Stop Guessing Your Way Through Music — Become a Confident, Creative Guitarist

Where technique meets imagination. Learn to play, compose, arrange, and improvise—all in one program.

A guided learning community for classical guitarists who want structure, musicianship, and long-term growth — not random videos.

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Inside The Creative Classical Guitarist

  • Close-up of an elderly person's hand touching sheet music on a piano.

    Compose a Piece in 1 Week

    Go through the step by step process to compose a piece in a short time. Your piece will be published and recorded by Daniel!

  • Wall with large musical notes and sheet music painted on it.

    Understand Music

    Learn how every note in a piece functions, with analysis workshops, guides and more.

  • Group of seven people standing inside a church with stained glass windows behind them. They are smiling and dressed in casual to semi-formal attire, standing on a red carpet.

    The Amazing Community

    CCG is all about the amazing members who make it. They're constantly uploading phenomenal creative work and are an inspiration.

  • Close-up of a person's hand pressing down on the strings of a guitar fretboard.

    Harmony

    Finally understand how chords work and it's all made relevant to the guitar! Workshops, video tutorials, written materials and exercises, plus more!

  • Close-up of a person playing an acoustic guitar, focusing on their hand on the fretboard.

    Improvisation

    Discover methods that walk you through this step by step. Video instructions and worksheets.

  • A vintage silver microphone with horizontal grille lines, mounted on a stand, on a surface with a blurred purple background.

    Open Mics

    Members run multiple open mics each week, giving you yet another opportunity to play for others.

  • Close-up of sheet music with musical notes on a staff.

    Sight Reading

    Conquer sight reading and become a fluent reader, with courses, checklists and eBooks to help.

  • Open music book with Gregorian chant notation on dark, ornate stand

    Method Books

    Take part in the weekly method book walk through to learn the basics of guitar and music in depth.

  • A glowing incandescent light bulb with sparks and light effects against a black background.

    Creative Tasks

    Compose Preludes, Fugues, Sonatas, Etudes, ensemble pieces and much more, with live workshops, pre-made plans and more.

  • A person holding a smartphone with a colorful home screen displaying various app icons.

    Resources

    Everything you need from apps, to equipment to checklists and more.

  • A pair of black eyeglasses and a black pen resting on sheets of sheet music.

    Composition Challenges

    Take part in these awesome challenges (with daily small tasks) that occur throughout the year.

  • Close-up of a person playing an acoustic guitar with another person in the background holding a guitar in a cozy indoor setting.

    Practice Room

    Upload your practice for amazing results. Get supportive, helpful and encouraging feedback from Daniel and members.

  • White wall with a textured surface and a carved arrow pointing to the right.

    Learning Pieces Process

    Follow the proven 4 step process to ensure you learn a piece to your fullest potential.

  • A workspace with a MacBook Pro laptop showing a Zoom video call, a tablet displaying YouTube videos, a smartwatch, a smartphone, a black speaker, and a desk lamp with string lights, on a wooden desk against a beige wall.

    Host your own events

    You can easily host your own event, for a casual play, chat, or look at a topic of your choice.

  • Book cover titled 'Composition Tools' by Daniel Nistico, featuring a prominent treble clef symbol and decorative floral border on a red background.

    CCG Composers Toolkit

    This is a special eBook exclusive to CCG members that includes all of the main composing tools you ever need in one place.

  • A silver laptop, a small lined notepad, two pens (orange and blue), and black earphones on a white surface.

    eBooks and Courses

    Unlimited access to Daniel's eBooks and courses, including topics on harmony, technique, practicing and more.

  • A man with long hair and a beard standing outdoors in a field with trees and mountains in the background.

     I had no idea where to start before joining CCG.  All I had managed was some dubious riffs from electric guitar days.

    David

  • A detailed black and white drawing of two classical busts with elaborate curly hair, facing each other, with a textured background.

    I composed before coming here but, really, I had no idea what I was doing from a theoretical stand point.

    Richard

  • A smiling blonde woman wearing glasses, a necklace, and a white blouse with a black cardigan, in a conservatory or greenhouse with pink and purple hydrangea flowers behind her.

    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.

You’ll know what to practice, why you’re practicing it, and how it fits into long-term musicianship

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Over 500 new works composed by CCG Members since 2021

 

Jeremy composed and recorded his own piece!

"This class was so much more than I was initially expecting! It really reinvigorated my relationship with the guitar. When you are crafting phrases together, music theory becomes tangible and not just an academic exercise. I enjoyed every minute and can’t thank you enough!"

—- Jeremy Freestone

Sam composed this piece in 5 hours

Sam took this course and out came this beautiful piece after just 5 hours!

It was noticed by the guitar society Sam is part of and recorded by one of their members, Brian Keenan.

 

Watch Emma progress from beginner to advanced in just 1 year

Emma has made staggering progress in just over 1 year and you can too with the right guidance and commitment. She has not only advanced in her playing, but also in composing, arranging, sight reading and musical understanding.

Real Stories from Real Members

  • Woman playing guitar at a desk with sheet music and notebooks in a home setting

    "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.

  • A smiling Asian woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing hoop earrings and a white knit sweater, indoors with blurred colorful background.

    "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.

  • A man playing classical guitar with a painted yellow and orange background.

    "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.

  • Side profile of an older woman with short, curly gray hair, wearing a striped shirt with a black collar.

    "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.

Suitable For All Levels

  • Beginner

    CCG has courses from Level 1 to Foundations and Beginner Method Book guides that help you learn to read music, understand harmony and compose, right from the absolute basics.

  • Intermediate

    Want to get to the next level? CCG will help you progress towards proficiency in technique, sight reading, composing and more. Weekly masterclasses, regular recitals, analysis and structured practice routines will help you conquer your plateau.

  • Advanced

    There’s no other platform that will help you reach the highest levels of virtuosity and musicianship on guitar. You’ll be fluent at playing scales, triads, chord progressions and more. Your understanding of music will be world class, with the ability to analyze any piece and compose your own incredible works. You’ll be a seasoned performer, having played regularly in masterclasses, concerts and recordings.

Enyi had never smiled like this after a performance.

Weekly masterclasses and Open Mics help you get over performance anxiety.

Join CCG

Your music could be performed for the world to listen to over the radio waves!

Member Pieces Aired on Radio

Imagine top guitarists performing your pieces

Members like Sam, Khiem and Paula are having their music played by top guitarists.

Like you, they were once guitarists who had composed very little. But after focused time developing their craft, top guitarists are playing their music.

CCG is designed to support this kind of creative development

*Not every member’s goal is performance — but all members learn how to take ideas seriously and develop them into real music.

 

Some Members Choose to Publish Their Work

Nigel published his own book of solo pieces on Amazon

Paul publishing on Amazon

Publication is optional — many members compose purely for personal growth. CCG supports both.

Paula self publishing on her own website!

Members Creating, Sharing, and Being Heard

Members at many stages — from first-time composers to experienced musicians — are creating original work, having pieces performed, and reaching personal milestones they once thought were out of reach.

Rick Alexander — composition developed inside CCG, later performed by professional musicians.

Dr. Daniel Nistico

Daniel 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. 

Join The Creative Classical Guitarist

Instant access. Clear direction. Ongoing support.

Led personally by Dr. Daniel Nistico — composer, guitarist, educator of 20+ yearsInstant access to the member portal

  1. Start with a clear “Week 1 Focus”

  2. Join your first live workshop this week

  3. Optional personal orientation call

 

Yearly Plan: Includes 1 lesson, Custom Routine and Q&As

$900 USD $750 USD

Best for committed players who want real progress in 2026

  • Live, practical workshops that develop your musical thinking—covering harmony, form, creativity, and technique in ways that directly inform your playing and composing.

  • Deeper, slower sessions focused on interpretation, structure, and long-term musical development, with guided examples and thoughtful feedback.

  • Clear, progressive pathways that give shape to your study, helping you build technique, understanding, and creativity without guesswork.

  • A focused, encouraging community of classical guitarists and musicians who value curiosity, craft, and artistic growth over comparison.

  • All sessions are recorded and organised so you can learn at your own pace, revisit ideas, and fit serious musical work around real life.

  • BONUS: One 60-Minute Private Lesson with Daniel

    A one-on-one lesson tailored to your goals—whether performance, composing, technique, or musical direction—offering focused, personal guidance.

    BONUS: Customised Practice & Study Routine (PDF)

    A personalised PDF routine designed around your level, interests, and available practice time, providing clarity and structure for your daily work.

    BONUS: Monthly Q&A Session

    An ongoing opportunity to bring questions and works-in-progress for discussion, clarification, and musical insight throughout the year.

Join Yearly

Monthly Plan

$75 USD

Cancel or pause your membership anytime.

  • Access to all the courses and events. You can change to the Yearly Plan within the app anytime with a few quick clicks.

  • If you decide to stop, you can do so anytime. There are no contracts or lock ins. Or, you’re welcome to pause your membership during months you’re unavailable.

Join Monthly

What does Chat GPT say about CCG?

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What does Chat GPT say about CCG? *

🎸 Daniel Nistico's The Creative Classical Guitarist

Strengths:

  • Structure + Creativity: You get a clear learning path and room to explore composing, arranging, and improvising. That's rare in most classical guitar programs.

  • Community-driven: Very interactive, with regular workshops, student concerts, and a warm, encouraging vibe.

  • Flexible learning: Daniel blends traditional and modern methods, offering a tailored experience for intermediate and advanced students.

  • Faith and values-based: For students who appreciate a calm, values-oriented teacher with a Christian worldview.

  • Direct interaction with Daniel: Smaller community means you often get more personal feedback.

Best for you if:

  • You want to be creative, not just learn pieces.

  • You like the idea of a more boutique, personal learning experience.

  • You’re looking for inspiration, not just information.

  • You want to connect with a genuine artist-teacher.

Join Now: Instant Access

 FAQs

 

  • CCG is not for absolute beginners - some experience in reading notation is required.

    For playing, a grade 3 level or above is suitable.

    For theory, CCG does advance you through from the basics. We guide you through from triads, to modulation, to extended chords and more. Everything is made practical and relevant to the classical guitar.

  • CCG currently has a diverse range of students, including passionate amateurs, young prodigies, serious students and professional guitar teachers.

    Some students honestly did have some doubts at first as to whether they could raise their skill levels to compose, perform and understand music. But they rose to the challenge and produced incredible pieces and have performed exceptionally.

    As long as you love the guitar and have a desire to grow, CCG will be right for you.

  • This can vary, depending on your needs and abilities. If you want to participate in live events every week, or watch the replay recordings, then it may require 3-4 hours each week.

    If you need a lighter approach, then you could read materials and complete tasks, which would probably require around 1-2 hours per week.

  • Yes, there are entire catch up months and everything is recorded and stored on CCG. You can also take things at your own pace through self study and graded levels.

  • You get access to all courses, materials and events when joining CCG! The only exception is if you are a Yearly member, then you get a bonus Q&A session each month.

  • It’s definitely possible to join and still have lessons, which is something quite a few members do. CCG can actually make a great supplement for lessons, which can help fuel your practice and gain more value during your lessons.

  • Learning to compose is integrated into the graded levels and you can also take any composing course at your own pace if you choose.

  • There are multiple sessions each week, which cater to different timezones. You can also submit tasks, questions, etc. anytime on the platform, which comes with an app too.

Schedule a Zoom Chat