Master Classes

What is a master class? Typically master classes use pre-chosen performers, each presents a piece and then receives a 30-minute lesson from the teacher in front of a live audience. Our audience members attend for free.

CCGS presented a technique and master class with Gaëlle Solal. The video from the event is a valuable resource for taking any guitarist’s playing to the next level! The technique class includes topics ranging from healthy posture to reducing that pesky string squeak. The master class portion includes two players presenting pieces by Thelonious Monk and Astor Piazzolla. What a class!!!

We hope that you’ll also watch our master class with Jorge Caballero, presented by CCGS. The class was held at John Carroll University. The class featured four guitarists, playing classic works by Villa-Lobos, Torroba, Barrios, and Bach.

Click here to view all master class videos on the CCGS YouTube channel.

2017-18 Master Classes

John Carroll University – Master Classes
Many of this season’s master classes will be held at John Carroll University in the Reading Room at the Dolan Science Center (not to be confused with Dolan Hall). Dolan Science Center is the first building when you enter campus off of Warrensville Circle at the corner of Warrensville Blvd and Fairmount Blvd. The Reading Room is directly off of the atrium of the Dolan Science Center. Find campus maps here and here.

November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Dolan Science Center Reading Room, John Carroll University
1 John Carroll Blvd
University Heights, OH 44118

With Sharon Isbin

Students participating in this class will be chosen from 5 area college guitar programs to receive coaching by Sharon Isbin in front of an audience. This event is free and open to the public.

Sharon Isbin is the winner of two Grammy awards and Guitar Player magazine’s “Best Classical Guitarist.” She has appeared as soloist with over 170 orchestras and has given sold-out performances in the world’s finest halls. Isbin has appeared on the cover of over 45 magazines and her documentary Troubadour has been viewed by millions of people on over 200 television stations.

We invite you to attend Sharon Isbin’s concert on 11/4/17 with special guest Colin Davin, more details here. 

February 23, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Dolan Science Center Reading Room, John Carroll University
1 John Carroll Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118

With Les Frères Méduses

This event is free to attend. Interested in playing for Les Frères Méduses in this class? Email us at info@cleguitar.org to sign-up! Please note there is a $40 fee to play, and only a limited number of spots available.

Les Frères Méduses (The Jellyfish Brothers) is a guitar duo as completely original and unexpected as their name. This European-based pair combine perfect ensemble alignment, classical technique, and a fresh approach to repertoire and performance- including exotic world music, original works, and improvisation- creating a driving, high energy blend unlike anything else!

We invite you to attend Les Frères Méduses’s concert on 2/24/18, more details here. 

March 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Dolan Science Center Reading Room, John Carroll University
1 John Carroll Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118

With Paul Galbraith

This event is free to attend. Interested in playing for Paul Galbraith in this class? Email us at info@cleguitar.org to sign-up! Please note there is a $40 fee to play, and only a limited number of spots available.

Grammy nominee Paul Galbraith has been working since the 1980s towards expanding the technical limits of his instrument, which has resulted in a sound that one must hear to believe. Galbraith performs on an eight-string “Brahms Guitar,” held in the position of a cello and connected by an end-pin to a resonating box. The uniqueness of Galbraith’s instrument is matched only by his limitless musical imagination.

We invite you to attend Paul Galbraith’s concert on 3/17/18, more details here.