Play with joy, compose with ease

Imagine if you could enjoy playing for others and compose your own amazing pieces for guitar.

  •  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

Available on all devices

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

 

Imagine your pieces played by top guitarists

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

 
 

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

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!

 
 

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!

 
 

  • 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.

There are four main programs: all are included in your membership

  • 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.

  • Advanced

    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.

  • 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.

View the live events schedule below by timezone

  • Australia (AEDT)

    Foundations: Tue 10am & Fri 7am

    Advanced: Sun 9am & 8pm

    Masterclasses: Tue 7am & Wed 11am

    Method Book Walkthrough: Fri 10am

  • USA (EST)

    Foundations: Mon 6pm & Thu 3pm

    Advanced: Sat 5pm & Sun 4am

    Masterclass: Mon 3pm & Tue 7pm

    Method Book Walkthrough: Thu 6pm

  • England/Europe (GMT)

    Foundations: Mon 11pm & Thu 8pm

    Advanced: Sat 10pm & Sun 9am

    Masterclasses: Mon 8pm & Wed 12am

    Method Book Walkthrough: Thu 11pm

  • I have more knowledge about composing, and more tools to create something, hopefully, beautiful. Also, I'm a very step-by-step kind of guy. I like the "structured" approach to composing. 

    Paul

  • In the first course with Daniel I learnt how to create a canvas then turn it into my own piece. That was a revelation for me. In the 2 years I've been in CCG, I've learnt so many more techniques, forms, and styles that I've been able to develop new ideas that I previously wouldn't have known how to approach. I'm truly surprised at the pieces I've been able to write, and I'm very grateful to Daniel for creating CCG.

    Trisha

  • I am now more in touch with how the composers of old have always done it and how the great music of old was made. Through analysis and canvasing, I'm able to set myself up for success instead of taking a shot in the dark with no foundations.

    Richard

  • Whilst my compositions might stray considerably from the canvas and classical style at times, CCG has really opened my creative eyes. CCG is a wonderful community of supportive like minded creative people.   

    David

Enyi had never smiled like this after a performance.

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

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. 

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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.

Click Here