We recently welcomed back internationally acclaimed guitarist Jonathan Leathwood to talk to the A and B2 students and run a masterclass for the guitarists.
In his talk, Jonathan talked about practising what is not written in the score! He demonstrated a range of ways to explore individual aspects of the music, such as the physical gestures that support freedom of movement, and the underlying harmonies that deepen understanding of the composers’ intentions. ‘Bach didn’t write so that we could be Bach, he gave us a gift so that we can be ourselves.’ This quote from one of Jonathan’s teachers, pianist George Hadjinikos, helped to remind students of the importance of thinking creatively about their practice. Jonathan used snippets of music by Benjamin Britten, Leo Brouwer, Elliott Carter and JS Bach to illustrate his ideas.
Later in the afternoon masterclass, Jonathan, pictured here with Daniel Penney, put six guitarists through their paces.