• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Classical Guitar Corner

Learn Classical Guitar Online

  • About
    • Team
    • About Simon
  • Learn
    • Practice
    • Technique
    • Repertoire
    • Sight Reading
    • Theory & Musicianship
    • Beginners
  • BOOKS
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • ACADEMY
  • CONTACT
  • Log In

Member Spotlight: Julie Watson

posted on May 16, 2018

Julie Watson has been a member at CGC Academy for almost two years now. In that time she has become an essential, dedicated member of the CGC Academy community and last year she attended the first annual CGC Summer School. Here Julie performs Fernando Sor’s Etude in D Major, Op. 35, no. 17. Julie also writes a blog about learning classical guitar as an adult: check it out here. Please leave a comment to congratulate Julie on her playing and on her continued progress on the classical guitar!

Fernando Sor’s Op. 35 was first published in September of 1828 under the title Vingt-quatre Exercises. Unlike his earlier studies (Opp. 6 and 29) Op. 35 has fingerings throughout and the pieces are much easier than the earlier sets. As Brian Jeffery concludes, this set of studies (along with Op. 31) “shows Sor gradually taking on the role, no longer primarily of composer, but of teacher” (Brian Jeffery, Fernando Sor: Composer and Guitarist [London: Tecla, 1977], 101). – Dave Belcher

Filed Under: Member Spotlight

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Roger Ramirez

    May 16, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Lovely playing!
    I met Julie last year at the Classical Guitar Corner Summer School where we were stand partners for the big ensemble. It has been wonderful to read about Julie’s journey this past year with all the ups and downs. She has a beautiful sense of phrasing and a sweetness as she plays this piece. Julie is a wonderful part of the Classical Guitar Corner community.

    Reply
  2. Marty Wolf

    May 16, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    Julie, that was wonderful!

    You looked so relaxed and confident. I hope to get there one day.

    Reply
  3. Kari

    May 16, 2018 at 3:30 pm

    Bravo, Julie! You play the Sor piece beautifully.
    It is such a joy to have you part of the CGC community.
    I wish you all the best as you continue your journey with this lovely instrument.
    Kari

    Reply
  4. Jeff Peek

    May 16, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    Yes, Bravo! I was really affected by your rendition.

    Your adult-learning blog has also been very helpful to me. Much appreciated.

    -Jeff

    Reply
  5. Tim Flanigan

    May 16, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Nice performance Julie, your dynamics was wonderful.
    Thanks so much.
    Tim

    Reply
  6. Mark

    May 16, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    That was simply exquisite, Julie!!

    I imagine that if I could play like that my plants might look more like yours (or at least still green) ;-]

    Thanks for sharing,
    Mark

    Reply
  7. Fleur

    May 16, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Beautiful playing Julie!!

    Reply
  8. Bruce

    May 16, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    Bravo, Julie! That was an excellent performance and video. I have been following your posts about performance anxiety issues. From where I am sitting, you look very musically assured and comfortable with the artistry of the piece.

    Thanks for your contributions to the site, and all best wishes,

    Bruce

    Reply
  9. Julian

    May 16, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    Quite sublime, Julie! Way to go! I must check out your blog.

    Reply
  10. Donna Zitzelberger

    May 16, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    That was so beautiful Julie – I just loved it!

    Reply
  11. Richard Croad

    May 16, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    Great playing in a beautiful, indoor garden setting. I have read you blog before, but will remind myself to revisit. You capture, in a jocularly self-depreciating way, exactly what all we adult classical guitar learners are experiencing, and strategies to improve. Thank you!
    Cheers… Richard

    Reply
  12. Armando

    May 16, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Wow Julie!,
    That was awesome. Sorry I have not been following what you have been writing in your journal (where does time go?). So this a most delightful surprise for me. Oh my! You have made SO MUCH PROGRESS!

    Others have already said it, but your control of the instrument, your dynamics, the way the music flows, …. very, very good. I know very well this doesn’t happen just by chance. You have obviously been working hard and methodically.

    Finally you yourself look great. Quite a lady in a most tasteful setting.

    Now I look forward to meeting you in person very soon.

    My most sincere congratulations

    armando

    Reply
  13. Naomi

    May 16, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    Julie, that was beautiful! You have definitely come a long way! Bravo!

    Reply
  14. Bonnie Stenstrom

    May 16, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    Julie – very nice legato playing on your part! I enjoyed listening to this lovely melody. Good job and thank you!

    Reply
  15. Johan

    May 16, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    I really enjoyed this Sor Study, Julie. It sounded lovely and your tone is excellent.

    Reply
  16. Sue Kallaugher

    May 16, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    Julie , you get such a sweet sound and play with real grace and elegance. I know the hours and passion you put in learning all your pieces and it has really paid off.
    Well done.

    Reply
  17. Giuseppe Gasparini

    May 17, 2018 at 2:53 am

    Bravo, Julie!

    Reply
  18. joannes

    May 17, 2018 at 2:56 am

    Hi Julie,

    you played this piece with a beautiful rhythm, flowing, musical, a delight to hear your performance.
    To be in the spotlight is well deserved after such hard work.

    congratulations!!

    regards,
    Joannes

    Reply
  19. Julie Watson

    May 17, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Classical guitar corner academy is such a supportive community – it has really made a difference to how I feel about guitar playing -for me it started off as a solitary pursuit to alleviate stress and perhaps make a little music, but now it is so much more. I really enjoy being part of this guitar community of adult learners at all different levels – so difficult to find otherwise. I am looking forward to meeting many more people that I “know” already from the forum at this year’s summer school, and I anticipate there will be many more musical collaborations this year because we met many new friends at last year’s summer school! One of the other great things about the site is that everyone is always willing to share their expertise – I sometimes think we learn as much from each other as we do from the lessons! :) I look forward to being a member for many years and continuing to learn and grow on my musical journey.

    Julie

    Reply
    • Myles Hewitt

      May 25, 2018 at 2:07 am

      Wow, Julie! What a lovely birthday surprise for me to stumble on your excellent rendition of the Sor piece. Being willing to put yourself in the spotlight like this shows true grit – or is it true Brit! (ouch!). Dreadful punning aside, have a brilliant time at this year’s summer school and keep up the good work on the guitar – it’s clearly paying off. All the very best. Myles

      Reply
      • Dave Belcher

        May 26, 2018 at 12:20 pm

        Happy (belated) birthday wishes to you, Myles! Always a treat to encounter your “dreadful punning” and (Brit) wit!

        Peace,

        Dave B (CGC team)

        Reply
  20. Linda Tsardakas

    May 18, 2018 at 4:23 am

    Bravo Julie! You play this piece with such sensitivity, it’s absolutely lovely.

    Reply
  21. Drew Burgess

    May 18, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    Wonderful playing Julie! The setting is lovely, your articulation is sensitive and beautiful!

    Drew

    Reply
  22. Gino

    May 18, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    Very gentle, sensitive and beautiful interpretation Julie! Bravo!

    Reply
  23. Anne Flanigan

    May 18, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Thank you so much, Julie. You play beautifully.A

    Reply
  24. Leo Roberts

    May 19, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    Nicely played, Julie. Lovely feel and flow to the piece.

    Now you just need to work on the lyrics :)

    Reply
  25. Julie Watson

    May 21, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    Leo – I lnow just the person for the lyrics 😉

    Reply
  26. Mark Campbell

    May 25, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Sor is smiling Julie! Very well done indeed. Your progress has been remarkable! Just lovely.
    I look forward to hearing it in person soon
    ,

    Reply
  27. Gerard

    May 26, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    Really, really nice Julie. A pleasure to hear.
    Best Wishes

    Reply
  28. Martha

    June 25, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Julie – I am finally catching up with some previous postings. Beautifully performed – and a delightful setting for the video.

    I enjoyed getting to know you during Summer School.

    Keep up the good work. Your progress really shows.

    Reply
  29. Bubble Burns

    August 22, 2018 at 6:50 am

    Well done Julie. You have set the bar high! Just hoping that after 2 years I will be able to play as well.

    Reply
  30. Chris Mills

    August 22, 2018 at 9:08 am

    A beautiful piece, played beautifully. Well done Julie.

    Reply
  31. Bartley O'Donnell

    August 22, 2018 at 11:26 pm

    Beautiful. Congratulations!🍾🎉🎈

    Reply
  32. Eduardo Hinostroza

    August 22, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    Bravo Julie, very good presentation, sounds very relaxing and pleasant to the ear. I will try to imitate your very sensitive execution. congratulations.

    Reply
  33. Janet Agostino

    August 23, 2018 at 2:55 am

    Hey Julie, Congratulations on a fine, polished performance and I especially loved those articulated slurs towards the end!! Wow. Great work! Cheers from Down Under!

    Reply
  34. Chris Winter

    August 23, 2018 at 4:16 am

    A beautiful, sensitive rendition. Lovely! How long have you been playing? After nearly three years, I have some way to go util I reach your standard.

    Reply
  35. Mike

    August 23, 2018 at 7:06 am

    Julie – The sensitivity of your approach is inspiring. I’m currently working on Sor’s Op. 35, No.22, but now this one will be one my to-do list. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  36. Nick

    August 23, 2018 at 7:13 am

    Hi Julie
    I listened and enjoyed your interpretation here. Very nicely done! I’ll have to look this one up…it is so nice!

    Reply
  37. Peter

    August 23, 2018 at 9:04 am

    Beautifully done. As a short-time guitarist and a lifetime photographer, I am also as impressed at how you got such a nice video image with that strong backlighting. I can’t add anything to the compliments that came before. It falls good on the ear.

    Reply
  38. Jeff Blackwell

    August 23, 2018 at 11:28 am

    Hello, Julie. Where do I start learning classical guitar as a beginner? I’m 67 years old. Thanks.

    Reply
  39. Dean Allan Slickis

    August 24, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    Brava…! Beautifully played.

    Reply
  40. Cipriano Pinto

    August 24, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Hello Julie you were superb and your blog was informative,thanks

    Reply
  41. Bill Gifford

    August 25, 2018 at 5:46 pm

    A very nice relaxed rendition there Julie, and one I’m sure will impress many others.

    Cheers

    Reply
  42. Joanna

    August 29, 2018 at 7:48 am

    Beautiful interpretation! Sor is always on my top list.

    Reply
  43. David J DiPietro

    September 20, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    Wow – wonderful!

    Reply
  44. Paul

    October 2, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    Very lovely playing Julie, Bravo!

    Paul

    Reply
  45. W. Don Seaborg

    October 27, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    Just gorgeous,Julie!

    Reply
  46. Michael J Mallen

    October 28, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Hi Julie
    A beautiful rendition, thanks for sharing this with us. You play with such feeling. I hope all is well with you and hope we will meet again at the summer school next year

    Reply
  47. Connie

    October 30, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    Wow, what an inspiration to a very new beginner! How absolutely serene.

    Reply
  48. Antonio

    December 2, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Lovely interpretation, Julie. I enjoyed it very much.

    Reply
  49. Dean Allan Slickis

    December 2, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    Beautiful…!

    Reply
  50. Mariana Bates

    December 3, 2018 at 12:34 am

    Very nice interpretation!
    CGC SUMMER SCHOOL?
    Can I bri g my daughter next year . She is 10 and play classical guitar.
    Thanks…

    Reply
    • Dave Belcher

      December 3, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Hi Mariana,

      Please send us an email at [email protected]

      Peace,

      Dave B (CGC team)

      Reply
  51. Nando

    December 3, 2018 at 4:01 am

    Beautiful, Julie!

    Reply
  52. martin

    December 3, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    nice!

    Reply
  53. ieva

    January 8, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    Beautiful playing! But the background with the plants and the window – that is just awesome.

    Reply
  54. Joseph

    February 8, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    Excellent performance! Lovely and moving interpretation.

    Reply
  55. John Murray

    February 20, 2019 at 12:12 am

    That was inspiring (and I need inspiration).

    John

    Reply
  56. Stan

    May 13, 2019 at 10:53 pm

    Congratulations! Very well done. Wishing you continued success !

    Reply
  57. Brooks Wright

    January 22, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    Bravo! Great playing, Julie. Impressive!

    Reply
  58. Ken Pendleton

    January 24, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    Thank you Julie for a piece played well. I am inspired and will look at this piece with re-newed interest in the future.

    Reply
  59. Jason R. Whalen

    April 21, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    Firstly, great job! A lot of ppl play like a robot would – very technical, but also very mechanical.

    That being said however, I have to agree with Michaels comment on your feeling – I loved this piece Julie. I was saying to myself as you played how beautiful you did so (and I wouldn’t just say that!)

    I’ve been playing (not classical) lead/guitar since I was 11 years old so for 33 years nearly. Without the proper feeling, one is merely going through the motions – great work, keep playing! :)

    Sincerely,

    Jason R.W

    Reply
  60. Russell

    June 16, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    I really enjoyed the piece and hope to someday be brave enough to share a song with the academy.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Antonio Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Take a Free Course

.

Recent Posts

  • 2021 Musical Goals
  • CGC Member Spotlight: Armando Baltra and Scott Brandenberg
  • CGC 104 : CGC’s 10-Year Anniversary!
  • Member Spotlight: Rick Lord
  • CGC 103 : Uroš Barič

Recent Comments

  • David DiPietro on 2021 Musical Goals
  • Richard Goldblatt on 2021 Musical Goals
  • Doug Peterman on CGC Member Spotlight: Armando Baltra and Scott Brandenberg
  • Lidia Baltra on CGC Member Spotlight: Armando Baltra and Scott Brandenberg
  • Armando Baltra on Member Spotlight: Rick Lord

Footer CTA

Join the CGC Academy

Get Started Now

Get 3 Free Lessons

Copyright © 2021 · Log in