No matter what our level of playing ability, we all need inspiration. I remember when I first heard Segovia play J. S. Bach’s legendary “Chaconne” and how it inspired me not only to want to play right at that moment but also to do all I could to figure out how one day I could play like that too (still working on that last bit). In this new series of blog posts we’ll feature some classical guitar playing that will give you that shot of inspiration you need to keep moving forward step by step to reaching your own goals on the classical guitar.

First up is a wonderful performance of Dale Kavanagh’s “Prelude no. 2” by Dr. Connie Sheu. Connie’s playing here on a gorgeous 1961 Ignacio Fleta guitar in a recording at Guitar Salon International’s showroom floor in Santa Monica, CA (USA).

Dr. Connie Sheu is the General Manager for the Guitar Foundation of America and teaches at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and Moreno Valley College. She is also a member of the Sheu-Pettit Duo, who regularly perform throughout the US. This piece (along with the other two of Kavanagh’s 3 Preludes) appears on Connie’s masterful CD The Woman’s Voice, which features original music for guitar by female composers. It is a remarkable recording you should definitely check out!

Simon and I are also happy to announce that Connie, along with Kevin Gallagher, will be joining the CGC team starting in February! We’ll have much more to say about that very soon, so keep tuned to this blog and to the CGC newsletter. (Not a newsletter subscriber? Send us a note at [email protected] and we’ll get you added.)