Experience the Beauty of Music
Explore the Art of the Guitar
Extend Your Musical Knowledge

CLASSICAL GUITAR:

Learn to play the music of the classical masters (e.g. Dowland, Bach, Sor, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos) alongside contemporary composers. Based on the technical principles of Francisco Tarrega, Andres Segovia and Julian Bream, lessons are shaped around a balanced and comprehensive program of technique, musicianship and basic musical knowledge and theory, and they include topics such as practice strategies, performance skills, repertoire for further study, and career options. Students may just learn for enjoyment and personal enrichment or study the guitar towards a professional career. All grade and diploma examinations are being offered for those who wish to be guided systematically through the grade and diploma syllabus of Trinity College London.

 

CONTEMPORARY ACOUSTIC GUITAR:

Learn to play a range of acoustic guitar styles based on strumming, fingerstyle and tablature notation. Lessons cover all open-position and bar chords as well as a range of strumming patterns and fingerstyle techniques, while building an extensive repertoire of songs from a wide range of styles. More advanced students will be introduced to instrumental solo playing and a range of contemporary arrangements and original compositions (e.g. Classical Gas, Cinema Paradiso, Stairway to Heaven, Guantanamera, etc.). Some basic music theory will be integrated to assist students to improvise and compose their own songs.  

 

MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION:

Students who wish to put their instrumental learning into wider and deeper musical context will be taught a comprehensive program of musical knowledge, including music theory, music history, and music analysis. All grade and diploma examinations are being offered. Composition and Song-writing are taught integrating traditional and contemporary compositional skills and techniques. Specific tutoring is offered for students who are enrolled in NCEA Music at school and wish to deepen or expand their understanding and skills, in regard to aural and score-reading skills, composition, and external exams.

 

BOOKINGS AND FEES:

All lessons and programs are individually designed for the particular interest, background, skill level, age, and personal goals, of each student. Lessons may be during the day or in the evening, as preferred by the student, and are held at Katya's studio in Hamilton's CBD. Lesson duration is negotiable.  Lessons are booked in 10-week terms, and fees are to be paid per term, in advance.