by Glen McCarthy | Oct 13, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
I wanted to share a very cool idea from my friend Jane who teaches guitar at a middle school up in Nebraska. She decided that during parent teacher conferences this year, that when students brought their parents to come discuss their grade – that they were going to do...
by Glen McCarthy | Oct 6, 2013 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Adding new students to the guitar class after several weeks of school starting is a bad idea for everyone involved, and yet it happens. Have a plan in place how to deal with students who join the class after the class has learned all of the notes on the first three...
by Glen McCarthy | Oct 6, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Philosophy in teaching guitar. If you want to divide a room of guitar teachers fast…just bring up TAB. Strong feelings abound! Here’s my take…. 1. TAB is important. 2. Teaching students to be literate musicians (who can read sheet music on a staff) is important. 3....
by Glen McCarthy | Sep 29, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Assessments Before the school year begins, it is important to know how frequently you will do formal assessments for a grade, what materials they will cover and the actual dates the assessments will be done. Here is more math to consider. How many grades do you want...
by Glen McCarthy | Sep 29, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Here is a quick tip on for guitar repairs. Use white glue or wood glue such as Elmer’s, Carpenter, or Tite Bond for minor repairs. Apply the glue to the area and clamp. NEVER use Epoxy or Krazy Glue; use of the latter glues will cause more serious problems than the...
by Glen McCarthy | Sep 22, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Do you have suggestions for preparing a student that might want to major in guitar before they take private lessons? Here are a few ideas to start you off. 1. Guitar programs tend to divide into jazz and classical majors. Find out about your student’s favorite...
