How Classical Captured Me

by Pamela
(Kentucky)

My first experience with classical guitar music came from an interest in the influences of Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot.

I was probably 17 or 18 years old and playing guitar in a rock band. I had read an article in one of the guitar magazines where Cavazo was talking about how he incorporated classical guitar music into his playing style.

Already knowing how to read music (due to having a grandmother who taught piano and playing the flute since 4th grade), I picked up a book of Carcassi studies from my local music store and struggled my way through it on my own.

I began playing these studies on the electric guitar and my old acoustic and was just absolutely hooked.

When I started community college about a year later, I found they had a guitar class. I took this course along with my other basic courses.

This is when I bought my first classical guitar, which I believe was an inexpensive Yamaha.

My instructor then talked me into going to the University of Louisville's School of Music. Though I did not graduate due to many different circumstances, my love for the classical guitar did not fade.

I continued playing in rock bands until the birth of my first child. After that I continued playing both electric and classical guitar sporadically throughout the years.

I am now a 43 year old mother of two and classical guitar has just stuck with me through the years.

My husband and I both play guitar (though he's a heavy metal kind of guy) and we have many guitars we've acquired through the years.

When I do get a chance to pick up a guitar and play it always seems to be the classical guitar I reach for first. Though I still love all kinds of music, playing classical guitar just gives me a greater sense of accomplishment and gives me peace when I am stressed.