Where :

The NY Summer Workshop will be held in Manhattan at the National Opera Center (330 Seventh Avenue). The Opening Concert will be held in Manhattan at the Tenri Cultural Institute (43A west 13th street).

What:

The NY Summer Event will bring together dedicated amateur guitarists from around the country (and possibly around the world!) to work on technique, theory, musicianship, ensemble skills, and for a much-needed gathering after two years of distance.

Teachers:

There will be four teachers guiding the workshop: Simon Powis, Dave Belcher, James Erickson and Nicoletta (Niki) Todesco.

Who is it for?

The NY Summer Event is specifically focused on the classical guitar, its techniques and repertoire. It is recommended that you have at least a Level 1 ability with reading and performance (approximately grade 2 for AMEB/ABRSM/Royal Conservaroire). You will be participating in the ensemble group and will be assigned a part that matches your level of experience.  Apart from these requirements, we welcome all interested guitarists to take part in what will be an educational and enjoyable experience.

Accommodation & Meals

Accomodation will be the responsibility of each individual student. Because of the wide range of accomodation styles and prices in New York City we have not assigned any accomodation as suggested or aligned with the workshop. Both the Tenri Cultural Institute and the National Opera Center are both centrally located in Manhattan and can be easily accessed from anywhere in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn via public transport.

There are no meals included in the workshop price, however, with enough interest we will aim to have a "family dinner" on Saturday night following the workshop. The restaurant is TBD at this point but it will be within walking distance of the National Opera Center. Choice of food and payment will be up to each individual.

Socializing

Every day there will be an hour and a half lunch break and a quick coffee break that will allow for a socializing moment with the fellow guitarists. On Saturday night, June 18, we aim to gather together for a CGC family dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Ensemble Playing

Each morning we will begin with a guitar warm-up and ensemble activity. Every day we will rehearse, perform, and possibly record one ensemble piece.

Student Open Mic

At the end of each day, we will dedicate some time to Student Open-Mic. All participants are welcome to perform a piece in one of the Open Mic sessions; duets are also welcome. It will be a great opportunity for performance practice and a perfectly safe space to share some music. You will never find a more supportive and appreciative audience!

Schedule June 17

7 pm Opening Concert

8:30 pm Reception

June 18

10 am -12:30 pm Warmup and Ensemble
12:30 pm - 2 pm Lunch Break
2 pm - 5 pm Workshops
5 pm - 5:30 pm Break
5:30 pm - 7 pm Open Mic & Q&A
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Family Dinner at local restaurant (TBC)

June 19
10 am -12:30 pm Warmup and Ensemble
12:30 pm - 2 pm Lunch Break
2 pm - 5 pm Workshops
5 pm - 5:30 pm Break
5:30 pm - 7 pm Open Mic & Q&A

Opening Concert : The teachers will open the workshop weekend with a concert at the Tenri Cultural Institute.

Ensemble Playing : The ensembles will feature players of different levels. Each student will receive ahead of time a guitar part according to their level. Each day the group will work on a different piece. In these sessions the instructor will go through daily technique warmup and ensemble repertoire. At the end of the session the piece will be recorded.

Workshops : In the afternoon there will be different workshops on guitar technique, musicianship, listening, and sight reading. The workshops will be lead by different teachers.

Open Mic : After the workshops the students are encouraged to perform a piece at the Open Mic.