Reviews

“An amazingly comprehensive exploration of the many facets of the classical guitar, and a very thorough explanation and development of guitar-playing technique, with many very appropriate and varied musical examples to play.
A unique feature is the book’s accessibility for players of all musical backgrounds, whether classical, traditional or popular, breaking down unnecessary barriers. As well, the book is beautifully presented and embellished with thought-provoking quotations, carrying the musician’s soul beyond the notes.”

Dr. Christopher Hainsworth, formerly Director of Béziers Conservatoire, France, and Associate Professor of Waikato University, New Zealand

“The Soul of the Classical Guitar by Katya Skandera is a gift to the classical guitar community. Full of wisdom and insight regarding the practicalities of playing the guitar, a feature of this book is the repertoire - a wonderful collection of pieces, hand-picked, arranged and/or composed by the author. Culminating in an intelligently edited anthology that radiates with the author's own appreciation for the guitar, this is a resource that is sure to be treasured by players and teachers alike.”

Dr. Jane Curry, Head of Classical Guitar, New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand

“This must be the best student book I have ever come across: your compilation of student pieces is perfect, the technical information is very useful and thorough; the layout is very clear and 'easy' on the eye, the presentation is beautiful and I love your quotes. It has become like a bible for me.”

Dominique Blatti, Teacher and Organiser of the biennial Taranaki Classical Guitar Summer School New Zealand

“Thank you so much for your beautiful book – it is truly inspirational!”

John Hayday, guitar teacher Auckland, New Zealand

“A beautifully written, almost romantic, celebration of the classical guitar...thank you for enhancing my re-found connection to the classical guitar through your lovely book!”

Malcolm Honeychurch, Dunedin, New Zealand

“It is exactly what anyone learning or teaching would find invaluable.”

Caroline Garner-Cross, Trinity College Representative, New Zealand

"Katya Skandera's book is full of really practical advice about playing the guitar. She is more aware than most of the real fuel of learning and achievement: inspiration. She, herself, has the inspiration - and the courage, might I add - to guide the journey of the learner from one source of inspiration to the next with wonderful quotes of sayings and thoughts by inspired beings. It is my firm conviction that this refinement, alongside self-discipline and the resolute pursuit of a personal vision, will lead, as sure as anything, to learning and immense pleasure."

Gilbert Biberian, Performer, Teacher, Composer - UK

“The first thing which touched me when I viewed a copy of The Soul of the Classical Guitar was the love and dedication which is meticulously presented in a clear and well developed structure. It is a book for both the young student embarking on the beginnings of a musical journey and for the more advanced player who is seeking to diversify with new musical challenges set in a landscape of guitar history and guitar technical knowledge.... Bravo! Katya Skandera...for many have now found their 'soul in the Classical Guitar'.”

Paul Ubana Jones, International Guitarist/Singer-Songwriter and Recording Artist

“…A very interesting, informative, progressive, while un-intimidating resource for the aspiring guitarist (as I once was). I wish it had been there for me when I first started my guitar studies. It takes me back with renewed hope that many newcomers to this difficult instrument will continue on with their aspirations instead of losing interest, without targeted guidance, amidst the mountains of redundant information in circulation these days.
I hope that students and teachers realize that it is really two or more study volumes in one - an investment that will take the student through many often neglected aspects of their initial studies. I am sure that it will be referenced by many as their musical journeys progress.
I was incredibly lucky to have many friends and mentors early on in my guitar explorations. Gaining essential musical knowledge, insights, and inspiration from them was the difference for me. Your book could be that "friend" that so many hopeful yet sometimes frustrated enthusiasts aren't so fortunate to have.”

Dean Kamei, Guitar Solo Publications, San Francisco, USA

“…In depth, well-illustrated…A highly competent discourse of the various techniques and stylistic possibilities of the classical guitar, with all examples well chosen and of high musical niveau. The repertoire section offers an extensive range of tastefully selected original compositions and transcriptions from various musical epochs and styles as well as original solos and duos of the author. …An extremely motivating and inspiring approach to the guitar…”

Prof. Albert Aigner, Head of Classical Guitar, Conservatory of Music Lübeck, Germany

“This is a weighty tome: 282 pages on heavy paper, spiral-bound for ease of reading with very clear photographs and explanations all through. Rather than use the word ‘Method’ the author calls this a ‘Study Guide’ or ‘Manual’ for classical guitar and it is divided into four clear sections.
Part One deals with a multitude of techniques, all well explained: positioning of the guitar, scales, chords, arpeggios, guitar history, and buying a guitar, rasgueado, tremolo, and so on. Part Two has an extensive repertoire of pieces, a number of common items: Sanz, Giuliani, Calatuyud, right up to the Weiss Fantasie and including quite a few duets/solos by the author and also by Maria Linnemann. These newer items add much to the general appeal of the book along with a new (and good) setting of Classical Gas, Cinema Paradiso and On My Own (from Les Miserables). Appendix One deals with music theory and advanced technical information, Appendix Two has a large list of items for further study.
I like the author’s fresh approach: This is not a stuffy, old-fashioned volume, but it does address the age-old problem of how to write a very comprehensive and detailed outline of how to play one of the world’s finest and most complex instruments. Ideal for the player who has no teacher within reach. I am sure that it should sell well once teachers discover all that it has to offer. Recommended.”

Neil Smith, Classical Guitar Magazine UK, July 2011