Study Concepts & Study Plans by Robert Guthrie

This documents on Study Concepts, Study Plans, and Right and Left-Hand Concepts documents were written by Robert Guthrie, the professor of classical guitar studies at Southern Methodist University (1973-2022). These documents serve to guide both students and professional concert artists alike in the practicalities of study (practice) and how to achieve superior results for each study session to perform the literature (music) of the classical guitar at the highest level of artistic integrity.

The Study Concepts document details the categories “things to produce terrible results,” “things to produce good (or great) results,” and the three basic types of material for study.  In the Study Plans document, Mr. Guthrie details both the time-frame of study (practice) and the practical amount of time to devote to the three principal areas of study: technique building, polishing familiar and current concert repertoire, and the new or newest pieces for future concert performances.

The Right-Hand Concepts and Left-Hand Concepts documents give a fundamental description on the basic function of both hands for optimal training, beautiful tone, strength, and agility.

There is a special note given on the time and value of a warm-up session and the minimum time-fame needed to build any aspect of classical guitar technique. It is important to note that Mr. Guthrie begins the study documents with the all-important phrase “The way you study is the way you will play,” or practice makes permanent.

Robert Guthrie | Artist Biography

Robert (Bob) Guthrie (1943-2023) was a world-class guitarist, international concert artist, teacher, and composer who was the second person in the United States to receive a degree in classical guitar performance under a scholarship recommendation of Andres Segovia to study with Jesus Silva at the North Carolina School of the Arts (B.M. 1969). He studies also included Andres Segovia, Jose Tomas, Celedonio Romero, and Alirio Diaz.

Robert was well known to American audiences through his many appearances as recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber player, and guitar duet player. He has made recordings for National Public Radio (NPR) and was the subject of a PBS documentary highlighting his performance virtuosity and teaching expertise. In addition to his concert appearance throughout the United States, he has performed throughout Mexico, Italy, Russia, Spain and Venezuela.

Robert was also a dedicated teacher, and his passion for the guitar extended to his students. His teaching credits include hundreds of master’s classes in universities and conservatories throughout the US and worldwide. He was a faculty member at Yale University, the Boston Conservatory, the Aspen Music Festival, and served as head of the guitar program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas from 1973-2022.