James Edward McCutcheon

by James McCutcheon
(Decatur, Alabama, USA)

Me & my Takamine Hirade 5 "1977"-32 years in service

I began experimenting with my older brothers $15.00 Silvertone Parlor guitar it was made by Harmony, painted Black with a faux orange tiger burst.

I now own 3 and purchased 1 for my son, also an avid guitarist musician composer. I did not know that a left handed person could not play right handed so I played just like my older brother did; I was about 9 years old. I just looked at the Folk Music, Peter Paul and Mary and remembered the Song :Puff: I watched him finger pick.

I liked the sound. Later at age 12 I decided to purchase an amplifier and guitar to start a "garage band". In high school we played around just goofing and parties nothing ever went serious. Later when I was in Germany, I played bass with a Club band I studied with the Lead Guitarist after the band terminated its' contract. He was a Classical Guitarist-Maestro Bruno Schmidt/Goethe Institute Wurzburg.

I completed the The Solo Guitar Playing by Fredrick Noad and Bruno's choices of Legnani Caprices in 1 year. Then came to the USA to take College. I did not make a performer artist but have been a private teacher part time over the years. I now have a small studio in Decatur.

I was a member of the Huntville Alabama Classical Guitar Society, we had world Class Guitarists to perform and give master classes. I was fortunate to be able to study with John Marlow, and Manuel Barrueco.

Now I play with the Calhoun Junior College Guitar Ensemble Alumni and the regular College Ensemble as Directed by Mrs. Margarita Valls de Quesada. She is recognized in a recent book in the foreword by the author for her dedication in pedagogical sensitivity to performing using the reststroke properly interpretation during performance and tonality. I also study with Margarita a dear friend.

"I Love the Classical Guitar as it has no boundaries of creation for
its music and expression within the soul of the player to the ears of those who listen"
Sincerely,

James McCutcheon