Welcome · Lesson Two of Three
The Best Way to Learn a Piece of Music
A great piece deserves more than repetition. In this lesson I walk through the structured approach I use to learn repertoire, with Tárrega’s Lágrima as our example, so the music is shaped and expressive right from the start.
- Practice techniques that genuinely move you forward.
- The CGC Study Guide for Lágrima in action.
- Bringing it together: phrasing, theory, form, fingering, and technique.
A note from Simon
This way of working turns a daunting new piece into a series of clear, satisfying steps. The more you use it, the faster and more musical your learning becomes.
Inside the Academy, dozens of pieces come with a study guide just like this one, alongside the courses, feedback, and faculty to support you. Here is a little about where it leads.
Warmly,
Simon
Where This Leads
Ready for the Full Path?
If you enjoyed this lesson, you will feel right at home in the CGC Academy. The same careful teaching, laid out as one clear path, with the repertoire, feedback, and faculty to take your playing as far as you want to go.
The Cornerstone Method
One Path, Eight Grades
A modern progressive curriculum used by students around the world. The intermediate and advanced grades include Bach, Scarlatti, Tárrega, Barrios, and Villa-Lobos, each with full video lessons, a downloadable score, and a study guide.
- FFundamentals
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8Advanced
Everything in One Place
- Focused video lessons with sheet music, exercises, and play-along tracks.
- A structured path of eight Grades, so you never wonder what comes next.
- Personal feedback through coaching calls, performance seminars, and Grade exams.
- A kind community of fellow adult learners cheering you on.
Masterclasses
Learn from World-Class Faculty
Members get recorded and live masterclasses, workshops, and Summer School teaching from some of the most respected names in the classical guitar world.
- Benjamin Verdery · Yale University
- Dr. Noa Kagayama · Juilliard
- Fred Hand · Mannes
- Andrew York · Grammy-winning composer-guitarist
- René Izquierdo, Gohar Vardanyan & Bradford Werner
- Kevin Gallagher (GFA laureate) & Garrett Lee (luthier)
You Are in Good Company
“The lessons are organised in a concise and easy-to-follow way, so I don’t feel overwhelmed. I am learning a lot and having a blast.”
Erica G., CGC Member“Years of self-help books and online tutorials had left me frustrated. When I found the CGC Academy, I knew I had found a home. My playing is at a level I never thought possible.”
Mark, CGC Member“It is great to take lessons at my own pace but also to have a curriculum that gives clear direction. Everyone is rooting for each other. My playing has made big strides.”
Brian Bowersox, CGC MemberChoose Your Membership
Full curriculum, community, and personal feedback for a fraction of the cost of private lessons. And it is backed by a simple promise: if the Academy is not for you, tell us within 30 days and we will refund you in full.
Quarterly
- Full Curriculum Access
- All Downloads
- Live Performance Seminars
- Member Challenges
Annual
- Everything in Quarterly, plus:
- $291 Annual Discount
- Guest Masterclass Series
- Grade Exam Submissions
Annual with Coaching
- Full Annual Membership, plus:
- Weekly one-to-one Coaching Calls
- Faculty: Simon Powis, David Belcher, Niki Todesco, James Erickson, Sanja Plohl
Memberships are never discounted and there are no sales. I want to be fair to paying members, and I believe the rates already represent exceptional value. Refunds are available within the first 30 days of purchase only.
Your Path Is Waiting
Instant access to the full curriculum, the faculty, the community, and every way to get feedback. Backed by the 30-day guarantee.
See Everything in the Academy