Michael Chapdelaine: On Masterclasses

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Hey! 👋🏼 If you like my videos… Buy me a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/MiguelGuitar

[@tomsewell7202]

I went to high school with Michael. He was a year younger and I didn’t know him well, but was aware of his career. Seeing this now at almost 70 years old, it’s clear his head was screwed on straight. Smart, insightful, aware. The world is a lesser place without him.

[@mddeyhle]

I was his student from about 2006 to 2009 at UNM. Watching this video and seeing how he communicates with his stories and analogies reminds me of my lessons with him. He was so insightful and an amazing guitarist. His passing is a great loss.

[@arodriyt]

I just learned that Maestro Chapdelaine passed last November 2023. Great loss. Thanks for posting this video.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

He was a great artist. 😢

[@gstlb]

Michael has much wisdom, this is a great interview.

[@RickGraham]

It's a testament to Michael to have never given up after that. Respect.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Agreed! Thanks for watching! Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@DiCelloPiano]

Thanks for sharing this interview; Micheal Chapdeline's student - Greg Williamson was accepted to a David Russell masterclass in Sante Fe. Greg at the time was teaching guitar at the same place I was teaching piano , I was charged and begged him to let me somehow watch , like " I'll carry your books or something, I gotta go to this somehow " . So basically, I got to attend as an observer and even though - I'm a pianist - alot of Mr. Russells teaching translated to my instrument and performing as well. Not only was the entire experience amazing to get to hear all these super-accomplished guitarists perform , but I got a number of lesson-pointers out of it that helped me in performance of piano along the way. How totally professional and helpful Mr. Russell was to the students. It was actually the complete opposite of Segovia's masterclass. Where-as David Russell played everything with a beautiful and brilliant tone , demonstrating with un-real precision and ease / a warm tone- and when he guided the students it was with a genuine spirit of wanting the people he was teaching to learn a new skill or new idea. Afterwords the crowd basically surrounded him like he was the Beatles. Actual luthiers came bringing guitars that they built ; Mr. Russell obliged and stayed and played these guitars, even letting people record, offering ideas , chatting / etc ... everyone had questions or comments / etc ... but instead of snubbing someone or trying to leave , he stayed and chatted with every person , and didn't leave until he talked to every single person that wanted to meet him. That day stands out as one of the coolest musical experiences for me; I'll always have a special place for classical guitar in my heart.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for your comment! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@flyinggybe2113]

I was in the audience at the 1986 Segovia Masterclass that is discussed in this video, and I witnessed the incident. Frankly, by the end of the week my respect for Segovia, at least as a teacher was substantially diminished. I'm not sure what the guitarists playing for Segovia paid for the class, but there was also a paying audience. It is was also expensive in travel and lodging for most who attended. Therefore, Segovia had an obligation to give each performer full due. Segovia should have articulated why he preferred the fingerings in his arrangements for the benefit of the performers and the audience, not throw a fit like a Prima Donna. While I lost some respect for Segovia as a teacher and a person, I admired Michael's willingness to explore different ways of playing a piece and believe he should have been treated with more respect and patience. It should be a Masterclass, not a Prima Donna Class.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

I totally agree with you! How unfortunate Segovia’s egos got in the way. Thanks for watching! Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@ChanaNatalia]

YES. Segovia threw an Yngwie Malmsteen tantrum. You can teach, even advanced students, too of course, & there's no need to be a dick, especially even moreso when you're paying to be in them!!

[@mpojr]

Segovia does not own nor his the end all to classical guitar the music In the end is in the ears of the beholder

[@jamesrenz9475]

Great session. Thanks for posting.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! 🙏🏽 ~M.

[@johnmcmahonBXLA]

Rest in Peace Michael. I will play your arrangements forever. More than I can say about Segovia

[@zaenkmus]

I always enjoy Michael's playing, performing and frank and personable demeanour. Good chat!

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Michael is a great guy and a phenomenal musician. I love how he is intelligent, articulate, and humble. Stay tuned for Part II. Thank you for watching! Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@jeannouelvanleeuwen]

Valuable tips, thank you for this session!

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you, sir! I have a lot more content coming. Stay tuned… Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@atlantaguitar9689]

I attended an Elliot Fisk masterclass as an observer (I'm a jazz rock guy who really enjoys good classical playing). Most of the students played clumsily which I put down to a case of nerves that the first student had which then spread to most of the other students. As for Fisk, he was very professional, patient, and he zoned in on practical things that helped the players there on the spot. He also played for the group and that was great.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@doniacy1361]

It was very interesting interview!!!!!!! i really enjoyed watching it... liked it so much!!! 😍😍

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you! ❤️~M.

[@3dulimited952]

Very interesting video - I’m glad that you brought up the Segovia saga as we got to hear Michael’s thoughts about it. He’s so honest and hides nothing here and said exactly as it was I feel devastated that it jeopardised his career after that masterclass but Michael’s playing , his tone , his arrangements are there to prove what a great musician he is Thank you so much for this. My love and respect for Michael have grown after watching this

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for watching! Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell to receive notifications of new releases. I have a canon full of content including Part II with Mr. Chapdelaine. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@darrenmorgan2617]

I enjoyed watching , I’ve done 2 masterclasses not at your level but I enjoyed them , always interesting videos , keep them coming

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@jimmccutcheon4965]

Great interview - thanks to both of you!!!

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for watching! I’m preparing more educational videos to be released in the near future. Be sure to subscribe to my channel and hit the bell to receive notifications. Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@denizcy8776]

Great interview!!!!!

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you, Deniz! 😀 Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

Your channel is fantastic, I'd played for Williams years ago, the lad prior too me got in huge strife, as he was a competition winner, partied bit much night before

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@courtcomposer]

Man. I am so sorry for Michael. Such a wonderful player and musician.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Don’t feel bad for him. He is his own man and has forged his own path. He is a successful musical artist. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@mpojr]

good interview

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

At 4:28, I had forgotten who was the guitarist that I had played for in a Masterclass. It was Matthew Ardizzone, in case if you were wondering. Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@demejiuk5660]

"Can you see it in your head can you think through the piece? Hear it in your brain's ear?"

[@MarS-py5eu]

sehr interesante Interview

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel Ferreyra Castillo 🇪🇸

[@stevefulnecky4563]

Well, I was at the USC class in 1986, and when I saw the " heat " that I had suspected that the players would be under, I had a bit of a "love/hate " ( as the vernacular suggests ) relationship with the " Master Class System ", and a relieved feeling that I was not selected as a participant. I had already experienced " Master class performance anxiety syndrome " ( we'll call it ) in trying to perform at one of Parkening's classes in Pennsylvania. I was already a widely experienced professional performer at the time, and had been for a decade and a half, but performing for someone acclaimed as a world leader in their field, can cause the performance ability to sharply decline..by as much as 75%, and that is VERY uncomfortable. So, you have my sympathy..and understanding. Segovia was not known to be a " nice guy ", and to the end of his days, he probably retained the controlling aspect of his personality. But, when you're an aging gunfighter, you must retain an upper hand, or some younger hot shot is , eventually, going to " smoke you", and it's easier to stare an " opponent " down, than face them all in the street. You get the analogy most likely. Your mistake was thinking you were experienced enough to take the fame ( even partially ) of the " big dog " without getting in a '" big dog fight ". He took you out, but he's gone now, and your resilience as a musician, whether backed by the agents, media, or buyers, proves your true mettle. He had to come up through a civil war, a town full of fast flamenco players, and a war torn Europe, ( they burned his first house and the music in it down in Spain ), and reviewers who didn't always like him either...not to mention jealous violinists who didn't like him messing with the Chaconne. . at all. Well, it's a dangerous world that we're born into, and it doesn't appear to be improving soon. Too bad though. Good luck, and carry on.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel Ferreyra Castillo 🇪🇸

[@countvlad8845]

I appreciate hearing Michael talk, and he is quite honest about his feelings and the hurt caused by Segovia. And he is honest about not liking Segovia's guitar playing (though he has a lot of good to say about it, and we don't really know why he doesn't like it.) Still, it takes courage to be this brutally honest and that is commendable. I don't care for Segovia's playing either, and seeing the video of him dissing Michael left a bad impression on me. But Michael is good-natured and enduring. He has come through the bullshit of that time without Segovia's letter from hell to create an interesting backbeat style. Michael is very talented, and I cover his “Come Together” song that drum taps on the guitar. He is also a great arranger as well as a performer. I give him tons of credit and hope he carries on for a long time to come.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel Ferreyra Castillo 🇪🇸

[@Michael-mg4tx]

I recommend listening to him play Somebody I Used to Know to see what an amazing guitarist Michael is…. There’s also a tutorial for anyone intrepid enough to learn his arrangement-all I can say is good luck, haha.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Yes! And Come Together by The Beatles… nobody plays these arrangements best. Thanks for watching! Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@LEE-il7fz]

I love MC's arrangement《classical gas》 the most, many years ago, I bought the CD.

[@stevew585]

Michael has always been my favourite Fingerstyle Guitarist period, I think his interpretations and expressive playing is Genius.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

I agree! I love his independent Spirit, his vision, creativity, and his musicality. Stay tuned for Part II. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@stevew585]

@@MiguelFerreyraGuitar I will! Thank you Sir :}

[@garthreynolds1437]

Christopher parkening and Alexander Dunn .the best players i ever watched

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

I love Parkening. I have no idea who Alexander Dunn is. Thanks for the recommendation; I’m going to look him up. 🙌🏽 Cheers, ~Miguel 🇪🇸

[@Selford]

Rip Michael Chapdelaine

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Something interesting can be learnt from this. At some point, budding artist must resist the urge to be "affirmed" by the current cream of the top. By resisting that urge, artist can claim the maturity, and independence that is needed to become an independent artist. Michael made himself subservient - that was a big mistake. Maybe Segovia avoided this same fate when he was not able to meet with Tarrega, although he wanted. Tarrega died the same year when Segovia was planning on meeting with him. Segovia had to move on, work even harder, all by himself, regardless of what the best classical guitarist of his time (Tarrega) had to say. Maybe he was lucky because Tarrega might have crushed Segovia's spirit too - Segovia clearly did not play like Tarrega, nor wanted to. There would be a clash of maturity and experience over youth. In any case, two things are clear: 1) never ask for a "tap on the shoulders", even from the best; rather, let them come to you if they decide, play on your own homeground. 2) work hard to recognise your shortcomings, even if barely visible, thus avoiding being imbibed in whatever you're doing. See problems before others see them. Outgrow the need for affirmation, and outgrow your former self.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for your comment! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. And there’s much more on the way… Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@fhulkster]

i just watched Michael in the segovia master class, jeez he gave Michael a hard time

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Definitely was not a very nurturing environment. Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

I played for J Williams he's was kind, but he ripped apart some other players.

[@fhulkster]

very interesting video, really enjoyed it must have really hurt to have been slated by segovia in that way , i ve watched a few segovia masterclasses and he never seems to give the performers any praise or encouragement at all it was all criticism

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

I highly recommend that you watch Julian Bream’s Masterclasses. They are amazing! You can learn so much about phrasing, musicality and how to think. I always go back to them. Thank you for watching! Cheers, ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@mindsharping]

I am not as disgusted with Segovia, as with the music world who shunned Michael afterwards.

[@LetzBeaFranque]

23:42 This is so sad.

[@andrewpegman7959]

Segovia was right, but they’re both okay people 😊

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@downhillphilm.6682]

...well, he's the greatest guitarist in MY world and I am pretty experienced having seen Segovia, Parkening, Bream, Williams, even Sabicas waaay back in the 20th century. Why? His sound. Unique, he brings out the wood and string tones in full frequencies whereas other great technicians also play the notes right, on tempo and according to expression notations BUT it lack the full spectrum sound that is the icing on the cake. Like, no one can't recognize BB King in two notes, same with most of the guitar greats. It is the individual melding with the instrument in each's unique way that is what is most interesting and artistic, in my humble opinion.

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Thank you for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@vgfjr505]

The more I read about Segovia, the more disdain I have for the person. The greatest classical guitarist of the past century in my mind, Augustine Barrios, never got the credit he deserved because of Segovia. He did absolutely everything to discredit his biggest rival. This video is further proof of what kind of person Segovia was. I suspect the Tarrega faction of early Segovia’s career didn’t much like him. He was always standing in the shadows of those players in photos. It was almost always Llobet the center piece of the photos. It’s a shame Llobet died young. He was the more humble musician that could have put Segovia in his place.

[@lawrencetendler7747]

How dare you change my fingerings ?

[@johnwayne8114]

Segovia's masterclasses are terrible to watch. The way he talks, even his facial expressions, like he's walking on water, and everyone else is a little child. The most annoying thing is how he constantly interrupts, just for the sake of it. He doesn't zone in on the problem, or offer groundbreaking advice. It's just a show, and he probably made a lot of money on it too.

[@morpeli-s2z]

Is swearing a form of clickbait?

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

No, but you did click.

[@morpeli-s2z]

@@MiguelFerreyraGuitar hahah yes I did!

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

@@morpeli-s2z Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel, Guitar Lessons from Spain 🇪🇸

[@isfet5149]

Govi was jealous... right

[@MiguelFerreyraGuitar]

Both Michael Chapdelaine and Segovia are both great artists with very strong personalities. Through their interpretations of the music, they were both saying, “This is how I see it”. In 1986, when this masterclass happened, Segovia was 93 years old and had been concertizing for 77 years. For anyone to think that Segovia was jealous is absolutely ridiculous. Segovia was Spanish, and he wasn’t jealous of anyone. Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to my channel. I have educational videos and interviews with the best classical guitar players on the planet, including: David Russell, Ricardo Gallén, Berta Rojas, Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Andrea Dieci, Zaira Meneses, Jason Vieaux, and Pavel Steidel. Cheers! ~Miguel Ferreyra Castillo 🇪🇸