAR ACADEMY, BOOK ONE
By Richard Corr, Academy Music Publications: 92pp
Includes a CD with 83 tracks
The general consensus of opinion seems to be that music education has changed somewhat over time to include a general broader approach, particularly when considering instrumental tuition. For example, there is usually a huge difference between the classical guitar tutor and the pop or rock tutor, where the former concentrates on technique and the reading of notation, whilst the latter is more to do with chords, accompanying songs and improvising in various styles. This book is trying to break down these and a number of other barriers.
So does it succeed in what it sets out to do? Well, it does include areas largely uncovered by many tutors, namely improvisation for children, ear training, plenty of ensemble opportunities, every solo having a teacher’s duet part; just to name a few. Moreover, there is plenty of opportunity to develop chordal techniques, particularly when accompanying songs, which again is singularly lacking in most classical guitar tutors. It really is not good enough in today’s climate to expect players to pick this up themselves. I know that a certain number of players can do this, especially if they have had the foresight to try a little extra-curricular activity when studying classical guitar by, for example, playing along with the current records to develop such a technique as this (for I did precisely this when I was studying guitar); I know far more people that didn’t, and they have to be the poorer for it.
There are many more subjects covered by this tutor than I have space to mention now, but suffice it to say that it really is one of the best I have ever seen, and I think every serious teacher should at least give it a look-see; I don’t think they will be disappointed if they do.
Chris Dumigan, May 2006 – Classical Guitar magazine
