Wow! I feel like I just watched a movie documentary of your fascinating life, Rob. Thank you for sharing and I'm happy your injury didn't stop you from playing so beautifully. Congrats on 50 years!
@@RobMacKillop1 you will be perfect on your own role 😆 anyway in my imagination you look exactly like those great MAESTROS of the past just in modern clothing 😆 weird how holywood and media shape our collective perception !
@@joemalone3099 Cheers, Joe. I missed this comment when you made it. I don’t want to play myself. Having to relive all that would be too much to bear! Though there were lots of fun times too, I should add.
Truly fascinating life story. One makes assumptions about privilege and comfortable upbringing when seeing someone as well spoken and gifted as you on guitar. I’ve admired you for years but more so now knowing the challenges you’ve overcome and your humility. What a wonderful man.
Thanks, frogie! Yes, privilege and comfort are not things I recognise, but I’m not the only one. I am just one of MANY players who had to fight against the odds. As for humility, that’s easy when there are legions of great players ahead of you. But we do what we can. Many thanks for your comment!
A musician who plays every genre ranging from medieval music to pop is Not going to have an ordinary life story, I congratulate you on your long and note worthy career, what an inspirational life story indeed! Respect to you Sir.
You're definitely a big name in the world of those interested in both the classical guitar and lute. I've always enjoyed your playing and work. Many artists have had lives with significant struggle. Those who have been through struggle often have the depth of Spirit that music demands.
What a life story Rob!! We have a part of the history in common, my father was not an alcoholic but he also left us when I was 12 years old leaving me and my brother (10 years younger than me) in the care of my mother who worked hard and alone to raise us . Today I am 48 years old and I will never forget the difficult times we went through and overcame with much effort. My first guitar offered me my aunt when I did 16 years, it`s a classic guitar Gianinni Seresta made in brazil 60cm scale that still have today and I play a lot with it too. Congrats on 50 years and I wish you many many more!!
I've been listening to you for a while now, and I didn't realise the start you had in life. It really helped me to hear this as I'd similar with my dad leaving when I was 4 and my mum being bipolar and in and out of hospital, I spent time in care and was on drugs at the age of 14 and trouble with police and went to Holland and squatting etc etc. Managed to straighten myself out to a degree and now love trying to play classical music on my guitar that I bought second hand. It helps me to feel a part of another more gentle world. Thank you for your story and sharing it with us.
I feel for you, Solomon. Keep focussing on the gentle and the beautiful, let it be a guide out of the mess you are leaving behind. Best wishes for your guitar playing! Life can get better, and you have done really well to get this far away from your troubles. Good luck! Rob
Indeed here's to the next 50! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story. I had no idea! I feel privileged to have been one of your international students even briefly - thank you for your gentle and steady teaching and incredible musicality, for introducing me to Scottish music and to studying the lute, and for sharing so much wonderful music with the world through the internet. I’m sure there will be more than 5 people still listening to you play and I look forward to being one of them!
Great story and experiences in thos 50 years!..I remember discovering your lute playing and music and i always felt the authenticity and the pure musicality from your inner... without any make up or show...and thats something very pure and something that is needed specially in this times!.. All the best Rob!
50 years of playing guitar....well done. I've been playing for 54 years, actually started on ukulele when I was 8 and progressed to a horrible old steel strung guitar that was in the house when I was 9. I played for many years fumbling my way through it as lessons were too expensive for us back then I became so frustrated with the lack of learning from a professional that I finally paid for classical guitar lessons when I had my first real job when I was 16 (I think). I stuck with that for a few years and became very proficient, especially with my love of Bach. I wrote 40 or so pieces over a period of 3 years....even sent some to Julian Bream who kindly replied to my letter with encouragement and that he had enjoyed playing my pieces (probably just being kind, although he did assure me that he had indeed played my pieces). My guitar teacher was then arrested for molesting his 14 year old female student and was sent off to prison for several years and so that ended my formal music education . By this time I had discovered the electric guitar and played in several bands most of my life. I still play every day even now, although I don't gig anymore...it's far too much aggravation humping big guitar amps around...I'm too old for that. I notice my playing is not what it was when I was in my 20's and 30's. The fingers don't move as quick as they once did. This seems to have turned into a long letter ! I always visit your channel every week. Always a pleasure to hear you play. Congratulations on 50 years 🙂
I loved reading your story, Jon. I know what you mean about humping big amps around! Not for me! Thanks for watching my videos, and best wishes to you!
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your openness and your music which has been an inspiration . 63 is young. Stay fit and you will play without much decline for decades more. Congratulations and best wishes.
I listened, spellbound. You are a gifted musician and storyteller. The magic, in the details. Proud of you, cousin. Thank you for sharing, and cheers to the next 50 years.
Congratulations! Thanks for your books, your work, your playing and your storytelling. You're an inspiration, Rob. I'll gladly take the warts for however many years you decide to share your videos with us.
I'm 24 years old and I've been watching your channel for years. Your channel (among other things) inspired me to cut off my nails and take on the lute, and more importantly, your video about fingerless playing helped me figure out how to make it work on the guitar. So, as a long time viewer, it has been a treat to get to hear the fascinating story of your career. Cheers!
Thanks so much for sharing Rob. We're the same generation and your story sounds both unique and very familiar to this fellow traveler who, like you, came to classical music through the back door. You may be known for no nails, but what first struck me was your phrasing and sense of time. Like you I try my best to straddle genres and instruments and you've been a real inspiration. Don't even about retiring! Be well.
Thank you, Rob, for sharing your extraordinary story. I have to say that "extraordinary" is exactly the degree I would expected of an artist of your calibre -- but I never would have anticipated, from your masterly skill and bookish demeanor, the adversity you've encountered all along the way. ... But, then again, who can ever guess what goes into the making of a great musician? I suspect, though, that some of the trials you've faced served, if not to make you what you are, at least to test or prove your determination to continue in your stringed instrument journey. Congratulations to you on the milestone! I've been listening to -- and inspired by -- your music for a number of years now, and count this channel, with its diverse content, as one of the true treasures of the YT environment. All the best to you and, again, thank you!
You are an amazing storyteller, and your story is captivating aswell. I'd be happy to listen to you more often. Thank you and congrats to the 50 years jubilee.
I appreciate this video, especially at the end when you talk about the honesty of recording in one take and without editing, you inspire my channel and the ways I try to make music, thank you.
Celebrating 50 years in music and I wish you at least 50 more years! Thank you for sharing your extremely impressive story. You are inspiring and (as said in a comment) a really kind person. You helped me a lot by kindly answering my questions, thank you very much.Who knows, how many people around the world have you taught music with your wonderful books (I keep learning). If you ever come to Turkey again, please let me know. I promise I won't take you to "that" barbershop! Thank you very much, best regards.
Oh my goodness, what an interesting life story Rob of profound struggles but eventually family and your deep musical enjoyment! Many congratulations for 50 remarkable years, and very best wishes now you are into your next decade! G’night!
Hi Rob! Haven't heard from your videos in a while. Lovely to hear from you and your story. Even if you don't think you're big in the guitar World, you're big in our hearts. Be well!! Thank you for your music.
Thank you for sharing with us your story, and congratulations! I'm an amateur guitarrist in Brazil, and I feel privileged to get some knowlegde from you and hear you play such beautiful music. Keep up the good work and honesty. To many more years!
Thank you for sharing your story. That was half an hour well spent. I'm also in my 50th year of playing guitar now. I also began by learning a few blues standards, but then I took to composing primitive minimalist rock and became a founding member of Manchester's famous beat group, The Fall. I really enjoy your posts on here. May you make many more!
Martin, great to hear from you. I loved The Fall, saw you play a couple of times, and had an album and an EP from the early days. Let’s embrace the next fifty years!
Rob, thank you for your wonderful true story of ‘good’ decisions. The comments abound here as we know that the music you offer us is beautiful, full, and connected to our hearts.
You are the best Mr MacKillop. I love your honest playing and music. Thanks for your wonderful attitude toward mistakes. I make a lot and it is nice when a musician owns up to a few every 1000 measures or so. I think you are great. I will never stop watching you play. Thank you.
thank you for sharing. your words quite resonated with me, especially the part of you live where your family was poor. Its really inspiring to hear how you've still become a classical musician, even if your path perhaps wasn't as classical.
So, you hoboed your way to Spain and accidentally ended up in front of David Russel. That’s amazing! I “slept rough” plenty in those days. That knocks the youth right out of you. Glad you survived the adventure. My Noad books from the time are very battle scared. Almost as bad as me. I’ve been captured by this muse for 53 years now. I’m learning new ways to play because my parts are wearing out. Never bored. Great stories Rob.
Always an inspiration Rob. I will never regret or forget my lessons with you. A real privilege to hear you play. I am sure you will contribute more to the guitar over the next decades. Paul
Hey Rob, you may or may not be one of the most popular guitar players in the world, but you certainly are one of my favorite lute players. Especially the scottish stuff thrills me so much…congrats and keep on playing. All the best to you!
Hello Rob. I just discovered you and have purchased two your books. You have really inspired me. I had a rough start too at around the same age. Drunk dad who disappeared for awhile. The guitar saved me,although coming home juvenile hall to discover my guitar had been sold or stolen by my dad or his drunk friends was a bitter pill. But I’ve survived and thrived with the guitar in hand. Loved your story and your playing. Thank you my brother in strings.
Oh dear, I feel for you too, Leda Swan. But we are not alone! If you need any guitar advice, just ask. I'd be useless at any other kind of advice, other than keep focussed on beauty!
Thank you for sharing, all best from SLovenia! Music is a language, so the stories mater and everybody loves to hear the old wizard speak and play....me to!
Congratulations. I’ve been playing for 45 years. However, unlike you, I plateaued 42 years ago upon mastering the first five seconds of cat scratch fever and whole lotta love. 👍
Rob, your life story is really inspiring! I have followed your channel for a few years now after stumbling on it randomly. I want you to know that you were a huge inspiration for me to pick the classical guitar back up after drifting away after college. I was a bit alienated by some of the classical guitar dogma about nails, posture, tone, projection, etc. and focused on other musical pursuits. Now I'm back at it and have also developed a love for early music and early string instruments and the Scottish repertoire as a way of exploring my own Scottish heritage. We are expecting our first born in July and I've also decided to focus on being a father, it's reassuring to hear that you have no regrets. Thanks for all the great music and opening some new musical doors for me!
Thanks Rob for your genuinely quiet manner. You inspired me to look deeply into Classical Guitar . Listening to your RUclips performances of Sagreras and others widened my horizon so thank you. Regards Sean
Cheers, Sean. Sagreras’s book is one of two I recommend, the other is Frederick Noad’s Solo Guitar Playing Volume 1. I use both in my Zoom teaching. Best wishes for your guitar journey!
What a story! Thank You for sharing. 50 Years!!!! and may you have many more. I used to watch you many mornings (as LoveAndPeaceOccurs) ... and lost access to that name due to some password problems and my ineptness with computers in general)... you had some wonderful calming effect on me .... not just your playing but your interaction ... and listening to you now makes me remember why I listened so regularly ... the reason I stopped had nothing to do with you but me not being on RUclips much anymore. Anyway ... good to see you here still. Love & Peace to You and All .... Cheers!
Thank you, Rob. It's such a great thing to hear a person's life story and yours is both fascinating and well told. Here's to the next 50 years, indeed!
Rob, congratulations for that significant milestone, and thanks for sharing your story and passion for the music all these years. Hoping for your new challenges, comments and videos!
Captivating...I wished it went for hours . The tone of your voice and the way you telling the story is soooo good that I was seeing images in my brain of the events you went through..like watching it on tv...amazing !!! DEEP RESPECT MAESTRO and happy 50 yrs 🎂 of 🎼♩🎶
Congratulations on your 50th guitarist anniversary! Thank you for sharing a little about your story ❤ I just got one of your books from Amazon. I’m very excited about it. It’s for Children but it will be my very first approach to mandolin at my almost 50. Thanks for your knowledge.
Yes, don’t give up! I’ve seen so many older people cursing themselves for giving up. On the other hand, it does take time and patience, and not everyone has those. But make sure you do what you can. Good luck!
Hello Rob! Thank your story. I am a guitar begginer just work half years.When I learning Sor OP60 for my first guitar lession.I watch your video and imitate you play.gradually, I love guitar more day by day! And your video let me know many guitar giant's knowledge(like John Dowland...Oh I love his mousic!! ), they play guitar habit and so on.Also I love LUTE (it's very rare instrument in my country,but I plain to learn it on future).anyway,Thank your anything and Congratulations!
It's great how you turned your life around through music especially playing the guitar. I am a Celtic player and got into this after you saying that there was more lute music written in Scotland than any other country in Europe. Thanks for the inspiration in putting me on that journey. 👍😊
Thanks. I can’t remember making that claim, which isn’t true anyway. But there must be about 500 Scottish lute pieces from the 17th century, and it is first mentioned here back in the 14th century. But Italy, France, England and German have more pieces each. Anyway, the numbers don’t matter. Best wishes for your journey. By the way, Scottish lute music is not properly considered Celtic. The term refers to West-Coast Gaelic culture, whereas the surviving manuscripts are from Lowland Scotland. It is not all just one thing.
@@RobMacKillop1 I have a few of your music books in DADGAD .The tunes from the Balcarres manuscript sound incredible however, I do not read music and I think this could be a assume guitar tab book. Unfortunately Scottish music is suppressed it would be great if you prehaps translated this for the guitar. Many thanks for getting back to me.👍😊
@@alastair6356 I did offer the publisher “The Scottish Guitar”, but for some reason they turned it down, so I gave it to Centerstream. Google it. It contains many Scottish lute tunes in Open D, and others in Open G and DADGAD.
I so loved listening to your fascinating story Rob. ( love your humour too). Thanks and all the best for the next 50 years. Cheers (ps - i'm about to turn 63 - its a great age i reckon)
What a fantastic experience to know more about a musician I admire. I got to know you through some tips you gave for Baroque guitar and have been following him ever since. Thank you so much for sharing your story and inspiring us. I hope to be able to listen to you for a long time. Thank you very much.
Apologies for late reply. I used to play concerts with William Taylor, who recorded an album of the Ap Huw ms. It was a solo harp thing, so I left him to it. Great stuff, though!
@@RobMacKillop1 thanks for the reply. i asked because robert ap huw was a lute player and used lute tablature adapted for the harp to write out the music. which was originally harp music as you say. nobody in wales has attempted to play it on lute, which is disappointing. thanks again for your beautiful music. i'd love to hear you play, say caniad san silin, or caniad y gwiyn bibydd! very cheeky of me...
Thank you Rob, an amazing and transformative life story that challenged you every step of the way to become a true maestro. I actually saw David Russell in concert over 15 years ago in Dublin on a warm summers night, an impeccable performance. I still can't get over how there was not even one single flub or note out of place in his performance, never breaking into a sweat either, just unbelievable! Over the year I'd really be interested in a few zoom lessons, and will PM you. Again thank you for this inspirational video!
Cheers, Brian. Yes, David is one of the best, and despite leaving Glasgow for Spain aged 6, he hasn’t lost his Scottish accent. Happy to see you on Zoom anytime. Rob
@@RobMacKillop1 Thank you Rob. It was an experience of a life time to see David play live, especially for any avid fan of Classical music. I'd really look forward to a zoom session with you, and will be in touch about over the next few months. Appreciate it!
Hi Rob. Your story is very moving. I was surprised to hear about your hand injury. I am glad it didn't stop you. When I was 15, I cut the top off my middle finger on my left hand in an accident. I almost had to stop playing, but they did plastic surgery on it, and it healed well. I'm almost 31 now and regularly gigging in a gypsy jazz group in Belfast.
Rob, thank you for persevering and for all that you have contributed to the world of musicians and composers who are in love with fretted instruments. My life story is not quite as colorful as yours (few are!), but I've also been playing the guitar for about 50 years. Somehow I only recently discovered you... Please keep the videos coming and no worries about a "slowing" technique - IMO that's the least important part of music (contrary to public opinion). Finally, selfishly, what can we do to get more composers interested in writing for plectrum guitar?? My sense is there are many great pick players out there hungry for interesting pieces to play!
Cheers, Bruce. Nice to hear from you. I did a book of plectrum pieces by Gilbert Isbin, published by Mel Bay. But, yes, it would be nice to see a lot more.
Thanks Rob, yes, since discovering your site, I've stocked up on the Isbin book, as well as many of the other books you recommend, by William Bay and Christian Vasseur among others. I also discovered two books by Keijo Pennanen that you might like, published by Mel Bay. Plenty to keep me busy in my upcoming retirement!
Heartwarming and intriguing story to say the least Rob! Well done standing up to the obstacles of your life and succeeding in such a wonderful manner,creating a family,doing what you like ( being pretty good at it too i might add) I hope you keep doing what you are doing and to see you soon!
That was wonderful Rob. I'll still be listening. It's watching your videos that first got me interested in classic banjo. Your playing has so much feeling and musicality to it rather than the often stiff and mechanical nature of a lot of the classic stuff. I always try to emulate your style but alas I started too late in life and realise my limitations, but I love it none the less. Also, thanks to you, I want a lute... as if I haven't got enough to get my clumsy fingers around lol.
Hi Johnny! Unfortunately for both of us, I just discovered your banjos when I was selling mine and moving on from the banjo. Otherwise I would have ordered one. Too bad. I just have too many things taking up my interest, and as I’m now 63, my brain just hasn’t got the power it once had, so I’m cutting back to “just” lutes and guitars. So, you fancy a lute? I strongly suggest you hire one from The Lute Society in London. That should cure you or encourage you, either way its only £35 or something for a month. Take care, and thanks for the nice comments!
@RobMacKillop1 ooh now that very tempting. I occasionally see them for sale at Gardiner Houlgate auctions. Often in poor repair and quite cheap and my obsession with making/fixing things means I often, very nearly, bid on one or two... late at night when I should know better. They are probably terrible so best that I don't.
Very interesting thanks for sharing this Rob. My first guitar was a Kay from Argos came with a chord and songbook the first thing I learned was Oh my darling Clementine, Crikey! High action and rusty strings!! 😊👍
I salute you friend, I am the Riera guy from a few months ago. I've been researching and learning more and more about the life of different guitarists: the Rieras, Reyna, etc; also about the history of flamenco and acoustic guitars, etc. It's always a real pleasure and a fascination to learn about these artistic career paths because they can be full of adventure and anecdotes. Even if one doesn't dedicate fully to music, the life of a musician always seems to bring excitement and spice to mundane experiences due to its empirical nature. I was told, for example about the life of a Venezuelan cellist "Jose Teppa" and the sole fact that he was old money and could travel to Europe for education just brought to him a whole lot of crazy stories involving other "celebrities". It's like gossip on roids.
@@RobMacKillop1 Yes, one thing in common though is that most are awesome teacher Antonio Lauro, Alirio Diaz, Rodrigo Riera and Freddy Reyna were all superb teachers, highly respected in and out Venezuela.
I really enjoyed that Rob, very interesting life! Congratulations on your 50 years - that’s about how long I’ve been playing too. It was seeing Julian Bream on the telly that got me started. My first guitar had a terrible action too, that was probably the norm in those days! Anyway hope you keep on playing for many more years, I always find your videos inspiring!
An inspiring and truly engaging story Rob. You have come through so well and not down to luck but your amazing strength of will and your passion for music. It is so often down to the difficulties that one is challenged with that are the making of us. Congratulations and Best wishes for the next fifty years!
Wow! I feel like I just watched a movie documentary of your fascinating life, Rob. Thank you for sharing and I'm happy your injury didn't stop you from playing so beautifully. Congrats on 50 years!
Cheers, Brandon! Now, who would play me in a movie? 😂
@@RobMacKillop1 you will be perfect on your own role 😆 anyway in my imagination you look exactly like those great MAESTROS of the past just in modern clothing 😆 weird how holywood and media shape our collective perception !
@@joemalone3099 Cheers, Joe. I missed this comment when you made it. I don’t want to play myself. Having to relive all that would be too much to bear! Though there were lots of fun times too, I should add.
May many others come!
Thank you!
Truly fascinating life story. One makes assumptions about privilege and comfortable upbringing when seeing someone as well spoken and gifted as you on guitar. I’ve admired you for years but more so now knowing the challenges you’ve overcome and your humility. What a wonderful man.
Thanks, frogie! Yes, privilege and comfort are not things I recognise, but I’m not the only one. I am just one of MANY players who had to fight against the odds. As for humility, that’s easy when there are legions of great players ahead of you. But we do what we can. Many thanks for your comment!
A musician who plays every genre ranging from medieval music to pop is Not going to have an ordinary life story, I congratulate you on your long and note worthy career, what an inspirational life story indeed!
Respect to you Sir.
Thank you, Tarek, my friend!
Congrats to the jubilee- you really made the best of these decades!
Thanks, Jürgen!
I'll bet there are more than a mere five of us who are in for the next 50 years of listening, learning, and enjoying your work! Congratulations!
It would be nice (I think!) to know we are still both playing in 50 years time. Maybe not! 😂
I admire your strength and kindness as much as I do your music. Happy 50 years of guitar!
Cheers, fark! If I have any of those qualities, they come from my wife and daughter. Thanks for your comment.
I so enjoyed this! You must do part 2 where you DON'T leave anything out!
Ha, no, some things are better left unsaid! 😱😂
You're definitely a big name in the world of those interested in both the classical guitar and lute. I've always enjoyed your playing and work. Many artists have had lives with significant struggle. Those who have been through struggle often have the depth of Spirit that music demands.
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your comments.
What a life story Rob!! We have a part of the history in common, my father was not an alcoholic but he also left us when I was 12 years old leaving me and my brother (10 years younger than me) in the care of my mother who worked hard and alone to raise us . Today I am 48 years old and I will never forget the difficult times we went through and overcame with much effort.
My first guitar offered me my aunt when I did 16 years, it`s a classic guitar Gianinni Seresta made in brazil 60cm scale that still have today and I play a lot with it too.
Congrats on 50 years and I wish you many many more!!
Cheers, Nuno! I'm glad your mother had other family members to call on. You aunt did a great thing there. Best wishes.
I've been listening to you for a while now, and I didn't realise the start you had in life. It really helped me to hear this as I'd similar with my dad leaving when I was 4 and my mum being bipolar and in and out of hospital, I spent time in care and was on drugs at the age of 14 and trouble with police and went to Holland and squatting etc etc. Managed to straighten myself out to a degree and now love trying to play classical music on my guitar that I bought second hand. It helps me to feel a part of another more gentle world. Thank you for your story and sharing it with us.
I feel for you, Solomon. Keep focussing on the gentle and the beautiful, let it be a guide out of the mess you are leaving behind. Best wishes for your guitar playing! Life can get better, and you have done really well to get this far away from your troubles. Good luck! Rob
Indeed here's to the next 50! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story. I had no idea! I feel privileged to have been one of your international students even briefly - thank you for your gentle and steady teaching and incredible musicality, for introducing me to Scottish music and to studying the lute, and for sharing so much wonderful music with the world through the internet. I’m sure there will be more than 5 people still listening to you play and I look forward to being one of them!
What can I say, Mai? It was my pleasure and honour to teach you! I hope you are well and thriving! xxx
Thank you for sharing your life and your talents with the world, Rob
Thanks, Alberto. Everybody has a story.
Great story and experiences in thos 50 years!..I remember discovering your lute playing and music and i always felt the authenticity and the pure musicality from your inner... without any make up or show...and thats something very pure and something that is needed specially in this times!.. All the best Rob!
Thanks, Vicente! Appreciated!
50 years of playing guitar....well done. I've been playing for 54 years, actually started on ukulele when I was 8 and progressed to a horrible old steel strung guitar that was in the house when I was 9. I played for many years fumbling my way through it as lessons were too expensive for us back then I became so frustrated with the lack of learning from a professional that I finally paid for classical guitar lessons when I had my first real job when I was 16 (I think). I stuck with that for a few years and became very proficient, especially with my love of Bach. I wrote 40 or so pieces over a period of 3 years....even sent some to Julian Bream who kindly replied to my letter with encouragement and that he had enjoyed playing my pieces (probably just being kind, although he did assure me that he had indeed played my pieces). My guitar teacher was then arrested for molesting his 14 year old female student and was sent off to prison for several years and so that ended my formal music education . By this time I had discovered the electric guitar and played in several bands most of my life. I still play every day even now, although I don't gig anymore...it's far too much aggravation humping big guitar amps around...I'm too old for that. I notice my playing is not what it was when I was in my 20's and 30's. The fingers don't move as quick as they once did. This seems to have turned into a long letter ! I always visit your channel every week. Always a pleasure to hear you play. Congratulations on 50 years 🙂
I loved reading your story, Jon. I know what you mean about humping big amps around! Not for me! Thanks for watching my videos, and best wishes to you!
What a pleasure to find such a lovely video. Thank you, Mr. MacKillop. All best wishes from an adult guitar beginner.
Cheers, CP. Best wishes for your guitar journey!
Dear Rob, Thank you for 50 years brilliant music. From Vienna, Bernhard.
Thank you, my Viennese friend!
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your openness and your music which has been an inspiration . 63 is young. Stay fit and you will play without much decline for decades more. Congratulations and best wishes.
Thanks, Charles. I hope to!
I listened, spellbound. You are a gifted musician and storyteller. The magic, in the details. Proud of you, cousin. Thank you for sharing, and cheers to the next 50 years.
Thank you, cousin! Storytelling runs in the family, it seems. x
Congratulations! Thanks for your books, your work, your playing and your storytelling. You're an inspiration, Rob. I'll gladly take the warts for however many years you decide to share your videos with us.
Thanks, friend. Be careful what you wish for 😂
I'm 24 years old and I've been watching your channel for years. Your channel (among other things) inspired me to cut off my nails and take on the lute, and more importantly, your video about fingerless playing helped me figure out how to make it work on the guitar. So, as a long time viewer, it has been a treat to get to hear the fascinating story of your career. Cheers!
Good to know, ido! I hope you has as fulfilling a musical life as I have had - am having! Good luck.
Thanks so much for sharing Rob. We're the same generation and your story sounds both unique and very familiar to this fellow traveler who, like you, came to classical music through the back door. You may be known for no nails, but what first struck me was your phrasing and sense of time. Like you I try my best to straddle genres and instruments and you've been a real inspiration. Don't even about retiring! Be well.
Cheers, Frank. I really appreciate your post for many reasons. I hope you keep at it as well. We’re not finished yet!
Thank you, Rob, for sharing your extraordinary story. I have to say that "extraordinary" is exactly the degree I would expected of an artist of your calibre -- but I never would have anticipated, from your masterly skill and bookish demeanor, the adversity you've encountered all along the way. ... But, then again, who can ever guess what goes into the making of a great musician? I suspect, though, that some of the trials you've faced served, if not to make you what you are, at least to test or prove your determination to continue in your stringed instrument journey. Congratulations to you on the milestone! I've been listening to -- and inspired by -- your music for a number of years now, and count this channel, with its diverse content, as one of the true treasures of the YT environment. All the best to you and, again, thank you!
That’s a really nice and thoughtful post, TB. I do appreciate it. But I’m far from being a great musician, though I yam what I yam 😎
You are an amazing storyteller, and your story is captivating aswell. I'd be happy to listen to you more often. Thank you and congrats to the 50 years jubilee.
Thank you, sinjaja! Come back in another 50 years, and I’ll tell you the rest of the story! 😎
You're not only a great musician, Rob, but also a kind human being. Wish you the best, and thanks for this channel, keep it on.
Cheers, scorpse! I’ll try to keep it going.
I appreciate this video, especially at the end when you talk about the honesty of recording in one take and without editing, you inspire my channel and the ways I try to make music, thank you.
Thanks, 1guy! Good to know. I appreciate your comment and will visit your channel.
Hi Rob, I watched all the video. Thanks for sharing your life experience. I feel that we are alone in this long journey.
We are all alone, but have that in common. So, paradoxically we are all alone together. We must remember that…
Celebrating 50 years in music and I wish you at least 50 more years! Thank you for sharing your extremely impressive story. You are inspiring and (as said in a comment) a really kind person. You helped me a lot by kindly answering my questions, thank you very much.Who knows, how many people around the world have you taught music with your wonderful books (I keep learning). If you ever come to Turkey again, please let me know. I promise I won't take you to "that" barbershop! Thank you very much, best regards.
Ha. I never got around to my Turkey trip. Lots more tales to tell. Best wishes to you!
Oh my goodness, what an interesting life story Rob of profound struggles but eventually family and your deep musical enjoyment! Many congratulations for 50 remarkable years, and very best wishes now you are into your next decade! G’night!
Thanks yet again, Karen. It has been an odd journey. Best wishes to you. Rob
Congratulations Rob! A wonderful life story! So glad the guitar got you through hard times. You are much appreciated!
Many thanks, Paula. Appreciated! Everyone has their story! Rob
Hi Rob! Haven't heard from your videos in a while. Lovely to hear from you and your story. Even if you don't think you're big in the guitar World, you're big in our hearts. Be well!! Thank you for your music.
Thanks, Jerrel. I appreciate your comments!
@@RobMacKillop1 😁
Thank you for sharing with us your story, and congratulations!
I'm an amateur guitarrist in Brazil, and I feel privileged to get some knowlegde from you and hear you play such beautiful music.
Keep up the good work and honesty. To many more years!
Thanks, Ed. I really appreciate your comment. Best wishes for your playing!
Thank for sharing, Rob. You continue to inspire! Not only as a musician, but as a kind and genuine person as well.
Cheers, Neal. Appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your story. That was half an hour well spent. I'm also in my 50th year of playing guitar now. I also began by learning a few blues standards, but then I took to composing primitive minimalist rock and became a founding member of Manchester's famous beat group, The Fall.
I really enjoy your posts on here. May you make many more!
Martin, great to hear from you. I loved The Fall, saw you play a couple of times, and had an album and an EP from the early days. Let’s embrace the next fifty years!
Rob, thank you for your wonderful true story of ‘good’ decisions. The comments abound here as we know that the music you offer us is beautiful, full, and connected to our hearts.
Many thanks, Drew. I regard myself as having been lucky. I dread to think what my life might have been without music in it.
You are the best Mr MacKillop. I love your honest playing and music. Thanks for your wonderful attitude toward mistakes. I make a lot and it is nice when a musician owns up to a few every 1000 measures or so. I think you are great. I will never stop watching you play. Thank you.
Many thanks, Martin. Mistakes show you are human, not a machine. So the more mistakes you make, the more human you are! 😎
thank you for sharing. your words quite resonated with me, especially the part of you live where your family was poor. Its really inspiring to hear how you've still become a classical musician, even if your path perhaps wasn't as classical.
Cheers, lucky. Yes, being poor is not unique, far from it. I got lucky…eventually. Best wishes for your path!
@@RobMacKillop1 thank you.
So, you hoboed your way to Spain and accidentally ended up in front of David Russel. That’s amazing!
I “slept rough” plenty in those days. That knocks the youth right out of you.
Glad you survived the adventure. My Noad books from the time are very battle scared. Almost as bad as me.
I’ve been captured by this muse for 53 years now. I’m learning new ways to play because my parts are wearing out. Never bored.
Great stories Rob.
Well, we are both battle-scarred, but still standing. Congratulations to us both!
@@RobMacKillop1
😁👍
Always an inspiration Rob. I will never regret or forget my lessons with you. A real privilege to hear you play. I am sure you will contribute more to the guitar over the next decades. Paul
Thanks, Paul. I hope you are still playing!
Wasn’t expecting that a really fascinating story. Thanks for sharing it. All the best.
Wasn't expecting that hat, Thomas! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
Haha I’m a Scottish bandito
Hey Rob, you may or may not be one of the most popular guitar players in the world, but you certainly are one of my favorite lute players. Especially the scottish stuff thrills me so much…congrats and keep on playing. All the best to you!
Much appreciated, Wolfgang!
Congratulations Rob. You have been an inspiration. I still follow your instruction with keen interest . Your are an incredible musician,
Aww, thanks, my friend. I hope you go on to inspire many others!
That was lovely. Thanks for sharing Rob.
Thanks, Neil. Best wishes.
Wonderful Rob, I really enjoyed this. What a story. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Brian. Appreciated.
Really nice story about your guitar life, Rob.
I have my 3 years guitar anniversary in 3 month...;-)
Aww, three years! I wish I could say that. You are the start of a big adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Hello Rob. I just discovered you and have purchased two your books. You have really inspired me. I had a rough start too at around the same age. Drunk dad who disappeared for awhile. The guitar saved me,although coming home juvenile hall to discover my guitar had been sold or stolen by my dad or his drunk friends was a bitter pill. But I’ve survived and thrived with the guitar in hand. Loved your story and your playing. Thank you my brother in strings.
Oh dear, I feel for you too, Leda Swan. But we are not alone! If you need any guitar advice, just ask. I'd be useless at any other kind of advice, other than keep focussed on beauty!
@@RobMacKillop1❤
Thanks for your story, Rob! It's wonderful to meet you.
Hi Travis. Nice to hear from you!
Thank you for sharing, all best from SLovenia!
Music is a language, so the stories mater and everybody loves to hear the old wizard speak and play....me to!
Ha, I’m not sure I’m a wizard, but I’m definitely getting old. Take care!
Congratulations. I’ve been playing for 45 years. However, unlike you, I plateaued 42 years ago upon mastering the first five seconds of cat scratch fever and whole lotta love. 👍
Lol! Mine were smoke on the water and comfortably numb!
Ha, I’ve had many students in the same position. Only five years until your 50th anniversary. Better get practising! Good luck.
We love you Rob! Happy 50 years
Much appreciated, Tristan!
Fifty plus years of sharing your profound gift of soulful bliss. A rare and amazing human achievement. Thank you for the Magic.
What a nice comment! Many thanks, my friend!
50 years of playing is really something. Thanks for sharing your story Rob; it’s a privilege to hear it.
My pleasure. Glad you liked it :-)
Late to this, but what a wonderful video. Thank you Rob
Cheers, Thomas. Glad you got here! Appreciated.
thank you for sharing this beautiful life story.
Thanks, Enrico. Glad you liked it.
Rob, your life story is really inspiring! I have followed your channel for a few years now after stumbling on it randomly. I want you to know that you were a huge inspiration for me to pick the classical guitar back up after drifting away after college. I was a bit alienated by some of the classical guitar dogma about nails, posture, tone, projection, etc. and focused on other musical pursuits. Now I'm back at it and have also developed a love for early music and early string instruments and the Scottish repertoire as a way of exploring my own Scottish heritage. We are expecting our first born in July and I've also decided to focus on being a father, it's reassuring to hear that you have no regrets.
Thanks for all the great music and opening some new musical doors for me!
Cheers, Ryan. Great comment. I really wish you, your wife and child all enjoy your musical journey. Best wishes to you all!
Love your work and fascinating to hear your story, thank you! (From Perth, Western Australia)
Cheers, Glyn. Greetings from south of Perth, Scotland!
Thank you for sharing your story. Been following your music for a long time. Thank you for the guidance and inspiration.
Cheers, Bill. Nice to hear from you, and thanks for the support. Keep playing!
Thanks Rob for your genuinely quiet manner. You inspired me to look deeply into Classical Guitar . Listening to your RUclips performances of Sagreras and others widened my horizon so thank you.
Regards
Sean
Cheers, Sean. Sagreras’s book is one of two I recommend, the other is Frederick Noad’s Solo Guitar Playing Volume 1. I use both in my Zoom teaching. Best wishes for your guitar journey!
Congrats! And thanks for all the sweet uploads!
Thanks, Isac! Best wishes to you!
What a story! Thank You for sharing. 50 Years!!!! and may you have many more. I used to watch you many mornings (as LoveAndPeaceOccurs) ... and lost access to that name due to some password problems and my ineptness with computers in general)... you had some wonderful calming effect on me .... not just your playing but your interaction ... and listening to you now makes me remember why I listened so regularly ... the reason I stopped had nothing to do with you but me not being on RUclips much anymore. Anyway ... good to see you here still. Love & Peace to You and All .... Cheers!
I wondered what had happened to you, if I’d said something wrong. Nice to hear from you again, and thanks for the nice comments. See you around!
@@RobMacKillop1 yes, I will be around. : )
Thank you, Rob. It's such a great thing to hear a person's life story and yours is both fascinating and well told. Here's to the next 50 years, indeed!
Cheers, Roy. Everyone has a story.
Fabulous and fascinating story, Rob. Hope to see you again some day soon!
Hi Andrew. Nice to hear from you. See you somewhere somehow someday!
Thank you very much for everything Rob, including this video. Congratulations on those 50 years of playing.
Thanks, Milan. Appreciated.
Rob, congratulations for that significant milestone, and thanks for sharing your story and passion for the music all these years. Hoping for your new challenges, comments and videos!
Thanks, German. Best wishes to you too!
Captivating...I wished it went for hours . The tone of your voice and the way you telling the story is soooo good that I was seeing images in my brain of the events you went through..like watching it on tv...amazing !!! DEEP RESPECT MAESTRO and happy 50 yrs 🎂 of 🎼♩🎶
Cheers, Joe. And here was me thinking I was mumbling and stumbling :-)
you are a treasure, Rob
Ha, thanks, ño!
Congratulations on your 50th guitarist anniversary!
Thank you for sharing a little about your story ❤
I just got one of your books from Amazon. I’m very excited about it. It’s for Children but it will be my very first approach to mandolin at my almost 50. Thanks for your knowledge.
Cheers, Paolo! Most people who buy those children’s books are adults. You are not alone! Best wishes for your musical journey!
Such a fascinating story. The guitars have been my constant companions for almost 55 years.
I wish you a great 55th!
Congrats Rob! What a great story. I'm at year 21 and you're an inspiration to keep at it.
Yes, don’t give up! I’ve seen so many older people cursing themselves for giving up. On the other hand, it does take time and patience, and not everyone has those. But make sure you do what you can. Good luck!
Hello Rob! Thank your story. I am a guitar begginer just work half years.When I learning Sor OP60 for my first guitar lession.I watch your video and imitate you play.gradually, I love guitar more day by day! And your video let me know many guitar giant's knowledge(like John Dowland...Oh I love his mousic!! ), they play guitar habit and so on.Also I love LUTE (it's very rare instrument in my country,but I plain to learn it on future).anyway,Thank your anything and Congratulations!
Thank you, my new friend! Sor, Dowland and the lute - I love them all. I wish you lots of happiness and success in your musical journey. Good luck!
It's great how you turned your life around through music especially playing the guitar. I am a Celtic player and got into this after you saying that there was more lute music written in Scotland than any other country in Europe. Thanks for the inspiration in putting me on that journey. 👍😊
Thanks. I can’t remember making that claim, which isn’t true anyway. But there must be about 500 Scottish lute pieces from the 17th century, and it is first mentioned here back in the 14th century. But Italy, France, England and German have more pieces each. Anyway, the numbers don’t matter. Best wishes for your journey. By the way, Scottish lute music is not properly considered Celtic. The term refers to West-Coast Gaelic culture, whereas the surviving manuscripts are from Lowland Scotland. It is not all just one thing.
@@RobMacKillop1 I have a few of your music books in DADGAD .The tunes from the Balcarres manuscript sound incredible however, I do not read music and I think this could be a assume guitar tab book. Unfortunately Scottish music is suppressed it would be great if you prehaps translated this for the guitar. Many thanks for getting back to me.👍😊
@@alastair6356 I did offer the publisher “The Scottish Guitar”, but for some reason they turned it down, so I gave it to Centerstream. Google it. It contains many Scottish lute tunes in Open D, and others in Open G and DADGAD.
@@RobMacKillop1 Many thanks I give it a look🤩👍
congratulations on the milestone!! please never stop playing guitar for us
I’ll do my best, weirdface!
Thanks for sharing Rob. You are such an inspiring musician and person.
Thanks, Carey. Best wishes for your music making!
Rob, thanks for sharing this! Glad I found your channel a few years ago, and looking forward to your next videos! All the best, Carlos
Thanks, Carlos! You know the feelings are mutual.
I so loved listening to your fascinating story Rob. ( love your humour too). Thanks and all the best for the next 50 years. Cheers (ps - i'm about to turn 63 - its a great age i reckon)
It is indeed! Take care, Marty, and thanks for your comments.
That was terrific to hear your history. You're an amazing musician and so inspirational. Here's to 50 more years and beyond.
Cheers, Greg! I hope the next 50 are a little easier 😬😂
Thank you for sharing your story, Rob, with all the ups and downs that make a life worth living. Keep inspiring us! All the best.
Thanks, Rui! UPS and downs, indeed. We all have them. Best wishes for your 50th!
What a fantastic experience to know more about a musician I admire. I got to know you through some tips you gave for Baroque guitar and have been following him ever since. Thank you so much for sharing your story and inspiring us. I hope to be able to listen to you for a long time. Thank you very much.
My pleasure, Mario. I plan to return to the baroque guitar by the end of the year.
@@RobMacKillop1 would be lovely. Thank you
Wow! What a story, thanks for telling it.
Thanks, Howard. That was the very short version. But everyone has a story. Best wishes.
Congratulations! Here's to the next fifty. Thank you for sharing your story!
Cheers, Andrew. Watch your spelling 😱 😂
And thanks also for the coffees!! Much appreciated!
@@RobMacKillop1 I should have put my glasses on!
@@andrewpascoe8276😂
That was a fascinating 50 years. Thank you so much for sharing. Here’s to many more ahead.
Thanks, Ashley. The journey is not over yet! :-)
Inspirational. I wonder incidentally, have you ever tried the Ap Huw MS?
Apologies for late reply. I used to play concerts with William Taylor, who recorded an album of the Ap Huw ms. It was a solo harp thing, so I left him to it. Great stuff, though!
@@RobMacKillop1 thanks for the reply. i asked because robert ap huw was a lute player and used lute tablature adapted for the harp to write out the music. which was originally harp music as you say. nobody in wales has attempted to play it on lute, which is disappointing. thanks again for your beautiful music. i'd love to hear you play, say caniad san silin, or caniad y gwiyn bibydd! very cheeky of me...
@ I didn’t know he played the lute, but his ms fits the harp perfectly. I wish a lute ms by him survived!
Thank you Rob, an amazing and transformative life story that challenged you every step of the way to become a true maestro. I actually saw David Russell in concert over 15 years ago in Dublin on a warm summers night, an impeccable performance. I still can't get over how there was not even one single flub or note out of place in his performance, never breaking into a sweat either, just unbelievable! Over the year I'd really be interested in a few zoom lessons, and will PM you. Again thank you for this inspirational video!
Cheers, Brian. Yes, David is one of the best, and despite leaving Glasgow for Spain aged 6, he hasn’t lost his Scottish accent. Happy to see you on Zoom anytime. Rob
@@RobMacKillop1 Thank you Rob. It was an experience of a life time to see David play live, especially for any avid fan of Classical music. I'd really look forward to a zoom session with you, and will be in touch about over the next few months. Appreciate it!
You're a natural story teller; I really enjoyed listening. I hope you have many more productive years.
Thanks, John. I think I hesitate and mumble too much, but glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Rob. Your story is very moving.
I was surprised to hear about your hand injury. I am glad it didn't stop you.
When I was 15, I cut the top off my middle finger on my left hand in an accident. I almost had to stop playing, but they did plastic surgery on it, and it healed well.
I'm almost 31 now and regularly gigging in a gypsy jazz group in Belfast.
Good to know you are still playing, Matt. When it comes to hand injuries, there is no greater role model than the King of the gypsy-jazz guitar!
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing your musical journey! I’ve been listening to you on FB for many years now.
Thanks, Sue. Much appreciated! I hope you get some enjoyment out of my future videos. Take care.
Amazing and inspiring story! Keep up the amazing work 🎸✨
Thanks, surfie!
Rob, thank you for persevering and for all that you have contributed to the world of musicians and composers who are in love with fretted instruments. My life story is not quite as colorful as yours (few are!), but I've also been playing the guitar for about 50 years. Somehow I only recently discovered you... Please keep the videos coming and no worries about a "slowing" technique - IMO that's the least important part of music (contrary to public opinion). Finally, selfishly, what can we do to get more composers interested in writing for plectrum guitar?? My sense is there are many great pick players out there hungry for interesting pieces to play!
Cheers, Bruce. Nice to hear from you. I did a book of plectrum pieces by Gilbert Isbin, published by Mel Bay. But, yes, it would be nice to see a lot more.
Thanks Rob, yes, since discovering your site, I've stocked up on the Isbin book, as well as many of the other books you recommend, by William Bay and Christian Vasseur among others. I also discovered two books by Keijo Pennanen that you might like, published by Mel Bay. Plenty to keep me busy in my upcoming retirement!
And of course a number of your books!!
@@brucevanhise972 That goes without saying 😂
Gratulation and thank you for all the inspiration!
Thanks, Uli. Thanks also for the inspiration!
Heartwarming and intriguing story to say the least Rob! Well done standing up to the obstacles of your life and succeeding in such a wonderful manner,creating a family,doing what you like ( being pretty good at it too i might add) I hope you keep doing what you are doing and to see you soon!
Many thanks, friend. The family is my greatest success. Cheers.
That was wonderful Rob. I'll still be listening. It's watching your videos that first got me interested in classic banjo. Your playing has so much feeling and musicality to it rather than the often stiff and mechanical nature of a lot of the classic stuff. I always try to emulate your style but alas I started too late in life and realise my limitations, but I love it none the less. Also, thanks to you, I want a lute... as if I haven't got enough to get my clumsy fingers around lol.
Hi Johnny! Unfortunately for both of us, I just discovered your banjos when I was selling mine and moving on from the banjo. Otherwise I would have ordered one. Too bad. I just have too many things taking up my interest, and as I’m now 63, my brain just hasn’t got the power it once had, so I’m cutting back to “just” lutes and guitars. So, you fancy a lute? I strongly suggest you hire one from The Lute Society in London. That should cure you or encourage you, either way its only £35 or something for a month. Take care, and thanks for the nice comments!
@RobMacKillop1 ooh now that very tempting. I occasionally see them for sale at Gardiner Houlgate auctions. Often in poor repair and quite cheap and my obsession with making/fixing things means I often, very nearly, bid on one or two... late at night when I should know better. They are probably terrible so best that I don't.
@@FlatfootJohnny Those auctions are dangerously tempting, but I’m trying to cut down on junk!
Happy birthday Rob!
Ha! Cheers, Doc. Where’s my cake? 😂
Very Interesting Rob. It filled in the large gap that I have often wondered about. Funny that we both passed through Napier at different times.
What year were you there? I can’t remember the year I was there, 86 maybe? I went on to teach guitar there for six or so years.
Don, I didn’t realise it was your good self!
congrats
Thanks, Angela!
Very interesting thanks for sharing this Rob. My first guitar was a Kay from Argos came with a chord and songbook the first thing I learned was Oh my darling Clementine, Crikey! High action and rusty strings!! 😊👍
Don't remind me! LOL! Somehow we survived the experience 🙂
@@RobMacKillop1 I can still see the little logo on the scratchplate in my minds eye and I thought I was Jimmy Page!! 😂 Keep em coming Rob 😊👍
I salute you friend, I am the Riera guy from a few months ago. I've been researching and learning more and more about the life of different guitarists: the Rieras, Reyna, etc; also about the history of flamenco and acoustic guitars, etc. It's always a real pleasure and a fascination to learn about these artistic career paths because they can be full of adventure and anecdotes. Even if one doesn't dedicate fully to music, the life of a musician always seems to bring excitement and spice to mundane experiences due to its empirical nature. I was told, for example about the life of a Venezuelan cellist "Jose Teppa" and the sole fact that he was old money and could travel to Europe for education just brought to him a whole lot of crazy stories involving other "celebrities". It's like gossip on roids.
Very interesting. I’m beginning to read a few musicians’ autobiographies. We tend have had unusual lives.
@@RobMacKillop1 Yes, one thing in common though is that most are awesome teacher Antonio Lauro, Alirio Diaz, Rodrigo Riera and Freddy Reyna were all superb teachers, highly respected in and out Venezuela.
Amazing and interesting story Rob.
Thanks a lot, Mr!
I really enjoyed that Rob, very interesting life! Congratulations on your 50 years - that’s about how long I’ve been playing too. It was seeing Julian Bream on the telly that got me started. My first guitar had a terrible action too, that was probably the norm in those days! Anyway hope you keep on playing for many more years, I always find your videos inspiring!
Hi Graham! Many thanks for all your videos too. I watch and enjoy them all. So the inspiration is mutual!
Thank you.
Thanks, Alfred. Much appreciated!
An inspiring and truly engaging story Rob. You have come through so well and not down to luck but your amazing strength of will and your passion for music. It is so often down to the difficulties that one is challenged with that are the making of us. Congratulations and Best wishes for the next fifty years!
Cheers, Harry. Appreciated. I’ll just keep going as long as I can. Take care.