THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITALS
“By the time I was 15,” Imamovic recalls, “I had played several times on television and traveled to other countries performing in guitar ensembles of all sizes.” He provides similar experiences for his students.

“When your students play in ensembles, they learn to be professional in a performance situation. They learn how to listen, to play with others, and to be connected to the music and with each other, and it definitely improves their reading. These experiences are unforgettable because the students become part of a community. This is what I’d like them to experience.”

To this end, Imamovic places great emphasis on student recitals with his current students. He believes in the pragmatic application of lesson material and prepares his students for several recitals throughout the year.

“I always like to have a recital ending a session or season,” says Imamovic. “After that, we can open new doors and work on new concepts to prepare for the next one. That way, students stay focused and have something to work toward. Plus, it makes them feel comfortable performing because they’re doing it regularly. I always perform with them as well, so it’s a collaborative effort.”

INTRODUCING FRESH MATERIAL
Finally, Imamovic emphasizes keeping lessons fresh by constantly introducing new repertoire that resonates with each student. “There is so much great material out there now,” he says. “I don’t necessarily subscribe to the older tradition of having students learn the same pieces with the same fingerings and perfecting them for the next ten years. I prefer to constantly expand the repertoire to help the student find a unique voice through diversity of material.”

Rather than strictly adhering to standard material from Carcassi to Tarrega to Bach, Imamovic gives his students pieces from different cultural sources as well as contemporary guitar music from new composers. Imamovic believes strongly in players creating their own unique repertoire that reflects their personality. “As my teacher in Bosnia used to say,” he remembers, “‘If you copy somebody, you’re always going to be a very bleached copy—you’ll never be original.’” n

Almer’s Advice
The Third-Week Challenge
Although he favors a casual lesson atmosphere, Imamovic uses this technique to prevent lessons from becoming predictable. “Even with very talented students, you need to maintain a focus,” he says. “So, usually around the third week of the month, sometimes randomly, I become tough and really push them. Maybe I’ll force them to sight-read or give them a very demanding piece. They will usually start practicing harder and perform better in the next lesson. You have to be tough, but also fair, and give them a break from time to time.”

To hear audio samples or purchase recordings by Almer Imamovic, visit his website: www.almanova.us/