“This piece is the result of this 4-week course on composing for classical guitar. For as long as I can remember I had an itch to create music of my own, but I never managed to make it happen: it always ended in loose ideas crumpled in the trashcan and me feeling inadequate.
This course opened up a way to actually start and finish a piece, I have spent hours and hours scribbling and noodling around and just enjoying the process of developing this piece.
If this is a feeling you, as a guitarist, recognize, I highly recommend you this course!
And the most wonderful thing about it is that anyone, no matter your experience or background, can enjoy this course."
- Elise Hermans

Meet Daniel.

Your teacher!

Hi, I'm Dan.
I love the classical guitar and am drawn to its unique array of colors and sounds. When I was young, my dad played at home a lot and started teaching me what he was playing - the first piece I learned was Spanish Romance and I loved it!

And now? I got my undergrad degrees in Melbourne and Doctor of Music in the USA. I've spent years researching old guitar methods to figure out the secrets of how composers like Sor, Giuliani, Tarrega, Barrios, etc. thought about music and practiced their instrument.

In the process, this has unlocked many undiscovered techniques and models that give guitarists a platform and clear path to composition. I hope these old traditions will empower you to compose and help bring new life to your guitar playing!

I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you!

Meet Michael.

Your co-ordinator!

Hi, I'm Michael.
I'm the one behind everything you see at the Melbourne Guitar Festival!

I organise a yearly concert series, an annual 3 day international guitar festival, plus educational courses and workshops!

I am also a professional musician myself, and play with the Melbourne Guitar Quartet!

We just finished a debut launch in July of this introductory composition course taught by Daniel and we had such overwhelming positive feedback from everyone that participated!

I'm really excited we can do this again in September, and I hope you can join us!

Course Schedule Overview

All times listed are Australian Eastern Standard Time
You can use this timezone converter HERE to see what the equivalent time is for you!

And YES! Replays will be available for all sessions if you can't attend live!

Week 1: Studying your melody

LIVE LECTURE: Wednesday, Oct 7th, 7pm - 9pm
LIVE Q+A: Monday, Oct 12th, 7pm - 8pm

Week 2: Generating Melody

LIVE LECTURE: Wednesday, Oct 14th, 7pm - 9pm
LIVE Q+A: Monday, Oct 19th, 7pm - 8pm

Week 3: Harmonizing Melody

LIVE LECTURE: Wednesday, Oct 21st, 7pm - 9pm
LIVE Q+A: Monday, Oct 26th, 7pm - 8pm

Week 4: Editing and Revising

LIVE LECTURE: Wednesday, Oct 28th, 7pm - 9pm
LIVE Q+A and Conclusion: Saturday Oct 31st 30th, 7pm - 9pm

What do others say?

"Really appreciate your instruction, knowledge and generosity . You are most certainly the only person I have come across who is putting forward this approach with such an easy to digest manner"
- Chris

"I must say it was an absolute pleasure working with you. I had no clue how to get started but now I have a clear road map for my next piece!"
-Julie

What a fantastic opportunity - it's so rare to see a composition course specifically for classical guitar. It also really helps with theory and analysis of pieces. Anyone who takes part is so lucky to have access to this material at your fingertips. Brilliantly presented.
- Emma Smith

Fantastic course, Dan is a brilliant teacher who understands the needs and direction of his students. This course encourages to you compose and gives you the tools and desire to do so.
- Will Glenn

I did not know what to expect and I was rather uncertain because my guitar skills are limited and did this course using my harp. I found Dan’s teaching was excellent and could be applied to just about any instrument. I have learnt a new skill and have had a great time.
- Shirley Allott

This introductory course in Composition for classical guitar is highly recommended , and excellent value ( at just $27). Daniel Nistico is a highly knowledgeable and well-organised presenter, who is so generous of his time and resources, and so encouraging to all participants. He is also a wonderful guitarist, and to hear him play the various compositions that were created along the way by participants was a pure delight. Michael MacManus did a great job in bringing the Livestreams to us, with his highly competent audio and video skills. Thanks to all those involved.
- John Eddy

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,
based on how the old masters learned to write music

Meet Daniel.

Your teacher!

Meet Michael.

Your co-ordinator!

Nope! Not expensive!

We are offering this for only $27 AUD !

How much is it worth?

4 x two hour live lectures: $400 AUD

4 x one hour live Q+A sessions: $200 AUD

Full course material, including PDF's and worksheets: $100

TOTAL VALUE: $700 AUD

Course Schedule Overview

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,
based on how the old masters learned to write music

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,based on how the old masters learned to write music

Meet Daniel.

Your teacher!

Meet Michael.

Your co-ordinator!

Nope! Not expensive!

We are offering this for only $27 AUD !

How much is it worth?

4 x two hour live lectures: $400 AUD

4 x one hour live Q+A sessions: $200 AUD

Full course material, including PDF's and worksheets: $100

TOTAL VALUE: $700 AUD

Course Schedule Overview

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,based on how the old masters learned to write music

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,
based on how the old masters learned to write music

Learn to compose for classical guitar using a simple 4 step method,
based on how the old masters learned to write music