| Classical Guitarist: Brian Cullen |
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| Brunswick, Maine | |
| Click here to learn about lessons | |
| Click here to learn about performances at weddings and events | |
| Contact info | |
| Testimonials | |
| Video Samples | |
| Audio samples |
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Brian's bio |
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Brian Cullen has been playing and teaching the classical guitar for 30 years. He is originally from South Africa and was founder of the Durban Classical Guitar Society in South Africa. Brian taught and played extensively in South Africa as well as organizing many concerts for both students and visiting international artists for the Classical Guitar Society. He graduated from Trinity College of London in guitar performance and music theory. He studied with Narciso Yepes and his student Fritz Buss, Professor of guitar at University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg SA and also studied at the Len Williams Classical Guitar School in London. He has also attended and played at master classes in South Africa and the USA. Tuition is available in groups and individually. For groups that are associated with an institution such as schools and residential communities, Brian will gladly travel to the location. All ages, children to seniors, beginner to intermediate to advanced. Teaching method is based on Trinity College of London syllabus from standard 1 through to standard 8 for classical guitar. Each standard has a highly varied repertoire encompassing early Renaissance, Baroque through to Modern and avante garde music. Theory of music, harmony, scales, chords and arpeggios are taught relevant to the grade standard of the student. For those wanting to test themselves, Trinity College holds annual exams and performances for all standards. |
| Classical Guitar Course: an eight week, once a week, introductory course that will teach | |
| 1. | The basics of reading guitar music. |
| 2. | How to hold the guitar correctly and pick with thumb and three fingers. |
| 3. | How to play simple solos and chords, including two part playing. |
| 4. | How to tune the strings correctly. |
| 5. | Preparation for more advanced technique and fret board harmony. |
| Brian is available to play guitar at your wedding or event. Brian plays acoustic guitar, focusing on Classical, Brazilian, Broadway, Classical and Latin styles. He is influenced by David Russell, John Williams and Julian Bream. | ||
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Brian is also an accomplished tenor and will sing songs for weddings and
other events such as ; The Wedding Song(There is Love), Amazing Grace, Morning has broken, Ave Maria, Annies Song, Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a wonderful world. |
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| Location | ||
| Brian in based in Brunswick, Maine. He will travel up to 300 miles to play at your event. This includes the following locations: Topsham, Merepoint, Bath, Freeport, Orr's Island, South Harpswell, Bowdoinham, Durham, Lisbon Center, Lisbon Falls, West Bowdoin, Woolwich, Sebasco Estates, Bailey Island, Georgetown, Lisbon, Phippsburg, Pownal, Small Point, Yarmouth, Chebeague Island, Trevett, Cumberland Foreside, Lewiston, Cliff Island, Cumberland Center, East Poland, Minot, North Yarmouth. | ||
| Event examples | ||
| Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Private Parties, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Ski Lodges, Studio Sessions, TV Soundtracks, Weddings | ||
| Cost range | ||
| $200 - $800 per event | ||
| Music and repertoire examples | ||
| Pre-wedding ceremony guest arrival: Bach Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; Rondo and Gavotte; Prelude from the First Cello Suite and Little Prelude; Air on a G string. | ||
| Wedding processional: Mendelssohn's Wedding March or Wagner's Bridal March | ||
| Meditative pieces for during readings or register signing, two beautifully romantic pieces: a Spanish Folk song called Recuerdos de la Alhambra (this translates to Memories of the Alhambra, which is a very old Moorish castle overlooking Granada in Spain); and Two Pavanes (Fifteenth century stately dances) by Luis Milan. | ||
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After the wedding ceremony and other social events: Some light flamenco: Alegrias, Malaguena, Soleares etc Villa-lobos Preludes and Studies (contemporary Brazilian classical guitar) Fernando Sor - Mozart Variations and more Albeniz Asturias and more Classical Gas, Anji and other Light Jazz. Cavatina - theme from the Deer Hunter. Suite Espagnol - Gaspar Sanz. Norwegian Wood - Beatles. Augustin Barrios - La Cathedral. Capricho Arabe - Tarrega. Lauro and other Latin American composers. Tango, Samba and BossaNova Vocals; The Wedding Song(There is Love), Amazing Grace, Morning has broken, Ave Maria, Annies Song,Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a wonderful world. Partial LIst
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| Testimonials |
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Christopher Mcphee 12/18/07 Auburn, ME
CLIENT
FEEDBACK: 
Brian is a professional of
the utmost caliber, and a gentleman as well. I would recommend him most
highly for any event, but his sensitivity to the needs of a wedding seems to
be a special talent he possesses. His talents lent an unforgettable element
to our wedding, and elevated the event to a much more sophisticated level
than it would of otherwise been the case. Thank you sir, for being a part of
a day that will be remembered in our two families!
--Christopher M.
Greene, ME
8/18/2007
Brian met with the wedding couple prior to the wedding to select music.
They only had the highest of praise for him. At the wedding, he accommodated
our request to play on the beach and by the reception area. He is a very
talented musician. Our guests loved his music. We would highly recommend
him.
--Caroline T.
Denmark, ME
8/19/2007
Brian Cullen was an excellent choice for our wedding. He played during
both the ceremony and reception cocktail hour/dinner and our guests were
complementing us on our choice of music. His style was a perfect compliment
to our vision for our wedding, summer, relaxed yet somewhat traditional,
airy, and fun. We had some timing issues with the reception due to the
caterer but Brian took it all in stride, playing some amazing music during
dinner. I would recommend Brian Cullen to anyone looking for music at their
event. His professionalism and courtesy are only surpassed by his talent.
--Chris C.
Brunswick, ME
7/21/2007
Brian was wonderful! He was very easy to work with, anticipated any need
that we might have had, and his music was beautiful. Just right for our
wedding ceremony and cocktail reception on Sebago Lake. I recommend him
without reservation.
--Ginna S.
South Casco, ME
5/10/2008
a gentleman, a professional and an amazing talent. He added ambiance,
class and a sense of warmth to our rehearsal dinner. What a nice person. No
cheese... just perfect. I think the south african accent also adds to his
charm. thanks again- Molly and Sean Casto
--Molly P.
Harpswell, ME
8/25/2006
Brian was extremely professional and even drove 2 + hours to our wedding.
He performed during the ceremony and cocktail hour. The music was excellent
and Brian is a great talent.
--Tom D.
Chocorua, NH
8/11/2007
Brian is very easy to work with! He is eager to please and very talented.
The music he provided for our wedding ceremony was intimate and beautiful -
exactly what we wanted!
--Megan N.
Southport, ME
7/7/2007
He was wonderful. I would have no hesitation in recommending him. He
helped make our wedding a beautiful event!
--Alison H.
South Portland, ME
6/21/2008
UPCOMING APPEARANCES:
PAST APPEARANCES:
Thursday, August 07, 2008
5:00PM - Riverside Farm Jameson/Gauthier
Wedding
Oakland, ME
Saturday,
August 09, 2008
4:00PM - On the Water
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Friday, August
15, 2008
4:00PM - Wedding Jada Holloway
Dedham, ME
Saturday,
August 16, 2008
5:00PM - Wedding at Fort Williams
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Sunday, August 24, 2008
7:00PM - Blue Club Concert 207-774-4111
Portland, ME Call 207-729-4361 for tickets
Sunday,
August 31, 2008
4:30PM - The Governor's Inn
Rochester, NH
Saturday, September 06, 2008
4:00PM - Pemaquid Lighthouse wedding
Damariscotta, ME
Sunday,
September 07, 2008
12:00PM - Hepp Residence Wedding and Reception
Kennebunk, ME
Saturday,
September 13, 2008
12:00PM - Cumberland Club Wedding reception
Portland, ME
Sunday, July 13,
2008
4:00PM - Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club
Blue Hill, ME
Saturday, July
05, 2008
4:00PM - Spruce Point Inn
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Friday, July
04, 2008
12:00PM - Old Meeting House
Yarmouth, ME
Saturday, June 28, 2008
12:00PM - Wedding and Rehearsal Dinner
Georgetown, Maine, ME
Saturday, June
21, 2008
5:00PM - Mckernan Center
South Portland, ME
Saturday, June 14, 2008
12:00PM - Wedding
Nonquit, MA
Saturday, May
17, 2008
4:30PM - Universalist Meetinghouse
New Gloucester, ME
Saturday, May
10, 2008
4:30PM - Migis Lodge
South Casco, ME
Saturday, May 10, 2008
8:00PM - Sweet Leaves Restaurant Concert
Brunswick, ME
Saturday, April 26, 2008
2:00PM - Bath Library Concert
Bath, ME
Saturday,
January 19, 2008
5:00PM - Pineland Farms
New Gloucester, ME
Saturday, July 21, 2007
3:30PM - Bowdoin College Chapel
Brunswick, ME
Saturday, August 11, 2007
3:30PM - The Brass Heart Inn
Chocorua, NH
Saturday, September 15, 2007
3:00PM - Great Diamond Island - Diamonds Edge
Portland, ME
Canarios - Spanish Dance
Here come the Sun - Beatles
