by Glen McCarthy | Mar 20, 2016 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized, Videos
OK, your kids can play the notes on the first few strings and they can play a few chords in first position. They’re excited, but they’re constrained. Let me tell you, the first giant leap out of the box on guitar involves two words – Barre Chords!...
by Glen McCarthy | Mar 13, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
Week 6…Tuning and Review It’s about time the students know at least a little about tuning a guitar. Spring Break is around the corner and they will be taking trips, trying out their guitar skills at Grandma’s on Mom’s OLD guitar. It needs to be...
by Glen McCarthy | Mar 5, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
“Show me what you know” I’ve spent 4 weeks showing students where to put their fingers on the guitar and how to make sounds on this 6 string instrument. They learned to play the Em, G7 and C chords, single notes on the first 2 strings, reading on the staff and...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 28, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
Break was a hit! I was sick on the couch for most of the week. I’m sure some little sweetie forgot to wash his/her hands before sharing their germs with me on an instrument, door handle or hand hold. I did get a chance to sneak in a little trip to Barcelona, Spain for...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 17, 2016 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
Week 3 (sort of)… Elementary Guitar Unit As I told you I teach 4 classes of 5th grade during the week. Well, last Tuesday school let out early and tomorrow our 5th grade will not be attending specials because they will participate in Wax Works. Of course this means...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 7, 2016 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
This week’s main goals are: • Teach 2 new chords • Have students be able to change chords in a song • Strum up and down • Compose using 3 main chords. “Guitar again?” The line leader grins as she comes through the door. All the kids seem excited to come in and have...
