Dornan Plays for Russell

We were happy to have Oberlin sophomore, Solis Dornan (aka Solis Goldsmith), participate in the master class offered by David Russell as part of his appearance at nearby university, Youngstown State this week. The event’s producer, Youngstown State guitar professor, Francois Fowler, generously made the class open to students from nearby programs; Solis represented Oberlin.

Solis Dornan plays for David Russell in Youngstown

Solis played the famous Aguado Introduction and Rondo, Op. 2, No. 2. Russell had many words of advice, both highly specific and musically broad. As always, Russell generously taught to the class, not just “privately” to the student on stage, so all felt involved in the details of each lesson.

Russell offered advice about articulation, dynamics and phrasing, all in the service of improving Solis’ sense of style, and suggested a few alternate fingerings to help in some especially tricky passages. It was a power-packed lesson!

The class also featured students from Youngstown State, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Duquesne University.