October 04, 2024

Classical Guitar Iconoclast w/ Jonathan Taylor

55 minutes

In Episode 198 of the "Piano Tech Radio Hour," we welcome Jonathan Taylor, a renowned classical guitarist whose career spans the globe. His innovative transcriptions and digital recordings have significantly impacted the classical guitar repertoire, making him a prominent figure in the music world.

Taylor's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother, a silent film organist. He shares how his early passion for music led him to the guitar and how his dedication and rigorous practice routines helped him master the instrument.

The discussion delves into the importance of eliminating tension in guitar playing, emphasizing mental focus and the awareness of muscle use. Taylor explains how true mastery involves understanding and releasing tension rather than applying it. His insights into sound production provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between mind, body, and instrument.

The conversation also covers his approach to music composition and orchestration for the classical guitar, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the instrument's tuning. His innovative transcriptions of various music genres demonstrate his creative and technical skills.

Throughout the episode, we hear fascinating stories from Johnathan’s global tours, including experiences in India, the Amazon, and the Caribbean. These travels have profoundly influenced Taylor's music and provided him with rich cultural insights.

An introduction to his app, developed in collaboration with Warner Records and Hit Lab, reveals a comprehensive resource featuring music, lessons, and videos, offering both free and premium content for users. It's an excellent tool for anyone interested in his work and the art of classical guitar.

The episode concludes with a live performance, showcasing the techniques and philosophies discussed during the conversation. It’s a lively discussion about the challenges and rewards of transcribing music for the guitar, offering valuable insights for musicians and music enthusiasts alike. Join us for an in-depth look at the life and music of a classical guitar master, and gain a deeper appreciation for this intricate art form!

About Jonathan Taylor:

Jonathan Taylor is a classical guitarist who has represented the United States as an American Cultural Specialist in South America and the Caribbean sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, and has toured throughout Europe, North and South America and Asia. He is known for his virtuosity and unique transcriptions and has significantly contributed to increasing the available repertoire for the classical guitar. During his formative years in the 1970s and 80s, Taylor studied music at Chapman University, took masterclasses under the great Christopher Parkening, and studied privately for years at the home of the virtuoso Pepe Romero and under Frederick Noad, best known for his PBS series and as the author and composer of the seminal book "Solo Guitar Playing". He was also head of the music department at the Newport Institute of the Arts in Southern California. Taylor was one of the 1st artists to record digitally back in the early 1990's, and has recorded over 300 unique pieces in his catalog. His music is streaming worldwide, and when not touring, he resides in his native Southern California, in Huntington Beach.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

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