Baroque guitar method

[Simon Boyle]

Does anyone know of a progressive method for baroque guitar?  I have James Tyler's book "A Guide to the Baroque Guitar" which is an excellent introduction and source but it is not a method for learning or teaching.  I am aware of a book in German by Prof Johannes Monno "Die Barokgitarre" (Tree Edition Lubeck) but it appears to be an introduction also. One the website of a Spanish Publisher El Gato Murr there is reference the intended publication of a "Nuevo metodo para la guitarra barroca" by Prof Thomas Schmitt who may be a member of this forum and which from its description certainly appears to be designed as a progressive method. Its publication was planned for 2014 but it seems that it never appeared. There are methods for lute, notably Damiani "Method for the Renaissance Lute" and I understand that many of the techniques are similar so that might be a starting point.  Given the increasing interest in the baroque guitar I certainly think there is an opening for such a progressive method.  

[Monica Hall]

It probably would not be economically viable to produce the kind of method you seem to have in mind. People don't start to learn the baroque guitar from scratch - they usually already play the classical guitar or lute and often both.  Overall the instruments have similar techniques and to some extent the same repertoire. Methods like James Tyler's tutor really cover most of the basics that you need to get to grips with and in fact many of the pieces included in it are not easy or intended for beginners.  Most of the more popular sources are available in facsimile which is the best place to start. At the end of the day - as many of the 17th century tutors point out - it is a good idea to find a suitable teacher...

And just by the way - the Lute Society has published my own modest contribution to pedagogy - "19 Easy to intermediate pieces for baroque guitar from French and Iberian manuscripts".  You can also find English translations of the introductions to  many of the original sources on my web page www.monicahall.co.uk 

[Simon Boyle]

Thank you Monica. I have your excellent collection and also a good one of pieces by Italian composers by Didier Bourelle published by the Societe Francaise de Luth. Your web page is also a great source.

[Monica Hall]

Thank you for your kind words. I often wonder whether anyone finds my efforts useful so it is always nice to have some feedback.

Quite possibly Tom's tutor may appear at some time in the future.  He may still be trying to find a publisher for it.  I am sure that it will be good if it does ever see the light of day. 

[ROY Jean-Bernard]

"I often wonder whether anyone finds my efforts useful"

Of course, Monica, thanks so much for sharing your works :) And continue to enrich us with your knowledge. Your efforts are really useful. When the need arises, it is a pleasure to have a credible source for working (regarding Corbetta, lately, in my case).

[Monica Hall]

Thank you for your kind words.  It makes it all worth while!

[Gavin Cawley]

I haven't finished building my baroque guitar yet, but I have found your efforts useful and having some information about stringing and playing available was something that encouraged me to have a go at building one.  Keep up the good work!

[Monica Hall]

Thank you - good luck with your building - something I have never attempted.

[Bill Brettschneider]

Your efforts have been useful to me.

[Monica Hall]

Thank you. It's kind of you to say so.

[Yuri Liman]

You should not have any doubt... your articles combine scientific scrutiny and precision with passion and true dedication to the topic which makes it invaluable material for anyone interested in the world of baroque guitar. It gave me great support when I got into it. Thank you!

[Monica Hall]

Thank you for your kind words.  I am glad that you find my work useful.

[Juan Pablo Pira]

A large textbook-format book might be way too expensive.  However, maybe a print-on-demand or a kindle book might be an option.