Before taking the stage at the Pikes Peak Center for last weekend’s Carmen/Aranjuez performances, guest artist JIJI spent the afternoon at the Ent Center for the Arts leading a masterclass with University of Colorado, Colorado Springs students.
Four guitar students each performed a piece of their choice in an intimate studio setting, with additional students observing. JIJI listened attentively, offering focused 15-minute mini lessons that combined thoughtful critique, practical technique, and genuine encouragement. She modeled passages, sang along to shape musical phrasing, and shared personal practice strategies — including her “rule of the 7s,” encouraging students to play a section perfectly seven times in a row to build consistency and confidence.
Her teaching style was poised, personable, and deeply supportive. She met each musician where they were, working carefully through one or two sections for improvement while keeping the atmosphere light with humor and personal anecdotes. Emphasizing efficiency in practice, she demonstrated alongside the students and even played or read along to help refine specific moments.
The session concluded with a brief Q&A, where JIJI warmly engaged with everyone in attendance. As she departed, she knew she would see the four featured students again at the concert — this time in the audience. And when they watched her perform, they were sure to experience firsthand the artistry, generosity, and excellence she had shared with them in the studio.
