Go right to the top of the class

LOS Angeles guitar guru Richard Smith is making his annual trip to Hobart next week — and this time he’s bringing a friend.

Smith is Professor of the Studio/Jazz Guitar Department at the University of Southern California’s renowned Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, where he also developed the world’s first Doctor of Musical Arts program for contemporary guitar.

After a long European summer, which saw him perform and teach in London, Finland, Norway, Holland and Italy, Smith is now on his way to Hobart for the sixth time.

On his previous visits he has worked with hundreds of local music students.

“I love getting back to Hobart,” Smith says.

“I work with high school students up to the pro players, and I play a Mark Gilbert guitar now, made right here in Hobart. Tassie is a part of my summer now.”

On this visit, Smith is introducing Norwegian guitarist Dr Stig Mathisen, the chairman of the guitar department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

An experienced freelance guitarist and university lecturer, Mathisen has most recently been teaching at John Petrucci’s Guitar Town and Steve Via’s Guitar Camp.

While in Hobart, Smith and Mathisen will work with students at Kingston High School, Claremont College and The Friends’ School.

The Friends’ School will also host the pair’s Virtuosi Contemporary Guitar Concert in The Farrell Centre from 7pm next Friday (September 8). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, go to www.trybooking.com for bookings.

Then on September 10, Smith and Mathisen will perform in The Void at Mona from 1pm.

They will then be “in residence” at Claremont College on September 11.