Best part of the workshop: "Carlo's spectacular guidance as always." "This is my 3rd year and now it feels like a community of friends who really come together to play and forget everything else..." H.A.
"... playing under Carlo's directorship and hearing him play will never be forgotten." J.F.
he best part of the workshop was " Playing some new (to me) and beautiful mandolin orchestra pieces with dedicated people and with Carlo's direction...""It is a rare treat to hear classical mandolin playing of the calibre of Carlo. It is inspiring and expands our minds to the possibilities of the instrument as well as being so very beautiful." J.N.
"Kudos - Bravissimo to you for a job well done. I couldn't find one thing that I didn't think went well. It was so well organized, and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop..." J.P.
..."As always, things proceeded smoothly, the quality of instruction was very high, the tone appropriately serious, yet light and fun." C.B.
NYC
"Connecting and reconnecting with the kindred spirits of the workshop is always wonderful, a very addictive experience". "My expectations are always high, and this workshop exceeds them every time." B.C.
"Carlo was a warm, gracious and humorous instructor, and I got more technique in the two hour technique session than I had gotten in two years of studying from books and videos. I felt very at ease and welcome in the group, despite that it was my first time. I had a great time!" G.R.
"It's the quality of Carlo's musicianship and vision that makes this experience truly significant." T.F.
"The quality of our playing at the final rehearsals and at the recital made me very joyful." D. W.
"The whole atmosphere has evolved into such musical inspiration...Carlo brings the whole package...player /performer/conductor...you are inspired to be a better mandolin player/ performer/ musician". D. F.
This event will be a touchstone of my mandolin year into the future.
- SCT, Hadley, Massachusetts
I think the highlight was seeing a piece develop from sets of notes into a cohesive musical expression.
- D.W., Calgary, Alberta
It was wonderful to have new works to perform as part of the orchestra repertoire, especially with [composer Victor Kioulaphides] in attendance. It was evident that the classical mandolin community not only has a rich past but also a bright future with new pieces being written specifically for the mandolin.
- L. B., professional musician, Milwaukee, WI
The farther the time from the workshop, the more I appreciate it as I go back to the music and remember how it was interpreted, and reach for my goal: to play it to its full potential.
- P.C., professional musician, Wayne, NJ
Carlo's interpretation of the music is exquisitely sensitive, and he imparts an energy that brings out the best performance of each musician. He knows how to command what's right for the music, without compromise, while encouraging the players to overcome their difficulties with humor and grace.
- E.A., Melbourne Beach, FL
The workshop moved along at a good, but not punishing pace. All of the operational factors seemed to proceed smoothly, evidence of good planning and flexible but firm control. The organizers' enthusiasm for the music and for the mandolin comes across unmistakably.
- CB, New York, NY
Carlo is, of course, a unique artist, whose virtuosity is only matched by his boundless generosity and communicative skills. We are privileged indeed to have him among us!
- V.K., professional musician, New York, NY
More Comments:
Carlo makes you think about how, why, and where you're moving your fingers and plectrum.
- J.R., Manhattan
It has/will improve my playing. Carlo is inspiring… I came away with more than enough to keep me busy… I'm a better player because of this weekend.
- D.F., Upstate New York
The location was very good — nicely lit room, good size. The size of the group was good, not overly large. The number of sessions was good — I didn't feel as though the weekend felt "hectic" or too loosely planned. They were two good full days but with time to relax and socialize too.
- L.B., professional musician, Milwaukee, WI
I departed the workshop with new-found knowledge, inspiration, and a renewed interest in classical mandolin (notable, because I play mostly jazz). Your hard work, dedication to our chosen instrument, and willingness to share knowledge with other mandolinists are very much appreciated!
- B.C., Princeton, NJ
[The best part of the workshop was] the orchestra and meeting all those mandolin players! … The material was a little advanced — I really had to stretch some (thats GOOD).
- J.P., Upstate New York
One thing that was really nice about the workshop – a sort of sideline to the joys of Carlo's teaching – was the sense of a mandolin community. People lent instruments as needed. At the breaks folks traded licks, tried each other's instruments out or just related.
- J.G., Westchester, NY
This was a unique workshop and I marveled that it could accomodate players of widely differing levels of experience and blend them so well in ensemble in such a short time. Carlo Aonzo is a wonderfully gifted teacher and a lovely person — a treasure!
- N. H., Massachusetts
There was enough in that weekend to keep me busy til next year — scale technicques, right hand usage — and some lovely new tunes.
- B.R., NYC
I hate technique exercises and never seem to get much from them, but I got results from Carlo's exercises right away!
- D.H., Sausalito, California
