Setting a clear goal with a deadline can be a powerful action. In the case of practicing and progressing on the classical guitar it is something that I encourage and try to facilitate in the CGC membership.

The CGC Certificate Course has been created to serve two purposes:

  1. To provide a pre-set path of lessons that incorporate lessons from all core courses of the membership (Technique & Musicianship, Notation & Sight Reading, Theory & Analysis, and Repertoire)
  2. To provide a clear goal (the certificate and performance submission) for a student of the classical guitar to reach through these progressive set of comprehensive lessons.

Structure

In the first instance, the certificate course provides members with a very clear line of study, should they wish to practice comprehensively in a highly structured manner. There is still the option to pick and choose what lessons to take in the membership, but this linear path offers a clear guidance to those who want it.

Certificate

As for the certificate, this involves the submission of several pieces of repertoire and technique exercises in video format as well as a piece of writing. After you have put in this substantial effort, I will too by providing individualized feedback and advice on where to focus your time and practice. If you are ready to move onwards and upwards in the CGC curriculum you will be awarded a certificate for each level that you complete. If there are things that still need work, I will let you know and ask you to re-submit your work.

The real purpose and point of these certificates is to provide a positive source of motivation. I realize there is a substantial amount of work that goes into each one, but I feel that the reward of achievement and progress is well worth it.

Submission & Review

Currently I will be the one reviewing each submission and making decisions. I take this process “seriously” in that if I feel that there is room for improvement with an element of technique, musicianship etc. I will as for the materials to be re-submitted. As I have stated many times, I believe it is incredibly important to establish solid fundamentals as we progress in our playing and I would be doing musicians a disservice to encourage moving on while there are important issues that need to be addressed.

Submission dates

As there have been several submissions already, and I have found that each one takes quite a substantial amount of time to review and respond effectively, there will be set dates for submission throughout the year. This allows me to be prepared, and set time aside to review submissions and it also provides a clear timeline for anyone who wishes to submit a certificate performance.

The upcoming submission dates for 2016/17 are:

  • June 1st
  • October 1st
  • February 1st

Time needed

The time it will take each individual to complete these courses will vary depending on current ability and the amount of time available. However, I would recommend 6 months to 1 year of focus per level.

To put things into context, each Level in CGC is roughly equivalent to two Grades of other examination organizations.

Eligibility

The structured path Certificate Courses can be accessed by both Monthly and Annual members, however, to submit a certificate performance you must be an Annual Member of CGC. As you progress through the course lessons, mark them off as complete.

Level 1 and Level 2 courses are complete and many members have already commenced their path of study. The Level 3 Certificate will be launched in Fall 2016 but as many of the elements are already complete, members can start working on repertoire in advance. Level 4 will be coming in early 2017.

 

I am excited about this valuable addition to Classical Guitar Corner and I look forward to your certificate submission!

If you have any questions please ask them below.