Developing unification in the teaching and learning of jazz and classical guitar

Prato, DE

Abstract

I am a guitarist who dedicates to the styles of jazz and classical music. After starting out by playing folk and rock styles during my childhood, I later gravitated towards blues and funk and eventually jazz in my late teens, when I decided to become a full time musician. Later, in my mid twenties, I developed a passion for the classical guitar and eventually made the decision to dedicate 50% of my practice time to this style and 50% to jazz. Inevitably, as a result of a serious commitment to both styles, I have had a personal experience of what their study involves, how their value systems work and what aspects of music and guitar performance they each prioritize. I have found this experience deeply interesting because they both have developed a very advanced understanding of the instrument, but in very different areas.
The first intention of this thesis is to identify what the differences are in the ideologies, teaching and learning of the guitar between the jazz and the classical genres. I then will contemplate whether a potential for an enhanced understanding of the instrument as a whole can be achieved in the future through the process of these styles each absorbing knowledge developed by the other.
The research has been undertaken in the area of literature and instructional material for the instrument, as well as through interviews with guitarists in both fields. Additionally, I have included a chapter based on a reflective analysis of my own experience as a student of both genres. In order to facilitate the understanding of why these styles have developed in the way that they have, there is also a chapter dedicated to the historical context of the genres.
Based on my findings, I have included a conclusion in the form of lessons aimed at guitarists in each style, presenting to them ways in which they can advance their understanding of the instrument based on knowledge developed within each other’s schools and ideologies. Finally, I have also created a DVD to support this proposal, with relevant demonstrations and performances on the instrument.
These doctoral studies have conformed one of the most significant learning periods in my life as a musician and guitarist. I am fascinated by this subject and will continue to work on it through my ongoing research, playing and teaching. I hope that this work will help to generate more interest and research in this area of guitar playing.

Citation

Prato, D. Developing unification in the teaching and learning of jazz and classical guitar. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2018