I’ll be bringing over four decades of teaching, performing and recording experience to a series of 1 hour workshops over the next 6 months via Zoom. The next three workshops will be :
Care and Maintenance for the Guitarist’s Hands (post practice stretching & care)
The BioMechanics Behind an Effective Free Stroke
Learning the Guitar as an Adult: Taking Advantage of Brain Science (or How to Get More out of Your Practice)
Workshop participation requires that you subscribe to my website. Registration will be limited so sign up early at the Zoom link provided!
Workshop # 1 – April 27th @ 1:00 PM PDT – Care and Maintenance for the Guitarist’s Hands
If you’ve been playing guitar for any length of time you may notice stiffness in the arms or hands, or perhaps you’ve sustained an injury along the way. In any case you may want to start working on a series of flexibility, coordination and strength exercises. These exercises can offset the negative effects of practice. Players that practice over an hour a day can especially benefit from these exercises.
Workshop # 2 – May 18th at 1:00 PM PDT – The BioMechanics Behind an Effective Free Stroke
The role of technique is to establish patterns and movements that allow for the greatest accuracy with the least amount of effort – devoid of any unnecessary tension. In this article we’ll discuss the how’s and why’s of a proper free stroke.
The free stroke is the most fundamental of strokes for the classical guitarist. Learn to perform this simple move correctly and you’ll experience a relaxed and accurate movement that will transform all other playing. Conversely, perform this incorrectly and you’ll work harder for accuracy.
Workshop # 3 – June 8th at 1:00 PM PDT – Learning the Guitar as an Adult: Taking Advantage of Brain Science
Often the adage of practicing more can lead to diminishing results. Student Tom Page will lead a lecture on using current brain science and how we can practice more effectively. Scott Kritzer will follow-up with how to devise an efficient and effective practice plan and schedule.
June 24th – June 29th, 2024 Mt Angel Abbey, Mt Angel, Oregon – Scott Kritzer
Classical Guitar Immersion is 10 month program that culminates in a 6 day workshop held each June at the Mt. Angel Abbey (located 1 hour south of Portland, Oregon). The purpose of CGI is to help the amateur or professional player overcome the effects of performance anxiety through the application of professional level work and concepts developed I’ve developed in over 40 years of touring and recording.
Mastering the Stage
Over the past two years CGI has focused first on Advanced Technique and then integrating those skills into last year’s subject; Breaking the Musical Code. Mastering the Stage is the natural fruition of these and new skills that will give players professional level tools on how to manage the unexpected that is bound to happen on stage. Learning how to anticipate and recover seamlessly from mistakes goes a long way to combating performance anxiety.
Mt. Angel Abbey
Mt. Angel Abbey located in Mt. Angel, Oregon. This ideal location provides private and modern accommodations, modern classrooms and dining facilities, all located in the Guesthouse, and an auditorium for our formal performances located in the renowned Aalto library.
Mt. Angel Abbey is great retreat to absorb information and to immerse yourself in a disciplined art like the classical guitar. A Coffee Shop and Bakery as well as one of Oregon’s best breweries provide some distractions – but there’s always a time and place for some extra practice.
Masterclasses, Technique Workshops, Performances and Lectures
Students arrive at CGI prepared to put the finishing touches on their solo repertoire. Morning and afternoon masterclasses taught by me are followed by an evening technique workshop.
Building Speed Through Cell Bursts
I’ll be leading a workshop on building speed in scales, arpeggios, studies and repertoire excerpts.
CGI Daily Schedule
The following schedule is subject to change.
7:00-7:30 Breakfast
7:30-9:00 Practice/Free Time
9:00-12:00 Master Class Group A (Westminster Meeting Room)
12:15-12:45 Lunch (Dining Room, Abbey Guesthouse)
1:00-4:00 Master Class Group B (Westminster Meeting Room)
4:00-6:00 Practice/Free Time
6:00-6:30 Dinner (Abbey Retreat Dining Hall)
7:00-8:00 Building Speed Through Cell Bursts (Westminster Meeting Room) This class meets on Tuesday and Thursday.
Saturday, June 29th Schedule
7:00-7:30 Breakfast
7:30-9:00 Practice/Free Time
9:00-12:00 Master Class Group A (Westminster Meeting Room)
12:15-12:45 Lunch (Dining Room, Abbey Guesthouse)
1:00-2:30 Building Speed Through Cell Bursts (Westminster Meeting Room)
4:00-6:00 Practice/Free Time
6:00-6:30 Dinner (Abbey Retreat Dining Hall)
6:45-7:45 Concert Warm-up
Public Performance Schedule
Monday, June 24th, 7-8 PM; CGI Students Run Program
Friday, June 28th, 4-5 pm; Madeline Okano in concert
Saturday, June 29th, 8-9 pm; the CGI Performer’s Concert
Cost
The cost for CGI is $2495. This includes meals, lodging, attendance for all masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals and performances. The fee also includes eight workshops that I’ll be holding from the fall through the spring.
The cost for CGI is $2495. This includes meals, lodging, attendance for all masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals and performances. The fee also includes eight workshops that I’ll be holding from the fall through the spring.
Requirements
All participants should be able to play up to 3 works from memory and all skill levels are welcome. Participants will need to also attend the monthly workshops. If you’re not currently a student of Mario Diaz or myself, a meeting either in person or via Zoom will be required.
Important Dates
July 30th – Past & Potential New Attendees Zoom Meeting*
August 14th – 2022 CGI Participants Deposits Due
August 15th- Open Enrollment Begins
September 24 – May 27 (fourth Saturday of each month, except for a December break) Mastering the Stage
CGI ‘23 – June 26 – July 2 2023, Mt Angel Abbey, Mt Angel, Oregon – Scott Kritzer with Mario Diaz
Classical Guitar Immerions is 10 month program that culminates in a 6 day workshop held each June at the Mt. Angel Abbey (located 1 hour south of Portland, Oregon). The purpose of CGI is to help the amateur or professional player overcome the effects of performance anxiety through the application of professional level work and concepts developed through my popular course Performance Anxiety Rehab. Performance anxiety robs us of our potential its my goal to help you overcome those affects.
CGI’s New Home
CGI has moved from a private home in 2006, to Lewis & Clark College, then to the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center and now, its most ideal setting, the Mt. Angel Abbey located in Mt. Angel, Oregon. This ideal location provides private and modern accommodations, modern classrooms and dining facilities, all located in the Guesthouse, and an auditorium for our formal performances located in the renowned Aalto library.
In addition there is a coffee shop, bakery, and brewery, all located on the meditative grounds of the Abbey which features a 360 degree view of the Willamette Valley. Students can also treat themselves to morning sunrises and evening sunsets from the many rooftop patios. The setting at the Mt Angel Abbey promotes and facilitates the focus and reflection that deepens the learning experience of CGI.
More Than a Week in June
While CGI is scheduled for a week in June, our work begins in the previous September. Beginning in September I’ll lead a monthly workshop to help better prepare the students. This September I’ll teach my Fretboard Theory course. Beginning in January, with our pieces chosen and learned, we’ll work on practice techniques and performance preparation. When the student arrives at CGI we implement simple aspects of performance development that adds the finishing touches. In addition, in the fall, Mario will begin working quarterly with players on the CGI Ensemble repertoire.
Classical Guitar Immersion (CGI) has focused on the development of performance skills, with a different emphasis each year. This is achieved by focus on technical excellence, practice development, musicianship and performance skills that include coping with and eliminating the effects of performance anxiety.
Master Classes, Ensemble Rehearsal and Student Lectures
CGI ‘22 focused on Advanced Technique, a 12-week course that introduced left and right hand relaxation techniques into already learned technical skills. The result in this year’s performances were fewer errors and better musicianship.
CGI ‘23’s theme will be “Breaking the Musical Code” where we will develop the musical expression tools of timbre, dynamics and rhythm along with musical analysis, Fretboard Theory, and finally, the introduction of the Musicianship Practice Directives. Breaking the Musical Code will lead to more refined and musically satisfying performance skills.
In addition to our new location I’ve invited guitarist Mario Diaz to assist again this year. Last year he lead the CGI Ensemble and assisted in teaching some of the workshops. With his addition we will expand CGI to accommodate more players into the immersion experience.
Also, we are looking forward to continuing our opening day festivities of a luthier exhibit and presentation with Jeffrey Elliott, Cindy Burton and Gregory Miller as well as an opening night performance by Mario and myself.
CGI ’23
CGI participants will work with Mario and myself in master classes and ensemble rehearsals in preparation for our final performance.
Performers will form two groups; Groups A & B. Group A performers will work with me in the morning master class and Group B performers will work with Mario Diaz in the afternoon masterclass. Each group should plan on auditing the other group’s class. Practice and free time is built into the CGI Schedule (below)
The final day of CGI will consist of three performances. Group B will perform for all members of CGI as well as monks from the Abbey. This morning performance will take place in Westminster Classroom.
In the afternoon Groups A & B will join forces for the CGI Ensemble concert. Following a dinner break Group A will then play a formal recital. Both the Ensemble and Performer Group A recitals are open to the public and take place in the Aalto Auditorium.
Below you’ll find an example of the CGI schedule.
CGI Daily Schedule
The following schedule is subject to change.
7:00-7:30 Breakfast
7:30-9:00 Practice/Free Time
9:00-12:00 Master Class Group A (Westminster Meeting Room)
12:15-12:45 Lunch (Dining Room, Abbey Guesthouse)
1:00-3:30 Master Class Group B (Westminster Meeting Room)
CGI 23 will feature performances and lectures that are free and open to the public. On Monday, June 26th, world renowned luthiers Jeffrey Elliott, Cyndy Burton and Gregory Miller return for a popular workshop on “The Care and Feeding of Your Instrument”. Featured instruments from the luthiers will be available for viewing.
Luthier Discussion “Care and Feeding of Your Instrument”
Also on Monday, June 26th Mario Diaz and Scott Kritzer will share the stage for opening evening performance featuring works by Harrison, Bach, Default and others.
Scott Kritzer and Mario Diaz in Performance
Public Performance Schedule*
Please Note: all public events will be held in the Alvar Aalto Library
Monday, June 26th, 4-6 PM; “Care and Feeding of Your Instrument” with Jeffrey Elliott, Cyndy Burton and Gregory Miller
Monday, June 26th, 8-9 PM; Mario Diaz and Scott Kritzer in concert
Saturday, July 1st, 4-5 pm; the CGI Ensemble Concert
Saturday, July 1st, 8-9 pm; the CGI Performer’s Concert
*subject to change
And on our final day, Saturday, July 1st, we have two performances. First, an afternoon CGI Student Ensemble performance that may also feature some of this year’s auditors. And, our final evening performance featuring our CGI Performers.
The Performers Recital
Cost
The cost for CGI is $2495. This includes meals, lodging, attendance for all masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals and performances. The fee also includes eight workshops that I’ll be holding from the fall through the spring.
Deposit
Participants need to send a non-refundable deposit of $495 to be admitted. This deposit will hold your spot or keep you on a waiting list. This deposit also allows you access to the monthly workshops.
Requirements
All participants should be able to play up to 3 works from memory and all skill levels are welcome. Participants will need to also attend the monthly workshops. If you’re not currently a student of Mario Diaz or myself, a meeting either in person or via Zoom will be required.
Important Dates
August 13 – Potential New Attendees Zoom Meeting*
August 15, 2022 – 2022 CGI Participants Deposits Due
August 16 – Open Enrollment Begins
August 28 – CGI 2023 Participants Zoom Meeting
September 24 – May 27 (fourth Saturday of each month, except for a December break) Breaking the Musical Code: Fretboard Theory; Practice, and Performance Development Workshops
March 31, 2023 Final Deposit Due
June 26-July 2 – 2023 CGI Mt Angel Abbey
*All ZOOM meetings begin at 1:00 pm, PDT and are recorded.
CGI often sells out but with the expansion of our openings we can offer a rare chance to not only get in to CGI this year but future year’s as well.
Mario and I will be holding an Introduction to CGI on Saturday, August 20 at 1:00 pm PDT via Zoom. Here we can answer your questions regarding CGI. If you’re interested in attending CGI you should attend the meeting. Just contact me via email and I will send you the login information for the meeting.
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First off, thanks for the great response to my SKStudio Private Lesson openings. CURRENTLY ALL SPOTS ARE TAKEN….but, I anticipate opening a handful more in September 2023 so if you’re interested join my waitlist. And I’m making a one time offer that is hard to beat. (Beginners to professional players welcome)
Waitlist Benefits
Sign up for my Private Lesson Waitlist and you’ll get a no-obligation lesson. I’ll give you my suggestions on technique, repertoire choice or how to organize your practice. And you’ll have first access to any new lesson openings.
With your Waitlist spot you’ll also have access to my proven method Primary Skills Development. Primary Skills has been tested in University programs, by absolute beginners and professional players alike. All to a resounding success! And you’ll gain access before it’s released to the public.
The cost is for only $19.99 per month. But I’m going to make that even sweeter….
Tech Talk w/Scott
Monthly Online Workshop
Tech Talk with Scott will explore the foundation for a solid technique for the classical guitarist. Subjects will focus around proper positioning, efficient movements and technical exercises that can aid in a more relaxed, more efficient way of playing resulting in better accuracy and faster playing.
I’m about to announce some big news and in preparation I’ve opened up new online private teaching slots. Prospective students can schedule an introductory meeting where I’ll give you a free technical evaluation and offer some helpful advice on exercises and practice. I’ll also explain all the offerings at the Kritzer Studio (including my new video offering Lesson Insights.) Email me or read on!
The Kritzer Studio is a learning organization where shared experience often creates new concepts for learning the classical guitar. As a teacher/performer I’m always looking to learn new things and it’s mine and my student’s needs and development that gives me insight into more effective concepts for learning.
“Taking lessons from Scott is very much like being a graduate student in a professor’s lab. He embodies the philosophy that a musician should be simultaneously a performer, a teacher, and a student.” Tom P.
Often it’s in lessons where the birth of a new learning concept, or even it’s clarification takes place. I call these bits of information Lesson Insights.
I am making these monthly Lesson Excerpts videos available to private students in the Kritzer Studio, or those on the Kritzer Studio Wait List.
In addition Private Students will gett:
Bi-weekly lessons
Accessibility to recorded Lesson Video
Access and direction through my Primary Skills Developement online Course
Access to Classical Guitar Immersion
(Kritzer Studio Lesson Insights)
“Scott’s curriculum is comprehensive and our biweekly private lessons are focused on how to improve my technique using his vast knowledge and experiences. Personable, persuasive and with a great sense of humor Scott works with me towards our common goals…interpretation, expression, and enjoyment.” Michael Faloon
Anyone considering lessons can contact me at email and we’ll set up an introductory meeting. At this meeting I’ll assess your technique and general playing and offer suggestions for improvement. I’ll also outline what studying would encompass.
I am comfortable working with beginner through professional players. For more information go to my Private Instruction page.
“Finally a Method who shows you the “why” and the “how”! The “DNA of Movement” when you play guitar. I have never seen something like this in my 20 years of experience as a professional classical guitarist and instructor. My right hand has become more relaxed and faster scales and arpeggios are not a problem anymore, even on stage! Thank you Scott!“ Nicolas Kyriako
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Another Christmas recording from Miramont Records is hitting all digital streams on Friday, November 18th.
Classical Guitar and Voice Christmas features soprano Janet Chvatal and myself on guitar (Chvatal/Kritzer Duo). The album pairs some of the world’s most popular, cherished melodies with non-traditional classical arias featuring subtle, uncommon spins within the Duo’s arrangements to create the perfect, enchanting mood for the season.
In addition Canadian composer and arranger Glenn Morley has arranged a number of works for this recording for Duo with orchestra including his haunting Huron Carol, a traditional Canadian Christmas Carol from the 1600’s.
Please join me Thursday, November 17th from 3-4 PM PST for All Classical Portland’s Thursdays @ Three with host Christa Wessel. Just go to the link below and hit the ‘Listen’ button.
My segment will be filled with works from my upcoming release Classical Guitar Treasures from the Baroque, arrangements by Michael Lorimer. And I’ll have a special announcement!
Learn how to find the best baroque arrangements for guitar, how to practice ornaments and where to place them in your music, what differentiates the baroque style from other classical music periods, and how to get that baroque feel into your music. I’ll also provide some fun backstories to the works on my latest recording (did you know Bach and Weiss hung out together?)
To mark the recent release of Classical Guitar Treasures from the Baroque I’ll be offering a ZOOM chat (Saturday, November 5th at 1 pm Pacific Time) for guitarists and baroque enthusiasts on the baroque style in music. Register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrceuurz0uHdOoLokkFg1qNscYfX15SeIg
Register now to reserve your spot!
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Click on the “Pre-Save & Follow” link or enter your email below!
Fans who Pre Save my upcoming album Classical Guitar Treasures from the Baroque can join me for my ZOOM chat on “Creating Treasures” on Saturday, November 5, at 1:00 PM PDT. We’ll talk about performing in the Baroque style, ornamentation and all things guitar. Q&A included.
You’ll get a ZOOM registration invitation by the end of October. To be eligible register below before October 21st!
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Fantasy on E Lucevan by Glenn Morley A work written for the Chvatal/Kritzer Duo and orchestra. February 14th, 2022 (available on all streaming platforms)
