Recognized internationally as an outstanding performing and recording artist, a charismatic educator, and a transcriber and editor of both taste and intelligence, David Tanenbaum is one of the most admired classical guitarists of his generation. He is also that rare classical guitarist who happily leaves his “comfort zone” to perform on steel string guitar in orchestral and chamber music settings, and to create a unique collaboration with acclaimed steel string performer Peppino D’Agostino.

In special this lecture/workshop, you can discover how steel string guitarists can experience the timeless beauty of Bach and other classical music. You also explore trending in the opposite direction: How prominent living composers like John Adams and Terry Riley have incorporated steel string guitars into their works. Be prepared to play, listen and discover new musical worlds.

Begin by listening to recordings of prominent steel string guitar writing in two of John Adam's major orchestral pieces, El Nino and Naive and Sentimental Music, and discuss why the composer used steel instead of the much more common classical guitar. Explore that trend further in works by Yu Dun and National Steel pieces by Lou Harrison and Terry Riley.

Next, discuss the process of a steel string player exploring classical music, and do hands-on exercises in rhythm, counterpoint, and ensemble playing. David Tanenbaum also discusses his duo with Peppino D'Agostino and how they merged our musical worlds, and students will be given classical pieces to play commensurate with their level. Sources for further study and collaboration are included.

This workshop is for every open minded guitar player, especially one who wants to expand his or her musical horizons, who has at least some basic fingerstyle proficiency.

Leave this workshop with an appreciation of the classical world, music to play, and sources for further discovery.