While I was in London I performed for the Australian Music Foundation and I also caught up with some old friends. As I had studied in London back in 2003 it is a very familiar city to me and I enjoy re-tracing some old steps. I went back to the Royal Academy this afternoon and managed to slip by the security guards with a backdoor trick I learnt many years ago. Little has changed in seven years but the sights and smells of the buildings bring back a lot of memories.

I also visited the Spanish Guitar Centre in London which was a regular hang-out for me, especially on work breaks at the Wigmore Hall. I took the opportunity to interview Juan for Classical Guitar Review and it was interesting to hear him talk about what has changed over the years. The most interesting point he brought up was that in the seventies players that came and played in stores like his all had very distinct techniques which were enjoyable to watch. “These days its like a factory” he said. I have to agree with him as there are few guitarists that I can single out as being utterly unique. As much as I would like to say that my playing style unique, I must admit that I sit with the rule rather than the exception. It definitely gives food for thought, but an individual style cannot be forced it develops over time. Perhaps the best way to encourage individuality is to be around non-guitarists for the most part?

Right now… I am under the English Channel… how strange!

For all of you who can’t wait to hear the final product (maybe its just me…) I have included a little excerpt from the work we did today.  I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.simonpowis.com/image-uploads/01-Turina-Sonata-excerpt.mp3Turina I excerpt

Peace, Love and Guitars

Simon

So, I have designed a draft version of the cover of my very first CD release!! What do you think? I designed the artwork myself with the help of the almighty Photoshop and I think it turned out pretty well. Of course, that doesn’t mean it will be the final product…

I do have a little problem though, (just one?), I am a little stuck for a CD title. The CD is really a culmination of several years of study and the pieces are from all over the place so the real significance of the recording is my debut as a professional musician. If you have any ideas about what it could be titled please leave it in the comments below!!

Also, if you are as excited as I am about the new recording you can pre-order it here to be one of the first to listen to it!

Peace, love and guitars.

Simon

2010

July

Spain/England: Madrid – Cordoba – London

August

Belgium/USA:  Brugge – New York – New Haven

September

USA: New York – New Haven

October

Australia: Sydney – Armidale – Canberra – Newcastle – Melbourne

November

USA/China/Japan: New York – Beijing – Tokyo

December

USA: New York – Under the mistletoe

January 2011

USA/Australia: Sydney – New York

March 2012

Peru

$20 – CD

*$2.99 postage worldwide

$15 – Download Version

For the last week I have been prepping the materials and on Tuesday we had our first session. To start off with, we had to experiment a little with the mic placement to create a good sound. Let me tell you, its no walk in the park. It’s like tasting 10 glasses of wine and trying to remember the best one. In the end we settled on a good sound and I think you will like it!

In the end the concert went well and it was quite an experience to remain focused and optimistic leading up to the performance. I learned a lot about focus and how important it is to keep a recital ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Needless to say the Chianti after the concert was well needed

-Simon

I performed the concert on my brand new guitar which was a pleasure to play. As much as I love playing my Alessandro Marseglia guitar, this new instrument allows me to make a more beautiful sound with less effort. Being slightly smaller (640 not 650mm) the guitar will take some getting used to but I felt comfortable enough on the guitar to play it in concert after owning it for less than a week.

The concert was recorded and filmed so I will get some excerpts up on the site soon. For now you will have to live with a nice picture that a friend of mine took of her computer screen during the live broadcast!

Thanks,

Simon

Last night I had an absolute blast conducting a workshop at the New York Classical Guitar Society. I presented some of my research that I have been doing on the topic of sight reading and I was really happy with how it went. I really enjoyed meeting the guitarists at the society, made some new friends and even bumped into some old ones!

Today, however, is a different story. Part of my studies for the doctoral program require ‘comprehensive exams’ which involve writing three substantial essays over the course of a weekend. As you can see, by the sheer fact that I am writing on my website, its tough to get the ball rolling.

One of the questions is a discussion on how classical guitar performance practice has been influenced by other plucked instruments int he guitar’s lineage (vihuela, lute, baroque guitar etc.). Another question is a comparison of the writings of Claude Debussy and his compositions. The third, well its a little complex, but let’s just say its going to involve a lot of books, a lot of scores and an hourly dose of caffeine.

If you want to send me messages to help me procrastinate I would be grateful

See you on Monday,

Simon