Stephen Mattingly in Oberlin

Stephen Mattingly made a return visit to Oberlin last week to teach a short master class for the students. He was in the area to do some fill-in teaching for Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute, so could easily fit us into his schedule. Mattingly is Professor of Guitar at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He’s been a lynchpin of the Guitar Foundation of America for years, including producing a convention at his own school every third year. He’d been to Oberlin before, performing with his celebrated guitar quartet, Tantalus, and it was a delight to have him back.

Stephen Mattingly explains it.

The first student to play for him was Rio Manzanares. Rio performed the Variations in G by Jose Broca. Stephen was quick to help him with some technical challenges and resolve some phrasing questions.

Rio Manzanares gets a lesson from Stephen Mattingly

Next up was Solis Dornan, who played Moment Musicaux D. 780, No 3 by Franz Schubert. This short and charming piece presents a number of challenges for the guitarist, most of which Solis had well in hand. Still, Mattingly had interesting ideas on several of the sections.

Solis Dornan plays for Stephen Mattingly

The third performer was Aleksandr Lapshin. Aleks played Capricho No. 18 by Castelnuovo-Tedesco. This gorgeous variations set offers many rich musical moments to consider, and he and Stephen had a spirited interactions over several of them.

Aleksandr Lapshin works with Stephen Mattingly

Finally, Sam Schollenberger played Etude No. 1 of Giulio Regondi. This performance led to another energetic discussion of the musical and technical considerations the piece presents.

Sam Schollenberger and Stephen Mattingly discuss Regondi

Thank you, Stephen, for a terrific master class, and a delightful visit! We hope to see more of you in Oberlin, and of course, at the next GFA Convention, only three months away, at your own University of Louisville!