Play with joy, compose with ease
Imagine if you could enjoy playing for others and compose your own amazing pieces for guitar. CCG can make it happen.
Introducing The Creative Classical Guitarist
An online school that has transformed members from around the world
Why join CCG and not another school?
CCG is unlike any other guitar school because of the work that’s been done by its members. You don’t just learn to improve your guitar playing skills, but also how to understand music and create with it. Hundreds of pieces have been composed and recorded. No other school or platform has created this kind of work.
I’ve never composed, arranged or improvised before.
Some of the most stunning pieces have come from first time composers. You’re given tools that make creativity fast, fun and simple. You don’t need to know much theory - if you can play something, then you have the ability to create something too.
Why pay for a membership when all this information is out there free?
CCG encourages you to use the information you learn, not just watch hours of videos. When you use this info, new compositions and arrangements come to life and are brought to life by Daniel’s playing/recording. The info on CCG has been tried and tested many times over, showing in the results: hundreds of new pieces and arrangements. It’s a music school in your pocket, with a phenomenal laid-out program that makes your progress skyrocket.
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I had no idea where to start before joining CCG. All I had managed was some dubious riffs from electric guitar days.
David
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I composed before coming here but, really, I had no idea what I was doing from a theoretical stand point.
Richard
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I'd fiddled with writing a few bars in the past but didn't know how to create a whole piece.
Trisha
Available on all devices
All the content at your fingertips. Join live events and interact with the community from any device.
There are four main programs: all are included in your membership
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Foundations
Grades 1-4 theory: 2x live sessions per week
Learn the basics of harmony, theory, analysis and composition. Play practical exercises and apply what you learn through completing short tasks each week. You can do this with the live workshops or at your own pace. -
Composition and Creativity
Grades 5-8 theory : 2x live sessions per week
This program is project based, with a different creative focus each month (improvisation, arranging, ensemble writing etc..). We begin with a live group analysis and then apply what we learn to the task at hand. -
Masterclass
Any level: 2x live sessions per week
CCG Masterclass is a year long program which includes a different technical focus & set piece for each month of the year. As you study, take advantage of the 2/wk live masterclasses to perform & receive feedback.
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Method Book Walkthrough
For beginners: 1x live sessions per week
The Method Book Walkthrough is a guided, multi-month program where weekly sessions take you in depth through the most iconic guitar methods. These live sessions will reveal the foundations of guitar playing, including technique & harmony. (2023: Carcassi Method)
View the live events schedule below by timezone
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Australia (AEDT)
Foundations: Tue 9am & TBC
Advanced: Thu 9am & 8pm
Masterclasses: Wed 9am & TBC
Method Book Walkthrough: Fri 9am
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USA (EST)
Foundations: Mon 5pm & TBC
Advanced: Wed 5pm & Thu 12am
Masterclass: Tue 5pm & TBC
Method Book Walkthrough: Thu 5pm
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England/Europe (GMT)
Foundations: Sat 10pm & TBC
Advanced: Wed 10pm & Fri 9am
Masterclasses: Tue 10pm & TBC
Method Book Walkthrough: Thu 10pm
A music school in your pocket.
Achieve technical proficiency and musical sensitivity
in a matter of weeks
All Within a Supportive Community
This is achieved through regular masterclasses, open mics, guided courses and a practice room where you can frequently upload recordings. Participate in these activities and you’ll play guitar like you’ve always dreamed:
Fluent technique
Beautiful interpretation
Confidently memorized.
Develop more in 12 Months than in 12 Years
Rob worked on a piece by Piazzolla for 4 months and made drastic improvement, memorizing it and playing it with musical sensitivity. How did he do this?
• He followed CCG’s 4 steps for learning pieces
• He played in front of a small group every week for 4 months
You can do it too if you follow the same path!
Composing Made Easy
The compositions below were created in a matter of weeks and are the first pieces ever written by the composers!
How did they do this?
By following the guides, methods and templates provided by CCG.
With CCG…
Understanding music theory becomes easy and useful
Playing for others becomes comfortable and enjoyable
“It’s more familiar when I look at pieces in different keys and how to analyze a piece, to look at the key changes and those types of things. It’s not all a jumbled mess, but also means you can approach a new piece with a bit of a plan and therefore attack it better. I had 2 years of face to face lessons, but nowhere near the progress I’ve made since we started this course.” —- Larry
“It’s a broad landscape that the course covers, which is fantastic because you just don’t tend to get that. But what adds more dimensions to the learning is the fact that we actually have to participate and do it in front of everybody. I’m extremely nervous when it comes to playing for people and just practicing a little thing in front of everybody helps me and tests your knowledge. Most guitarists like me are probably reclusive and don’t get out and play - I would just literally fall apart. So I found this part really good and CCG gives you a good comfortable arena to actually do it.” —- Jim
“The journey’s been fun, even though I’m generally more shy. But when I look at music I look at it differently now and I can point stuff out and understand more of it now and be more expressive. I appreciate the journey, so thank you!” —- Kris
Inside, discover…
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Your pieces professionally recorded & published through CCG Publishing. Transforming the traditional commission model: composers receive 90% of their sales.
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Harmony is the language of music. Learn the building blocks and understand music more deeply than before. Unlock your creativity with this new found language.
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Learn clear, step by step methods that will allow you to compose. CCG’s programs gradually progress you from the basics of composition all the way to advanced concepts.
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Christmas carols, pop songs, film scores, video game music…
Learn the tools that make arranging almost automatic with CCG’s “Drag & Drop” system.
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The ultimate test of your understanding of music. Don’t read note by note (letter by letter). CCG teaches you how to read words and sentences.
CCG is different to any other platform out there and here’s why
It’s a Truly Unique Platform
Members aren’t just playing their own pieces, but collaborating with each other and playing each other’s pieces!
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I've never composed before
STORY: Many CCG members started out never composing. Gill was one example, who went from never composing to being published in just months.
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I don't know any theory
STORY: You can learn theory the best way, by practicing and application. Lan knew little theory, but composed her first piece in 1 month.
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I only have time to focus on playing
SOLUTION: With clear guides, creative ideas and detailed templates, you’re able to seamlessly integrate creativity into your playing and stand out. David is a great example, who plays in ensembles, performs solo exams and also composes.
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I don't play guitar to a high level
STORY: Creativity is for everyone, just like playing an instrument. Some of the most refreshing music can come from those who are limited in their playing. Take Shane for example, who writes music far beyond his technical capabilities.
With what you’d normally pay for just one private lesson, you get:
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This is where the magic happens! Knowledge is applied, ideas are shared and people transform. Includes theory/analysis/composition workshops, masterclasses and member-run open mics.
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Books, videos and courses that show you how to instantly harmonize a melody for guitar? Compose a piece in 1 week from scratch? You won’t find this kind of content anywhere else.
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Daniel records and publishes many of the pieces that are produced through CCG members. Members like Jamal, have even created their own books for sale on the store!
Imagine going on social media
And instead of being envious of all the talented guitarists out there, you see a beautiful recording of your piece (and nice comments about it)!
With a clear path to follow, you can accomplish great things over time
In 1 year, you will gain a complete understanding of music, giving you powerful tools to create with and understand the pieces you play.
Testimonial from CCG Member, Helen Humble
“Highly recommended. I have learned so much in just 3 months.”
“Both Daniel and the group participants are all kind and encouraging.
By learning how music is composed, I am beginning to understand music theory. My sight reading has really improved as I can see and feel where the music is going.
Starting my grade 6, Daniel has taught me how to approach a piece, understanding landscape and colour of the music before even trying to play it, giving me confidence to play.
The course is excellent value for money....the equivalent of 1.5 hours/month of tutor time, but you have several hours a week and access to vast online resources.”
Daniel Nistico
Dr. Daniel Nistico is a passionate performer, author and educator who specializes in the performance practice of 18th and 19th century guitar music. Daniel's teaching and research aims to revitalize the concept of being a well-rounded musician, with emphasis on topics like harmony, which lead to deeper musical understanding and provide tools for composing and improvising.
Daniel completed his Bachelor of Music (BMusHons) at the Victorian College of the Arts and Master of Music (MMus) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, studying with Tonié Field and Dr. Donna Coleman. Daniel completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, USA.
In 2021, Daniel launched an online school called 'The Creative Classical Guitarist', which gives guitarists a platform for their creativity to grow and shine. Since that launch, over 300 new works have been composed for guitar, with pieces being published by Bergmann Editions and performed by leading guitarists including Craig Ogden.
Is CCG Right for You?
Want to listen to more pieces composed by CCG members?
Check out this ever-growing playlist to hear all the fantastic works that have been recorded by Daniel.