The Austin Classical Guitar Society has undergone various incarnations for the past four decades. In 1996 ACGS sought and received status as a non-profit arts organization under the Internal Revenue Service code section 501(c)(3). Since the fall of that year, ACGS has operated consistently in its current form, growing steadily in almost every capacity. In 1996 the organization began a regular concert season of internationally known artists, held regular meetings of the Board of Directors, held monthly meetings for the membership, and published a quarterly newsletter. Since that time, ACGS has added an extensive outreach concert series, a pioneer educational outreach program, several guitar orchestra programs and a website. In all areas, thanks to an increase in membership, volunteer enthusiasm, Board diversity and dedication to expansion, ACGS continues to better serve central Texas as the sole entity with a mission statement devoted to classical guitar.
Matthew Hinsley is available for lessons in Austin Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Single lessons (non-continuing) may be scheduled at any time at the rate of $60 for an hour lesson, half hour lessons are not available on a single-lesson basis.
For those wishing to schedule regular lessons, rates are $55 an hour and $30 per half hour. Any student over the age of 5 is welcome. Matthew has extensive experience teaching at all levels including child beginners, advanced young students, beginning adults and advanced adults and University students pursuing a classical guitar career.
Policies:
At the first lesson of every month, instructor and student compare schedules to determine which weeks will have scheduled lessons. At this time, based on the number of lessons scheduled, student pays instructor for month in full. If for any reason, there is a cancellation, student must notify instructor at least 24 hours prior to absence for a make-up to be considered. No refunds are given.
Matthew Hinsley has been educated by some of the greatest American guitar players and teachers at some of the finest institutions for classical guitar study. He was formally educated at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and the University of Texas at Austin where he received his Masters of Music in 1998 and is projected to complete his Doctorate in 2003.
Matthew’s primary guitar instructors are Stephen Aron of Ohio and Adam Holzman of Texas he has also played in masterclasses for:
Nigel North, Simon Wynberg, William Kanengiser, Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, Paul Galbraith, Elliot Fisk, Ricardo Cobo, Fabio Zanon, Paul O'Dette, John Holmquist, Benjamin Verdery, Dominic Frasca, Meliset Abreu, David Starobin, David Tannenbaum, Ricardo Iznaola and Sharon Isbin
Matthew is on the guitar faculty at the University of Texas San Antonio. He has taught under the close observation of Adam Holzman as the University of Texas Teaching Assistant, a post he held for three years. He was an Aural Skills tutor for the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and has extensive experience teaching young people and adults. Matthew’s students regularly perform and compete.
Matthew Hinsley is interested in creating a well rounded musician. Lessons are well paced for high levels of success, that is, except for the most advanced, students are never asked to go home and “learn it”, everything is taught in the lesson, practice at home is reinforcement only.
As a concert artist, Matthew understands the importance of reliable, consistent technical and mental approaches to learning and mastering the instrument. Creating a successful and confident player is the primary goal.
Parental attendance is required in all adolescent lessons. Unless, for whatever reason, it is determined that the presence of the parent hinders the focus of the student: this is occasionally the case. Either way, it is extremely important that the parent have an intimate understanding of all the goals for the student, attendance at lessons is the best way to achieve this.
Parents must help their children to practice. It’s quite simple: young students whose parents help to structure practice and remind the student of the particulars of each lesson succeed. Those whose parents not aid in this, by and large do not succeed, and never progress with the same rate of success. Matthew will explain how to structure practice, for how long.
Of primary importance is right hand technique, by far the most elusive and challenging aspect of classical guitar mastery. This is the perennial focus. Also, students may expect excellent Left Hand technique, excellent reading skills, harmonic analysis skills, specific tools for memorization and a wide variety of methodological practice approaches.