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Classical Guitar Publications

Teaching Tools for Guitar Students and Classes

These Solo and Ensemble pieces are especially designed for recitals by classical guitar students and acoustic guitar classes.The guitar solos are complete works that vary in proficiency from beginner to moderate. The guitar chamber pieces work well as recital pieces for ensembles in a mixed-level class environment.

As teaching tools, these pieces are excellent vehicles for teaching students to read standard music notation. They are fully fingered for both the right and left hands.

"I am teaching some young students guitar, and these [pieces] are well arranged/composed, and the students can feel a sense of success without too much detailed work."

~ Respectfully,  Michael Aukofer
Elgin, Illinois, USA


Guitar Solos for Students
Guitar Ensembles for Class

Guitar Solos for Students


Spanish Dance for solo guitar by James Baird

This piece is excellent for developing good right hand technique. It employs a simple, repetitive arpeggio. Chord symbols assist in remembering the left hand.

Spanish Dance by James Baird [ Preview ]

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Spring Song for solo guitar by James Baird

Spring Song is excellent for developing good legato left hand technique, moving from one chord to another with correct voice leading and sustained notes in the bass. It employs a simple, repetitive arpeggio for the right hand and gradually changing harmonies for the left.

Spring Song by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]

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Guitar Ensemble Music for Classes


Johann PachelbelCanon in D - Johann Pachelbel (1653 - 1706)
Arrangement for Guitar Trio by James Baird

The ensemble setting for this well-known piece is for 3 guitars. Guitars 1 and 3 are written for the novice; Guitar 2 requires a little more proficiency. This trio works well in classes with students of varying ability.

Canon in D arranged by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]

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Franz Joseph HaydnSurprise Symphony - Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Arrangement for Guitar Trio by James Baird

Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G major, better known as the Surprise Symphony, was composed in 1791. The premiere took place in London on March 27, 1792, with Haydn leading the orchestra from the fortepiano.

This edition, with parts for 3 guitars, presents the main theme of the second movement, marked Andante. Haydn’s “surprise” occurs at the end of the repeat of the first of two eight-bar sections.

Surprise Symphony arranged by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]

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ShakerSimple Gifts - Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr.
Arrangement for Guitar Trio by James Baird

Simple Gifts was composed by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848. The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, more commonly called the Shakers, sang it as a work song. It gained international attention in 1944 in Aaron Copland's ballet score, Appalachian Spring and later included in his first set of Old American Songs.

This edition is set in parts for 3 guitars. Guitar part 3 in version A contains arpeggiation in the last 8 measure phrase, for beginner players with moderate reading skills. In version B, the 3rd guitar part is simplified in the final 8 measures.

Verse 1:
'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.

Simple Gifts (A) arranged by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]
Simple Gifts (B simplified) arranged by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]

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The Volga Boatman for guitar ensemble - Traditional Russian
Arrangement for Guitar Trio by James Baird

This trio works well in classes with students of varying ability.

Volga Boatman arranged by James Baird [ Preview ] [ Listen ]

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