Guitar Video Series 011

I have taught guitar since I was in grade 7 and throughout that time I have been influenced by many different guitarists. Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Van Halen, Tuck Andress, Steve Vai (who now has a Berklee Course) and Wes Montgomery to name a few. But for my female students they wanted female role-models. Sure they loved the playing of Tommy Emmanuel and the solos of Santana but where were the girl guitarists?

Now I know there are such players out there – so I tracked them down – & the results with my students were amazing. One student I taught was floundering in her playing and practice, saying lines such as, “I don’t know whether I want be like [this person] or…or, like…” As soon as I lent her a DVD of Ana Vidovic, recordings of Karin Schaupp and showed her the pyrotechnic playing of Yasi on YouTube this student was inspired to practice and perform more.

Inspiration to practice, to perform and to continue with an instrument has always been something I had thought was important. These days I try to collect inspirational music or find such musicians for my students. This way they don’t know what to expect from a lesson with their teacher!

Karin Schaupp

Premiere Australian Classical Guitarist, her recordings and performances with the Australian Guitar Quartet Saffire are superb. Watch the video below to see an interview and excerpts of her playing Spanish Guitar Music. Whole lessons can developed around her tone, technqniue and phrasing.

Bridget Mermikidies

Bridget is a versatile performer, arranger, writer and twitterer. Using twitter I have been able to communicate with Bridget, exchange teaching ideas and subsequently, find a wealth of articles & arrangements and more on her website. These (published in the UK magazine Guitar Techniques) have been of great inspiration to my students. Thank you again Bridget. Did I mention her classical guitar album has just been released for purchase?

Ana Vidovic

An amazing player. Her DVD with Melbay just has to be seen. My students borrow it, I use it in the classroom, and I use it to demonstrate many guitar techniques. If you have not seen her play, watch below.

YouTube Performers

Yasi – is an amazing player with technique that makes my students want to practice! Not only is her playing full or expression and accuracy but it carries such great tone. Many of my students are inspired by her performances.




Juliette Valduriez – plays her own composition in this video. The music speaks for her.

Flamenco Lessons with Edina Balczo

I have learnt much from Edina and she sells her music/arrangments as Guitar Pro files from her website. I blogged about Rodrigo y Gabriella over here but Edina can play some beautifully rhythmic lines too!

If you know of any other female guitarists that are an inspiration to your students leave a comment.

Cover image courtesy of LiLauraLu