From Zero to Published

Imagine going from never composing to published in just months and having your music played by guitarists like Craig Ogden and Thu Le. That’s what CCG members have done and you can do it too.

 

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 just months of developing their craft, top guitarists are playing their music. This can happen to you too.

 
 

Student Pieces Aired on Radio

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

Real Results: Members are getting their music published

Gillian’s pieces published on Bergmann Editions after just months of learning to compose

Paul publishing on Amazon

Paula self publishing on her own website!

CCG Members Are Award Winners

Members like Rick and Ilay have won prestigious composing competitions and had their pieces performed.

Inside The Creative Classical Guitarist

  • 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!

  • Understand Music

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

  • Harmony

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

  • Improvisation

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

  • Sight Reading

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

  • Method Books

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

  • Creative Tasks

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

  • Resources

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

  • Composition Challenges

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

  • Practice Room

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

  • Learning Pieces Process

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

  • Host your own events

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

  • Open Mics

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

  • 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.

  • eBooks and Courses

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

  • The Amazing Community

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

Available on all devices

All the content at your fingertips. Join live events and interact with the community from any device.

Real Stories from Real Members

  • "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.

  • "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.

  • "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.

  • "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.

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

    David

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

    Richard

  • I'd fiddled with writing a few bars in the past but didn't know how to create a whole piece.

    Trisha

Enyi had never smiled like this after a performance.

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

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. 

🎸 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.

What does Chat GPT say about CCG?

 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.