Some Great Classical Acoustic Guitar Options For Players Of All Levels

When first beginning the search for a new instrument, the amount of available information can often make the task seem daunting, especially in the case of the classical acoustic guitar. However, with the right information this process can be painless and even fun. Below I have compiled a list of a few great classical acoustic guitar options for both beginning musicians and seasoned players simply looking to add another instrument to their collection. Of course, these are not the only classical acoustic guitar options out there; however, each of these would be a great place to start on you journey to find the perfect 6-string.

Fender CN-240SCE

As with anything guitar, Fender is a great place to start looking when trying to find the perfect classical acoustic guitar. Unlike most classical acoustic guitars, this Fender instrument features a soft cutaway and a slightly thinner neck profile that facilitates easier picking. This well crafted product also includes a solid cedar top, rosewood back and sides, and built-in electronics. Consider all this combined with the fact that you can find this item under $350 and you have got a can't miss deal.

CordobaC5-Ce This Cordoba instrument is a great second stop on your journey to find your classical acoustic guitar. It features and on board 3 band pickup system with tuner that produces a solid natural tone that you can be proud of in any setting. It also dons many other handmade refinements including a hand inlaid wood rosette, rosewood binding, bridge, headstock veneer, and heel cap. This African mahogany product can be found for under $400 which is a real steal.

Takamine EG128SC G Series

Takamine is known for making high quality instruments and this classical acoustic guitar is no exception. This product features traditional Spanish design including solid spruce top and rosewood back & sides. Not to be out done on aesthetics, this beautiful instrument also dons gold and pearl tuners. Finding this classical acoustic guitar at under $350 is a great deal that is really hard to pass up.

As I stated before, these are not all the great classical acoustic guitar options out there. So if you don't see on you particularly like here just keep looking! Whichever you choose, make sure it is the one that best fits your particular personality and playing style. No matter what, make sure you keep practicing and you will be sure top find yourself under the bright lights in no time!

Michael Simon George is a musician from Nashville, TN. He is a great resource when you desire to both purchase or learn more about the playing of the guitar. Be sure to check out some of the beautiful instruments his site offers today at IStillGotMyGuitar and feel free to contact him on any of the contact information provided.

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Six Pieces of Classical Music Kids Will Enjoy

Listening to Classical Music with a child can be an enjoyable experience, but what should you listen to that will keep their interest and help boost their imagination? Here are six suggestions for Classical Music you can listen to with kids.

1. Peter and the Wolf - written and composed by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)

One of the most beloved works for children the first recording of this piece was done in 1939 and there have been numerous CDs, DVDs and adaptations since then including a Disney adaptation in 1946 that Prokofiev himself helped to inspire. Prokofiev wrote the music and text for this piece and instruments in the orchestra help to tell the story.

Help your child to identify each instrument and to identify the musical theme (melody) that represents the different animals. Here are some hints as to what instrument(s) represents which animal:

Bird - Flute

Oboe - Duck

Cat - Clarinet

Grandfather - Bassoon

Wolf - French Horns

Hunters - woodwinds

Peter - Strings

2. Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens

There are fourteen movements in this piece each depicting a different animal. Talk to your child about how Saint-Saens represents each animal and see if you can figure out which animal is represented in each movement without looking at the recording notes.

1) Introduction and Royal March of the Lion

2) Hens and Roosters

3) Wild Donkeys, quick animals

4) Tortoises

5) Elephants

6) Kangaroos

7) Aquarium

8) Characters with Long Ears

9) The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods

10) Aviary

11) Pianists

12) Fossils

13) The Swan

14) Finale

3. The Planets by Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Each of the seven movements represents a Planet in our Solar System and the corresponding astrological characteristics. Earth is not represented as it is not recognized in astrology practice. Another interesting note is that The Planets was written between 1914 and 1916 and Pluto was not discovered until 1930 so it is not represented in this musical work. Lucky for Holst as Pluto has also since been reclassified as a dwarf planet.

Mars, the Bringer of War

Venus, the Bringer of Peace

Mercury, the Winged Messenger

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age

Uranus, the Magician

Neptune, the Mystic

Have your child do research on the planets and then discuss how Holst represented their characteristics in the music.

4. Flight of the Bumble-Bee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)

You can figure out from the title what this piece was written about. I have heard this played on just about every instrument from flute to tuba. The piece is actually from an opera called The Tale of Tsar Sultan, but the piece is more popular on its own and segments of this piece have been used by everyone from Michael Jackson to Walt Disney.

5. William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

This Overture is the musical introduction to the opera of the same name. The overture musically tells about life in the Swiss Alps which is the setting for the opera. This piece should sound familiar as it has been used numerous times in popular culture. It has been featured in Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse cartoons and advertisers have used it to promote Reebok shoes, Honda Civics and Dove Soap just to name a few. The most famous use of it is probably for the theme song for the show The Lone Ranger.

6. Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 1770-1827)

This is actually the Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor but has become known as the Moonlight Sonata. It is probably Beethoven's most popular piano works. The piece was not called the Moonlight Sonata until after Beethoven had died. A German music critic, Ludwig Rellstab, said the first movement was like the moonlight shinning upon Lake Lucerene (a famous lake in Switzerland). Many music critics disagree with this interpretation of the piece and feel it is more like a funeral march, but that is the beauty of music, you can chose to imagine what ever you want when listening to a piece. Ask your kids what they visualize when they close their eyes and listen to this piece.

There are no right or wrong answers when it come to a person's own interpretation of classical music. Since kids have such vivid imaginations it is fun to listen and discuss classical music with them.

C A Fox is a musician, entrepreneur and parent. Visit http://www.mommyfoxenterprises.com/ for more resources.

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Zesty Marketing Ideas for Classical Singers

Claiming to be a classical singer is like putting a billboard in the driest part of the desert. Whether you specialize in singing recital music, operettas, or oratorios, the professional singing services you offer remain intangible until you give people something they can touch, see, move, and (most importantly) hear. Everyone knows that marketing is key. But it is not enough. What you need is professional singer marketing...with added zest!

Business cards. Keep business cards with you at all times no matter where you go. Enter the words "free business cards" into any search engine to find what you need. Then, improve the quality of your cards as you earn more money.

Add Zest: Spend your first $30 on double-sided business cards. All contact information goes on Side A, leaving whatever you want for Side B. Add copy that distinctly represents your voice. You can add a motto or saying, or feature some sort of performance discount for that special business card recipient.

Professional Photos. Prepare to spend at least $200 for one hour of studio time with unlimited snapshots and at least one touch-up. No matter what package you buy, opt for color photos. You can always change color photos to black-and-white.

Add Zest: Have duplicate 8.5" x 11" hard copies printed, and buy a small stapler little enough to tote around with you. That way, you can staple a business card onto the front of a sheet of paper, and a headshot onto the back of that same sheet of paper. What is the paper for? Your new resume!

Resume. Nothing compares to a flawless resume to get your foot in the door. Do not give anyone a reason to question your performance abilities--least of all a substandard resume. Use the tried and true sections of success, like Experience, Education, Awards & Achievements, etc.

Add Zest: Make your singing experience demand attention with high-quality resume paper. And don't just list what you sang. List each statement as an achievement! The PAR standard (problem, action, result) applies in the classical music industry as much as in any other industry. This approach will help to promote you as an experienced master singer. (Or the next up-and-comer to watch!)

Website. No one will take you seriously without a website. Enter the words "free website hosting" into any search engine to stake your claim on some virtual real estate. Then, improve the quality of your website as you land more paying gigs.

Add Zest: Grab some friends who are also singers, pool your funds and connections together, and create a network of individual websites that point to one another. This kind of cooperation creates the best synergy. Who knows? Four of you could end up singing in a solo quartet together!

Presence. Be seen online, like in classical music forums and blog post comments on other bloggers' websites. Also, be seen offline, like at contests, pay-to-sing events, etc. Finally, be seen in print, like in program notes and regional newsletters.

Add Zest: Be seen in locations and contexts where few dare to go. Upload a video of yourself on YouTube. Don't be afraid, don't be perfect. Be seen! Audition for that "impossible gig." Promote your services and talents--shamelessly.

For more outside-the-box self-promotion ideas, read George Sandow's blog. Much of what he discusses is written with symphony orchestras in mind, but most if not all of his suggestions apply to individual, professional vocalists as well. Do what you must in order to market yourself. You will find that little by little, each marketing activity harmonizes into a sonorous chord of success.

Joe Redd regularly performs as a tenor in a variety of classical singing projects in New York City. He wrote this article while discovering ways to make singing a fun, creative, and meaningful experience for all. You can find out more about him at http://www.joeredd.com/.

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