3 Super Simple Music Theory Concepts for Guitar Students

by Glen McCarthy | Jun 5, 2016 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

It’s time these guitar students learn music theory. Life can’t just be about noodling and trying to figure out, Smoke on the Water. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone – we agree. However, it might surprise you to learn that teaching...

Classroom Guitar Diaries – The Big Test

by Glen McCarthy | May 22, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

Wrap it up! Show me what you know! It’s the day of the big test! I begin by letting kids study with buddies for about 10 minutes of class. They are allowed to ask me any questions and review anything they don’t understand. Students ask about how to tell the...

Classroom Guitar Diary – Review Time

by Glen McCarthy | May 15, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

Review Time! It’s week 8! I was the preparation for the BIG unit test! Of course, it also was the week our students took the Terra Nova test. I don’t know about you but, I know our kids can be a little crazy these days! I think it’s because of sitting in a chair...

7 To-Do’s Before the June

by Glen McCarthy | Apr 29, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

Photo credit: kconnors from morguefile.com You’re just about there! The school year is coming to a close soon, your guitar class is ending, and you and your students are thinking about relaxing in the sun. That’s all good, but don’t check out just...

The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class

by Glen McCarthy | Apr 25, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

When a student has an instrument in their hands, they want to use it. However, making “unwanted” sound can be distracting, slow down a class, and if I hear the lick from “Sweet Child of Mine” one more time, I’m gonna….. It’s...

Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan

by Glen McCarthy | Apr 17, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

The big question… What do I do with a sub? You could pop in a movie… But, I know that when kids come to my room, they expect to play instruments. Also, there are a ton of resources out there that can instruct anyone to do anything. So, here are some...