July 21, 2023
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
Barton Community College is accepting students for individual lessons and a group guitar class this fall, and all classes will be taught by the new instructor, Aleia Gonzalez, a world-class guitar player from Paraguay.
The group guitar class meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:50 p.m., and classes start on Aug. 16. Students will learn basic guitar skills and how to read music from staff, tablature, and chord charts. In addition, students will learn how to play simple melodies and accompaniments with different strumming and fingerpicking patterns. The class material will introduce a variety of styles, such as pop, folk, and classical, as well as basic improvisation. Individual lessons can be tailored to different skill levels and are scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
Gonzalez is a classical guitarist from Paraguay, and she holds a master’s degree in guitar performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is an active performer in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She frequently presents solo recitals and collaborates with singers, instrumentalists,
and ensembles and likes including pieces from her home country in her concert repertoire as well as new music by living composers. She is a Kansas City Guitar Society and Salt Creek Song Festival board member. Previously, she taught at Washburn University in Topeka, Rockhurst University in Kansas City, and MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe.
Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said Barton is very fortunate to have such a talented musician on the staff.
“Playing an instrument is such a great thing for people to do, and we couldn’t ask for a better instructor,” she said. “We’re so happy to have Aleia as part of the Barton family and want to remind everyone that these classes are for anyone of any age. You don’t have to be a music major attending Barton to enjoy learning a new skill. It’s a great way to release stress and connect with people.”
For more information or to enroll, visit music.bartonccc.edu or contact Gonzalez at gonzaleza@bartonccc.edu.