International Guitar Fest (Full Version)

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Skai -> International Guitar Fest (Aug. 19 2005 12:53:21)

Hey everyone,

Now that I'm free, I'm really looking forward to the International Guitar Festival held in Sept in Singapore. But more importantly, Oscar Herrero and Roland Dyens are coming. As for their recitals, I'm almost 100% sure that I'd be going. But I was thinking that it'll be nice to get some lessons from them, either masterclasses or individual.

Well, it's obvious that this could take up to one-thirds of my monthly allowances and I'm not really sure if it'll be worth it. Firstly, at my low level of playing and barely any knowledge of compas, would I even understand enough to make my money worth it? Secondly, are group masterclasses a good idea or individual lessons better for someone of my level? Individual lessons are more than twice the price of masterclasses.

Thanks for any advice,
Cheston



Ron.M -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 19 2005 19:42:50)

Skai,
I'd say go along to them.
At your age don't worry too much about money.
It comes...it goes [:D]

But what you will be left with is an inspiration that you will always remember for the rest of your life.

So I'd say, book the Masterclass session and just sit in and watch if you don't feel up to playing.
And book a single personal one to one lesson from one of the maestros.

Believe me, it will be money well spent!

cheers

Ron



Chansey -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 20 2005 15:32:56)

Hey Cheston. Glad to hear that you have made it into an 8 to 5 job. Desk job? Not sure if you remember me, but in any case I am one of the two juniors you influenced [;)] The more flamenco inspired one.
You are real lucky to be able to watch the guitar festival. It lands RIGHT SMACK into prelims week [:(] Gah. Go for the masterclasses anyway, maybe you can teach us some stuff again next time. Who knows! Hopefully I can land up in a desk job as well, just received the PES C letter. Good luck anyway.



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 23 2005 12:54:36)

Hey Chansey Vic! Didn't know you were here! Great to see you here since it means that there'll be another person who shares the same problems as me because we're in Singapore.

And good that you get a PES C status, it means more time for your wife and keeping long nails. [;)] I'm a clerk now though I'm going to audition for the Music & Drama Company next month.

Haha I know it's abit shameless of me to say I influenced you, let's just say, introduced you to the amazing art form? Glad to see someone truly appreciates it, instead of looking at me in a funny way when they find out what kinds of CDs I buy..

Anyway good luck studying for the 'A' Levels, school's DEFINITELY more fun than National Service. But that's if you're just intending to slack off for the 2 years or so. Hope we can meet up sometime, maybe go back to visit our school's present guitar ensemble. I've got nice shops that I know off too, and they don't bug you to buy anything, in fact they love company.

Hope you'll get your Anders too. Don't worry, I don't get any commission for recommending him to you. I'm just impressed by the sound samples, testimonies and looks of the guitars.

Take care and good luck,
Cheston

PS. It's your turn this year to miss the International Guitar Festival [:D] I had my experience of missing out on it last year. I really wanted Paco Pena but I'll settle for Oscar Herrero. Oh ya, maybe I could take a listen to some Tomatito tracks too.. [;)]



Chansey -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 24 2005 8:20:17)

Music and Drama company? That sounds rather impressive. Didn't really know that something like that exists. And it was great to know about flamenco, even though it's so obscure here. What a pity that so few locals appreciate it. In fact I think there can't be more than fifty flamenco afficionados in Singapore, even less so around our age group.

The shops you mentioned...do they happen to be shops selling flamenco CDs? I am really desperate for one. Do tell me if you know any good ones, HMV just isn't cutting it. As for the present ensemble...they are a hardworking bunch, but too many newcomers to the instrument. Our batch is even more detached from theirs than yours from ours! Perhaps we may be able to meet in GENUS or something. Which Uni have you applied to btw?

As for the Anders, I am trying to use it as some external motivation for the A's. It looks like really good stuff which local stores can't provide. Most likely sponsorship for the deposit will have to come from the good grades, and the rest from the NS pay which I hope is sufficient. I just hope that the prices don't jump too much from now till next April, which might be difficult considering the kind of pressure Anders is under for his guitars.

Anyway, I have my plans as well after the A's. Will probably want to register for both classical and flamenco guitar lessons at Yamaha to widen my range of playing abilities. If luck is by my side, I might even try out for the Singapore Flamenco Circle after a few months of lessons. Then perhaps I will be able to truly immerse in the flamenco culture of juergas, even if it isn't Spain.

Good luck to you as well!

PS: How's our ex-junior ensemble coordinator? [;)] Sorry for being off topic in your thread [:D]



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 24 2005 12:37:16)

Music & Drame Co. organises all entertainment of the Singapore Armed Forces. If you haven't heard of it, well let me tell you that it doesn't have a good reputation. Sadly, If you join it, people tend to label you as a homosexual. That's where a significant number of these people are posted to as it doesn't not require staying in camp during the weekdays.

There are some CDs in HMV and other guitar or CD shops that I know of. You have to know where to dig them out from as they're hidden away since few people buy them. In fact, they usually only have one copy of the CD. So if they're gone, it's probably one of the few of us who bought them. Or maybe the few others in Singapore who appreciates flamenco, most of them being expatriates.

I honestly don't feel detached from your batch though, maybe because I spent a significant amount of time teaching and mixing with you guys. I applied to NTU though I'm trying to reapply into NUS next year. But trust me on one thing, NS pay will not be significant as you'll spend it on weekends and on evenings after work. You could try working but don't do it during your term of service or you'll get charged or something.

Anyway, let me know if you're attending the Flamenco Circle's practices, I'd like to go, but not alone. [:D] Study hard for now, it'll be worth it and enjoy it before you get into NS. (Enjoy while I'm struggling to learn to handle tons of paper work as a clerk.)

See you soon,
Cheston

PS. I didn't even watch enough JC1 practice sessions to be honest so I can't judge LOL Sorry.. But I was really disappointed that I couldn't attend your batch's concert, BMT period you see.



JBASHORUN -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 24 2005 19:28:10)

Hey Cheston,
I would agree with Ron that it is a small price to pay to learn from great guitarists by going to a masterclass. I would advise you to go along, even if just to see the player perform from just a few feet away. But don't expect to learn too much though.
I once went to a masterclass with Gerardo Nunez, and I suppose it was good. The trouble was that he didn't speak English that well, and so much of the lesson was "watch me and copy" format. That is okay if you are sitting near the front, but don't expect to get a level of understanding as deep as when you have a one on one session with a private teacher.
A good private teacher will also write his lessons out for you (usually in tab format). Don't expect this with a masterclass, as you often don't get this luxury. If you can, bring along a pen and paper and make quick notes as you go along.
Time is also an important factor... as the masterclass only lasts an hour or two, so the emphasis is on rushing through to cover as many techniques as possible in that time. So you may not get as much time on a particular subject as you would like, as opposed to a private teacher, who would happily spend the whole lesson talking you through compas if needed.
Lastly, choose the right course for you, where possible. If several levels of course are available (for example, beginners, intermediate and advanced), choose the right level, and don't be afraid to ask the organisers what techniques will be covered in each class.
But enjoy it, whatever you decide. I learnt very little for my £40 class with Nunez, and realised it is no substitute for private one-on-one tuition. However, it was good fun just being there, and ineteresting to see the maestro at work.



James



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 25 2005 9:48:05)

Well if I do go for it, I'm glad to say that the classes aren't that well received here in Singapore, which means more attention on me. [;)] At most there'll probably be 5 people at the masterclass.

I've to agree though, that the language barrier will be significant too. But I think the small class size will make up for it slightly. Besides, I heard that I can have a full day masterclass at SGD$100. The private costs about SGD$120.

The thing is that, flamenco is rare enough here, yet alone teachers. And I honestly don't know if I can really trust them. [:D] No offense if they're reading, but I'm sure everyone will agree that the person you'd trust most is one that grew up with the art form.

Anyway, I'll probably go for the recital and both classes. It's a rare opportunity and something worth spending on. I missed Paco Pena last year and darn I admire him greatly. Can't miss another one as this only happens once a year in Singapore.

Take care guys,
Cheston



stevefox -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 31 2005 9:43:18)

hi cheston hi guys!

nice to see you here again, how are you buddy?
the oscar herrero concert i will be there too, i have booked 2 tickets 1 month ago, it was a surprise that the front rows were selling so quickly. i didn't know there would be a master class, please tell me how can i register for it. i heard from tomas liauw last year, he was about to arrange a PDL recital concert but don't know why he couldn't manage to.
very glad to know that more and more singaporeans are now awakened to this powerful art. hope some day we could have a gathering and jam some music together.
btw, do you know dr. francis of NTU? he is a flamenco guitarist and plays very nice rumba pieces. his flamenco band performs on stage every year.

hi there, chansey the new face! nice to meet you my name is steven lee 27 y/o chinese, maybe am a bit older but there won't be any gen-gap right? :D good luck to you buddy!

steven



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Aug. 31 2005 13:18:48)

Hey Steven,

Been such a long time since I last got in touch with you. With the 'A' Levels finally behind and me being a clerk in the RSAF now, I've got more time for my guitar. Managed to work after my exams and finally got myself a full solid Alhambra flamenco blanca, but the does practically nothing to improve my skills. [:D] The guitar sound is starting to season too. So how are you doing so far?

I haven't bought the tickets yet, though I'm getting the cheaper ones. I'll spend money on the masterclasses and most likely an individual lesson from Oscar Herrero too. Here's the registration form:
http://www.tomas-music.com/events/guitarfest_2005/festival_registration.doc
You'll have to call Thomas Liauw up to confirm with him, he'll get you to leave your name and details down too. And here's the festival site:
http://www.tomas-music.com/events/guitarfest_2005/index.htm

Note that the lessons are on Thur and Fri after his concert, so you'll have to take full-day leave on those 2 days.

Haven't heard of Dr. Francis, Mr Alex Abishegenaden takes our JC's ensemble. If you didn't know, he studied with John Williams, amazing.. By the way, Chansey's my CCA junior from AJC, it'll be up to him whether he wants to disclose his name or not. Anyway he's busy with his 'A's so no flamenco for now LOL.. It's my turn to rub it in this year. [;)]

Have you been to any Singapore Flamenco Circle gatherings yet?

Hope to see you at the classes,
Cheston

PS. The concert programme looks good, you might want to take a look at it.



stevefox -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Sep. 1 2005 6:21:43)

hi cheston,
congrats! RSAF, that's really cool, i alway wanted to be in the airforce, one of my childhood dreams.
thanks a lot for the info cheston. taking whole day leave seems a bit difficult for me, anyhow i will try my best to go, mc [;)] maybe. working in a small company is always like this, if anyone takes a leave the whole company will be nearly shut down.
luckily i ve bought the tickets for the concert early, in the center 3 rows from the front.
have you been to the sweelee guitar shop's mid year sale? everything half price bloody hell, a lot of costly flamenco guitars are sold out in few hours. i went there on the second day and only found the flamenco guitar room empty.
i haven't been practising guitar consistantly, hardly could i sqeeze out any time from work. next week i will have to go to melaka and com back right on the concert day....
so how is your new guitar sound? how much is it? now i am playing a second hand flamenco guitar and sound is quite sweet, but only for practising.

did you mean abisheganaden? heard of him before, a great guitarist, maybe one of the best in singapore.
dr. francis(larry francis if i remember correctly) will be one of the performers of the guitar festival.
[8D]



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Sep. 5 2005 8:46:41)

LOL When people want to be in the Airforce, I think they meant the pilot side, not the admin side.. [:D]

I'm also struggling to take leave on that Thur and Fri, I'll be the only clerk in the whole squadron during that period I think.

Btw, no I didn't go for the sale. Sadly, I didn't even know about it. But honestly, haven't you tried their flamenco guitars? Manuel Rodriguez if I'm not wrong. Find them rather disappointing for the price. You didn't lose out that much in my opinion, no reason to buy a sub-standard guitar just because it's on sale.

Quite surprised that so many people bought flamenco guitars, they're probably into generally fingerstyle playing. Those really into flamenco would probably look for something with more bite and growl.

Have you thought about getting an Anders guitar? I'm sure you would have read alot about it on this forum, very impressive I must say.

Yup that's Mr Alex Abisheganaden, an amazing player I'm sure. Sadly he can barely make a guitar produce sounds now due to a health problem that doesn't allow his fingernails to grow.

Cheston



stevefox -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Sep. 22 2005 10:02:04)

quote:

Have you thought about getting an Anders guitar? I'm sure you would have read alot about it on this forum, very impressive I must say.


hi cheston,
actually i am planning to make one myself. most of my cousins are doing furniture or carpenter bussiness, although cannot compare furniture with guitar anyway i can have a head start with plenty of wood work tools. so how do you think?

steven



Ryan002 -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Oct. 18 2005 12:48:00)

Well, now that the fest is over I can happily state that this fest made me feel likeI did after the previous one ended. That is to say, horribly inadequate, undepracticed and somewhat pathetic. I don't know if meeting masters is a good experience for *every* sort. [>:]

That aside, einmal ist keinmal so it dosen't matter eh.



Skai -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Oct. 18 2005 14:00:45)

I kept this from myself for a long time since I was scared that I'd get spammed for this.[:D] Oscar Herrero put me to sleep that evening, honestly a waste of my money. God knows why they wanted an encore and cheered on him that much. Those people obviously haven't heard many great CDs around.

PS. Ryan - Welcome and congrats on finding this forum, you've just struck gold! [;)] Great people, great advice, I'm addicted to it..



Ryan002 -> RE: International Guitar Fest (Oct. 19 2005 15:29:06)

Okay, so maybe Oscar Herrero isn't the best performer around, though he's still pretty good...but I will say one thing for him and that is he's very good at communicating technical details. I learned a lot from his lecture, more than I did from many other visiting flamenco guitarists. He's *very* detailed. And thanks Skai. [:)]

(PS for those of you who no hablas Espanol, the translation on the three finger rasaguedo was, I believe, wrong. I was in the front row and it seemed to me that Oscar Hererro was quite clearly referring to a "round" movement of the wrist, a sort of rotational gesture, and not simply a "round" sound. But I learned all my Spanish from Brazilian friends so some might say I can't even claim to speak it. [8D])



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