Testimonials

“To transform through the power of music”

 

 

“After thirty years of playing, four years in a guitar performance degree program, and ten years of lessons and master class workshops I was still using a composite of haphazard methods. Scott imparts a proven, systematic, and practical way of learning and performing repertoire. His lessons and workshops are highly informative (for players of any level), yet low key and relaxed- and just as important, lots of fun.” Peter Jespersen

 

 

“Scott Kritzer hones in on technical obstacles while inspiring his students to reach new performance levels.”  Karen Smith

 

 

I began studying with Scott in 1991. At that time I had been playing for several Years and was trying to move into the jazz world. My intent was to brush up on classical technique and apply that to improvisation -- I figured about three months max. Years later, I am still at it. Why? Something about the lessons with Scott resonated with who I really am. It became a necessary part of my Life. I always felt a kind of peace from listening to Scott's playing and --later -- from listening to my own playing.

 

The method he teaches is well paced and continues to open new doors for me. At times his guidance has seemed inspired -- he seems to anticipate my needs. He is a musician in love with music and also a pretty funny guy. I would recommend him to any serious student of the guitar.

 

Onward and upward---thanks, Scott (David Bertman)

 

 

I picked up my first musical instrument (the Classical Guitar) in the 40th year of my life.  This was just 2.5 years ago.  I had the good fortune to have Scott mentor me from an early time in my musical career.  When I walked into his studio I had no plans for performance or even any specific plans as it pertained to the instrument.  Last month I performed a 30 minute solo classical guitar program to an audience of over 100 people.  The work to prepare for this was hard but it never felt impossible.  In fact I actually felt very confident by the time I step on that stage.  The performance went well enough that I was invited to play the same venue next year.  People often ask me how I managed to do this sort of thing with such a short time of study.  I honestly believe anybody could manage such a feat under this structured and thoughtful program of learning. 

 

Scott’s Performance Phase instruction is nothing short of magic in my opinion.  I remember my first performance workshop where I watched players transformed before my eyes.  From that moment on, I was convinced that this stuff works.  And it works for any musician.  Last week my nephew made the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra after having a performance consultation with Scott.  What is amazing about this milestone is that this young musician failed to make a much lesser audition just 2 months prior at a music camp.  In fact he never did well at any audition prior to this.  Simply amazing…

 

-Karla

 

 

Dear Scott:

I just finished playing tonight at the end of my practice session. My wife said, "That's amazing, baby. I've *never* heard you sound so good." As I was playing, I was visualizing your workshop, and how good it sounded there in the chapel, and how in-synch our group was this weekend, and what a wonderful experience it all was. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to open up and express what I feel every time I pick up the guitar.

I also want to tell you that I was quite concerned about the workshop until Karla convinced me that I needed to just trust her about it. I did, and it was the highlight of an *immense* weekend for me.

I wish you and your partner the greatest success. Thank you so much.

Brent VanFossen

 

 

Hi Scott,

 

I'm adding my thanks to you for last Friday's performance workshop as well.  I learned so much from the entire evening! Your use of visualizations is SO helpful. I couldn't believe how much everyone's playing improved during the course of the workshop. I'm going to continue to use your technique, of course. Now I've just got to figure out what kind of visual works best for every single piece of music in my repertoire! LOL

 

Not only are you a wonderful teacher, you're a very nice and fun guy to hang out with.

 

Warm regards,

 

Sharon

 

 

Mr. Kritzer's phenomenal performance techniques are universal. They are applicable to musicians of all levels and of any goals. Through his highly advanced principles of performance he has truly enhanced my performance skills, mind and my music. My lifestyle and music are enriched with this material.

 

Austen DeBord, violist