by Glen McCarthy | Dec 22, 2013 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
I went to Wikipedia to see what they say and can’t improve on the following: “The capo is most commonly used to raise the pitch of a fretted instrument so that a player can perform a piece in a different key using the same fingerings they would use if played...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 15, 2013 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Tips + Tricks
There is a bonding experience that occurs once the class engages in playing as an ensemble. The class transforms from 30+ students playing exercises to a team of guitarists playing ensemble music. I find that this is so important that I wrote some easy duets that can...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 15, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
Teachers worry about keeping a class interesting. But when you have a guitar class for a 90 minute block, you need great content! First, think about the possibilities using the National Standards as an outline. Think, “What will my students do today that includes:...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 9, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks
As Matt Gerry pointed out in an earlier post, there are many differing opinions when it comes to teaching TAB. It has been my experience that, when a guitar student arrives in one of my beginning classes knowing how to read a notation system, it is most likely TAB. I...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 8, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
When a student has an instrument in their hands, they want to use it! Making unwanted sound at inappropriate times can be distracting. A student might noodle out of embarrassment or to show off. One important rule to establish right away is “NO NOODLING!” How do you...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 2, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to teach an important new concept to your guitar class….and little Jimmy can’t keep his hands off the guitar while you’re talking! Well…. it’s little Jimmy….along with Fred, Wanda, and Gladys. It’s a classroom epidemic! To be fair…I...
