Often cited as one of the world’s top fingerstyle, steel-string acoustic
guitarists, Grammy nominee Alex de Grassi brings a unique voice to the art
of acoustic guitar with his evocative compositions and arrangements, a
highly-orchestrated sound, and sheer virtuosity. The Wall Street Journal has
called his playing "flawless" and Billboard hails his "intricate
finger-picking technique with an uncanny gift for melodic invention.” His
playing weaves together melody, counter-melody, bass, harmony, rhythm, and
cross-rhythms creating a canvas of sound unheard of in a solo guitar
performance. Using a broad palette of techniques and timbre, and driven by a
unique sense of composition, his rich performances take the listener beyond
the instrument.
Over the last twenty years as a soloist and collaborator, de Grassi has
explored a variety of world music influences, and has stretched his
repertoire to include interpretations of jazz classics and folk melodies
from around the world. Alex de Grassi has toured worldwide with performances
at such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Interlochen Festival, Herbst Theatre in
San Francisco, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Belfast International
Festival. His career has drawn acclaim for numerous recordings released by
Windham Hill, RCA Novus, Tropo Records, 33rd Street, and other labels.
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A single activity is available for a one-day residency, in
conjunction with a concert. For multiple day residencies, several or all of
these activities are available. Please note that residency fees vary.
Arranging for Guitar
A lecture-demonstration
discussing the arrangement process
Audience:
intermediate to advanced players of all ages
Number of participants: minimum 5; maximum limited only by space available
Length: 60 to 120 minutes
A good arrangement begins with a concept. The concept might be
arrived at methodically or intuitively but, like good architecture, it gives the
musical structure a clear sense of design. In this lecture-demonstration, Alex
will address the process of arranging for solo guitar from conception through
the development of the theme. By breaking down one of his own arrangements, Alex
will demonstrate how elements such as meter, rhythm, orchestration,
reharmonization, and sonic texture work together in the making of a successful
guitar arrangement. Storytelling and continuity are vital components of Alex's
arrangements and original compositions. This is an opportunity for both
arrangers and fans of guitar music to gain some insights into how that process
unfolds. Be prepared to learn a few new techniques and alternate tunings along
the way. Participants may enjoy bringing their guitars to try ideas out, but it
is not required.
The 3-D Sound
A lecture-demonstration on
honing solo guitar performance skills
Audience: intermediate to advanced players of all ages
Number of participants: minimum 5; maximum limited only by space
available
Length: 60 to 120 minutes
A successful solo guitar performance should have depth and
dimension. The ability to hear the individual voices and create a dialogue
within the music is a bit like conducting an orchestra. Alex will present his
insights into combining dynamics, timbre, articulation, and phrasing to produce
an orchestrated, three-dimensional sound. Utilizing the depth of field concept
found in the visual arts, Alex will demonstrate his "hierarchy of accents"
principle. He will also demonstrate how various sonic textures and
articulations can be employed to add dimension to phrasing and the overall shape
of a performance. Participants will benefit from bringing instruments to learn
some techniques and play short musical examples, but it is not required.
Fingerstyle Guitar Master Class
Audience: intermediate to advanced players of all ages
Number of participants: minimum 3; maximum 9 + unlimited number
of auditors
Length: 60-180 minutes (depending on number of participants)
This is an opportunity for guitar players to receive one-on-one
instruction and constructive feedback about their playing from one of today's
foremost fingerstyle performers. Alex has been teaching master classes in small
groups for many years and he utilizes that experience to zero in on technical
and expressive details of each participant’s performance. Players should be
prepared to perform either a composition by Alex or another solo guitar
composition approved in advance by Alex. Each performer will have 20 minutes to
perform and receive comments. While the number of participants is very limited,
auditors are welcome to observe.
Arranging/Composing Workshop
Audience: intermediate to advanced players/arrangers of all ages
Number of Participants: minimum 3; maximum 9 plus unlimited
number of auditors
Length: 60 to 180 minutes (depending on number of participants)
Participants will present their arrangements of one of two
pre-assigned themes for feedback and discussion with the group. Alternatively,
they may present an original composition. Each participant will present an
arrangement of the melody alone, as well as their complete arrangement of the
piece. Arrangements need not be of a specific length, but should include the
complete theme as well as some development. Students are encouraged to consider
altering the tempo, the time signature, or the harmony from the original as a
method of creating an original arrangement. The workshop will provide an
opportunity to discover various approaches for conceiving, developing, and
arranging a musical idea. This is a hands-on workshop for guitar players;
auditors are welcome.
Meet the Performer
Guitar Workshop/Clinic
Audience: any
Number of participants: minimum 10, maximum limited only to
available space
Length: 50-60 minutes
There are so many different ways to play guitar. From folk to
classical, jazz to rock, and flamenco to blues. Like many of today's
fingerstyle guitarists, Alex has borrowed a little from many traditions to forge
a unique approach to composing, arranging and performing solo steel-string
guitar. Alex will play a few pieces and discuss his musical influences and
experiences as a recording artist and touring musician. He will demonstrate how
he uses techniques, rhythms, and harmonies from different guitar styles in his
own work. Questions from the audience are encouraged. This is a chance to hear
Alex comment on such diverse topics as the type of guitars he plays, the
recording process, and his favorite musicians.
Private Lessons
(Available
only in conjunction with multiple day residencies)
Audience: any
Number of participants: 1
Length: 30-45 minutes (depending on available time)
(Available only in conjunction with multiple day residencies)
Private lessons of approximately 30-45 minutes each for students
at the participating university, conservatory, or music school. Students will be
expected to perform a composition by Alex de Grassi for critique and
constructive comments. The lessons can be optionally taken as “open” in that
other students will be invited to observe, but not actively participate in the
lesson.
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Pure Alex de Grassi, Windham Hill, 2006
Now and Then, 33rd
Street Records, 2003
Shortwave Postcard,
Auditorium, 2001
Tatamonk, Tropo
Records, 2000
Bolivian Blues Bar,
Narada Jazz, 1999
The Water Garden,
Tropo Records, 1998
Beyond the Night Sky,
EarthBeat!, 1996
The World’s Getting Loud,
Windham Hill, 1993
A Windham Hill Retrospective,
Windham Hill, 1992
Deep At Night,
Windham Hill, 1991
Altiplano, RCA/Novus,
1987
Southern Exposure,
Windham Hill, 1984
Clockwork,
Windham Hill, 1981
Slow Circle,
Windham Hill, 1979
Turning: Turning Back,
Windham Hill, 1978
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Please
contact Baylin Artists for technical information.
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