Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | March 22, 2014

Tears in Heaven Anniversary

Today is the 22nd anniversary of  the release of “Tears in Heaven” performed by Eric Clapton. Clapton wrote this about the tragic death of his 4-year-old son Conor, who died when he fell out of a 53rd floor window in the apartment where his mother was staying in New York City.

Clapton wrote this with Will Jennings, who has written many famous songs from movies, including “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer And A Gentleman and “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic. Jennings wrote the lyrics to many of Steve Winwood’s hits and has also written with B.B. King, Roy Orbison, The Crusaders, Peter Wolf and many others.   The song won three Grammy Awards—Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1993 Grammy Awards. It also won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video in 1992. Eric Clapton is certainly one of the legends of the guitar playing a wide variety of styles throughout his career. 

I recorded “Tears in Heaven” recently to showcase one of  Clapton’s songs that is attainable by intermediate level players. As well as my recording I have listed one of Eric Clapton early guitar performances with the band “Cream”. There might even be a couple of students out there old enough to even remember the release of “Sunshine Of Your Love” by “Cream” but if you were too young, or not even born yet, it’s worthwhile watching his guitar work.

Guitar can be anything from CLASSIC to CREAM. If you want to try some Classic Clapton, let me know next time we catch up.

Cheers
Leigh

 

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | March 15, 2014

Some like it formal

formal

…..No, not that sort of FORMAL.

I mean “Formal” as in  formal guitar education. Sure, not every student wants or needs to take formal guitar examinations but it certainly has helped a large number of our students to gauge their progress Australia -wide and encouraged them to establish clear and obtainable goals.

Our latest exam group really showed  the rest of Australia what they could do.

Results are in for the 2013 Practical exams at the end of last year with the Australian Guild of Music and Speech.

Step One
Noah D’Arcy 91 Distinction

Grade One
Danielle Stander 81 B+ Credit

Grade Five
Joshua Kroehn 86 A Honours

I have just been informed  that another 5 students have also been awarded National Achievement Certificates, with some also receiving  Encouragement cheques. These students have been invited to receive their awards at the A.G.M.S. Award and Graduation ceremony on Saturday 12th April in Melbourne.

Guitarists receiving national awards/cheques are:
Sam Miller 92 Distinction(Grade 5 Classical guitar)
Pete Mitchell 93 Distinction(Grade 3 Modern Guitar)
Tim Mitchell 95 Distinction( Step 1 Bass Guitar)
Sam Tierney 93 Distinction(Step 3 Modern Guitar)
Jack Tierney 94 Distinction(Grade 2 Modern Guitar)

This is a fantastic result and I congratulate everyone who undertook exams in 2013. It shows what can be achieved on a national level by enthusiastic guitarists at Glenelg Guitar Studio.

Thanks to everyone.
Leigh

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | February 22, 2014

What about some Jazz

Today I have a little Jazz for you.
But first what is Jazz?

Jazz  is a music genre that originated at the beginning of the 20th century, or even earlier, in the African-American communities of the Southern United States. Its roots lie in combining European harmony and form elements, with existing African-based music.

While jazz is considered difficult to define, improvisation is consistently regarded as being one of its key elements. It certainly covers a broad spread of styles and performers, from Guitarists Joe Pass (1929 – 1994) and Mitchell Herbert “Herb” Ellis, (1921 – 2010) to Singer Norah Jones and others.

To prove that I can indeed play both left and right handed I recorded the duet G Blues, composed by Joe Pass and Herb Ellis. I hope you enjoy it. Also check out the video of of Barney Kessel (another legend in jazz guitar circles) and Herb Ellis; watch Norah Jones and Bob Dylan, but first up is ME playing a little Jazz with G Blues.It’s best in full screen at high definition.

This duet by Pass and Ellis (and others by these two) are perfect for Grade 6 level Guitarists. However (whatever level you are) if you are interested in learning some cool Jazz chord or tunes let me know next time we catch up.

Leigh.
PS I can’t really play left and right handed!



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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | January 26, 2014

Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day Everyone.

In recognition of the untold variety of ways we can play, sing or generally mutilate our national anthem I have listed some of my favourites, so  follow the link to my website to see them all. Make sure you watch the first video to the end as it is definitely my top pick!

Happy Australia Day
Leigh.

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | January 23, 2014

Leigh receives WEA Teaching Award

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood presenting the Certificate of Achievement

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood presenting the Certificate of Achievement

Time flies when you are having fun!
Yes it’s been a long time teaching adult students at WEA courses in Adelaide, only I didn’t realise it was actually 10 years since I taught my first “Guitar for Beginners” course there. I haven’t sat down and worked out exactly how many people have attended those classes over the years, but it’s certainly many hundreds.

I keep bumping into people who started learning guitar at the WEA course. Many moved on to being students at Glenelg Guitar Studio and continued their study in the guitar  becoming accomplished players , both in modern and classical forms, and many more simply gained an appreciation of the instrument and of course had some fun.

Anyway, recently I attended a civic reception at the Adelaide Town Hall and was presented with a WEA Certificate of Achievement for 10 years service to the community, by the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Stephen Yarwood.

“The award aims to acknowledge the excellent service of our long term tutors who have shown exceptional dedication to adult community education”.

Nice photo don’t you think !!
Leigh

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