Pumping Nylon: Intermediate to Advanced Repertoire: Guitar Book & Online Audio

This book cuts straight to the heart of what intermediate-to-advanced guitarists need: pieces that aren't just playable, but that actively reinforce the techniques they've been practicing. The inclusion of the Concierto de Aranjuez cadenza alongside fresh commissions from respected composers gives students both a connection to the canon and exposure to contemporary writing. Scott Tennant and Adam del Monte's recording sets a clear interpretive standard without dictating every choice.

You'll feel the satisfaction of recognizing techniques in action. These pieces don't hide their pedagogical bones; instead, they use technique as a springboard for genuine musical expression. The Rodrigo cadenza especially carries the weight of tradition while the newer works bring fresh energy and often surprising harmonic landscapes.

This collection serves guitarists who have moved beyond foundational method books and are ready to apply their technical knowledge in concert-worthy settings. It's ideal for students preparing for recitals, competitions, or simply wanting to expand their performing repertoire with pieces that prioritize both musicality and technical growth.

• Study the exercises in Pumping Nylon before tackling these pieces; they're designed as companions, not standalone works.
• Reference Scott Tennant's recording to hear how each technique sits musically within the larger context of the piece.
• Work through the pieces in the order presented; they scaffold in difficulty and technical demand.
• Pay close attention to the new compositions by del Monte, Diorio, Head, and Rivera; their writing clarifies which techniques matter most in contemporary guitar practice.

Feature these pieces throughout the year as students complete chapters in Pumping Nylon, building a thematic recital that shows technical progression. The Concierto de Aranjuez excerpt alone can anchor a program focused on twentieth-century Spanish guitar music, while the contemporary commissions pair naturally with student recitals celebrating modern classical guitar.

• Tremolo technique with musical phrasing
• Rasgueado patterns and integration into melodic lines
• Fingerstyle independence across multiple voices
• Left-hand strength and finger dexterity specific to classical technique
• Harmonic control and tone production at intermediate-advanced levels
• Score reading and interpretation of contemporary notation