by Glen McCarthy | May 9, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
When asked why he called his guitar “Trigger”, Willie Nelson explained, “Roy Rogers had a horse named Trigger. I figured: ‘This is my horse!'” A great way to get your students excited about guitar – and possibly even the history of...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 27, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
Last year, our school district set off to do something new and incredibly special. Our Education Foundation (who provided my school with our classroom set of guitars) decided to organize a collaboration to serve as a fundraiser for the foundation’s endowment. The idea...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 27, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
“A Guitar Diary?” JOURNALING – A Rationale Encourage your students to document their progress with writing!In my high school guitar class I require my students to be organized with a three ring binder. In this notebook they can collect the handouts (songs and class...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
Most guitar curriculum begins by teaching the natural notes that fall within the Key of C. It is hard to create ensembles in that key because the F chord is so prominent in the rhythm part. Try these variations of the F chord to help make the Key of C come to life. I...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
We’ve stumbled on a little piece of business that may cause some of your students’ eyes to widen: nail shaping. Yes, that’s what helps you achieve optimal tone when playing finger-style. (And remember: finger-style playing isn’t just for...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 14, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
When you feel like you’ve just delivered the lesson to end all lessons and you’re met with blank stares — some not even directly at you — it’s hard not to take it personally. The same music that got you hooked on music is not necessarily...
