Week 4: From Cardoso to Carlevaro!

Nijwm Bwiswmuthiary Beautiful playing, Nijwm. You have made great progress. In addition to Eric's comments I feel the transitions between 'A' section (repeated harmonics) and the return to th 'A' section are a little rushed or stilted. I would just be aware of those points and experiment with different subtle adjustments. Those points stand out just because they are transitional. I suspect this will be resolved more mentally rather than technically (if that makes sense). 

These are very minor observations as your performance is so good!

Jack Stewart Thank you Jack, these are very valuable suggestions that I can definitely use. I'm often impulsive and rushed in my playing, something to work on. 

Nijwm Bwiswmuthiary Very nice performance Nijwm! 

As for requested constructive comments,  I believe you already noted that listening carefully to yourself while playing is extremely important to achieve your intended result. I strongly agree.

I find that using rest strokes for slow melodies serve to bring out the lyrical line better.  I could not see whether you are using rest strokes for the top voice where applicable...and making the accompaniment volume lower.

I notice excessive movement for your left arm when plucking the strings.  Is this due to some injury where you are intentionally using larger muscles (like David Leisner describes in his book)?

Thanks for sharing this update which continues to demonstrate great progress.

Barney Thanks Barney, I haven't used rest strokes except at one or two places. Mircea, in his masterclass also recommended using them for melodies wherever possible. I'm still learning to make choices when it comes to fingerings. I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

Regarding my arm movement, they aren't always conscious as I'm often too focussed on getting the notes, resulting in excessive or unnatural positions. It's also partly due to bodily tension I suppose, things I'm trying to improve. Luckily, I haven't suffered an injury yet.

Thank you for the comments.

Nijwm Bwiswmuthiary I'm glad there is no injury.  Playing Classical guitar is a complex process, which takes time to master.  So please be patient with yourself.  It is worth the effort.

No matter what level we are at, the motto should be "continuous and never ending improvement";  and remember to enjoy the journey.

Barney very well said, Barney. Yeah, exploring this beautiful instrument and the wealth of music and knowledge that I've been able to explore so far has opened up a whole new dimension for me. Every single improvement, big or small gives me enormous joy and motivation go on in this journey.

In fact, learning classical guitar has taught me so many things about pedagogy (things like deliberate practice vs aimless playing, talent/application and dedication) and various life lessons.

I belong to a place where there isn't much of a classical guitar culture. There aren't trained professional teachers to give me in-person feedback or institutions I can enroll in. So, whatever I've absorbed so far is thanks to TB and its wonderful members in the forums.

Btw, I've looked for online one to one teachers. Many of them are beyond my means. Perhaps you could recommend someone I can afford. I remember hearing your views in one of the livestreams on teaching and learning classical guitar.

Nijwm Bwiswmuthiary Yes, the good teachers have earned a higher fee per hour, but perhaps send a direct message to Martin.  Maybe he could suggest someone and let him know your budget requirements.

Barney sure, I'll do that. Thank you Barney