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Other evaluations:
Seamus Cantwell -- tutorial evaluation
I sincerely hope that in recounting some of my experiences in Northampton,
MA., that this resume might inspire people who are thinking of ( at the back of
their minds ) learning about guitar-making, to go for it and "follow your
dream".
I came across William Cumpiano's website on the Internet in early 2001 and was
impressed by the striking manner of his layout (and here was something I would
love to do). It was obvious that someone highly professional in his work
produced it and I found this to be the case when I traveled from Ireland to take
his guitar-making course in October the same year. Naturally, at the time I
wondered if I would get much out of it in such a relatively short time (two
weeks), given that I had absolutely no previous experience with woodwork or it's
associated tools. I've got to admit I was apprehensive about my ability to come
through this experience successfully and, notwithstanding the investment I would
have to make in this venture, I am so glad now that I have done so.
I want to point out that from the outset I was never made to feel overwhelmed or
inadequate and the relaxed manner in which William took me through the stages of
learning is testament to his teaching ability, beginning at first with topics
and discussions on the more important aspects of wood; types; species; growth
cycle; colour; engineering properties; processes of heating and bending etc.;
sharpening and using chisels and scrapers and much more. From ongoing
discussions combined with demonstrations I have learned considerably about
glueing; which type? How much?, how little, the process of clamping pressure and
distribution. I also got some good grounding in jointing the plates, tap tuning,
carving, routing, fretting, inlaying and binding , again , but to mention a few.
Having made a couple of faux pas here and there and on final set up, I got some
great instruction in these areas including some valuable tricks. I can proudly
say now that these are none too obvious. What also comes to mind is the broader
instruction on, for example, the structural integrity of the combined components
which go to make up the whole instrument, from the species of plates and sides
etc. to plate and back and side thickness and, from the guitar's resonant
frequency, compensation, string selection, nut and saddle material etc. to the
precise nature of final set up and finish (lacquering) .
At the shop, beavering away quietly in the background is William's erstwhile
brother Harry, (Becker) himself a great craftsman and innovator. A willing and
enthusiastic sharer of his skills and knowledge and of his music. An authorised
Martin repairman, he shared and demonstrated some valuable tips and trade
secrets with me and he was a joy to watch and be with, a perfectionist and a
genuinely lovely man.
It has to be said how William can hold one's interest as he deliberates on other
topics such as; string technology; carbon fibre tops etc., and cultural topics ;
in particular his deep interest in the evolution of the cuatro and his passion
and interest in the musical and cultural history of his own heritage . And, by
the way, most of this was conveyed outside and away from the shop ! But equally
important is the fact that apart from being a good tutor he really is an
interested and good listener. It would be virtually impossible not to warm to
this guy!
Probably the most lasting impression I have of the overall value of having
completed this course is how I've been influenced in applying one of the most
important aspects of performing and achieving satisfying results at this kind of
work, is having a good attitude. A good attitude provokes clear thought
processes, which in turn produce excellent results. All of the newly learned
skills and methods etc. will be useless in the absence of forward planning.
William continually reinforces the need for constant vigilance in this regard;
ever mindful of the fact that every wrong action or sequence necessitates
remedial action later (if you're lucky and it's not too late) i.e. you haven't
made a cahones of it. So take his word for it and do the dry run! And curiously,
he instills this without your realising it. It's this marvellous ability to
motivate the student to adopt a proper attitude which generates great
satisfaction and in my own case, the production of a wonderful and beautifully
sounding first guitar. I could not have achieved this from all the books
available including William's excellent tome on the subject (which I know will
now come into it's own). This one-on-one style of tutorial imparts concepts and
nuances in a context which, in my opinion, can only be conveyed and gleaned in a
direct contact situation. The books then serve as a valuable reference. Well!
That's what works for me !
Looking back now I feel that there is a kind of spiritual dimension to working
with materials from our natural environment and that it may run deep in our
psyche, as music itself does. So I suppose then, there are three elements to it;
the physical, mental and spiritual. But on a more personal note I wish to state
that despite the intensity of it, my time in New England was most enjoyable
though far too short. Because this course was so intensive, it was many months
later that I became aware of the deeper significance it would have for me.
Already it has helped to fill a large gap in my life and rekindled my energies
and truly, this course has been very good for me personally, insofar as it has
assisted in bringing me along on my own personal journey. I am now very
enthusiastic about the future.
Much more could be said to laud this guitar making course but suffice it , I
think , to make a few comments to round off , as it were , my conclusions.
Firstly, William is so patient. I know, because I tested him on more than a few
occasions. Secondly, it is a peaceful and calm atmosphere in which to work;
calm, pleasant guys and great music a la CDs of many genres. Thirdly, to have
benefited from the years of extensive knowledge and experience from someone so
interesting, felt more like a privilege than a contract. I genuinely believe it
was worth the effort and money for lots of reasons but mainly because of the
confidence it has given me to pursue this craft at whatever level and pace I
choose.
Finally, if anyone out there seeks a humble word of encouragement feel free to
contact me on e-mail at
seamuscantwell@eircom.net