TEACHING GUITAR WORKSHOPS
Classroom Guitar Blog
Capos – Part III
So in part three of my segments on capos, I wanted to give you some tips for using capos in class (or in any situation really). There are a couple different ways I use to figure out how to use my capo properly. I like to call them the hard way and the easy way. THE...
Suggestions for Sub-Plans
You probably remember the lights go out when a substitute teacher taught your history or science class. A severely outdated movie might have come on; naps and laughter probably resulted. Don't let time with a sub become time wasted! To avoid this outcome, arm your...
Budgeting for Capos (Part II of the Capo Series)
So you’ve decided to give using capos in your class a try….Which ones do you buy? Well here is a classic case of – learn from someone else’s mistakes. I sure made a few on this subject before success. Here is my evolution through capos in my classroom. 1. The...
RHYTHM IS THE KEY
All guitar players are rhythm guitarists. The guitar has always been included as a key member of the rhythm section. Freddie Green, Chuck Berry, John Lennon and Keith Richards are/were self-described “rhythm guitarists”. It doesn’t matter how many notes you play or...
GETTING ORGANIZED IN GUITAR CLASS
In my high school guitar class, I have learned that the organized student has a better success rate in mastering guitar skills than one who is not. Over the course of the year my students may receive 75-100 handouts for the class. These include instructional...
305Live! – A True “School of Rock” Story
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...
A Guitar Diary?
“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...
Teaching the F Chord
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....
Fingernail Shaping for Tone
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 acoustic guitars.) Don't...
Keep Your Students Engaged with Popular Music
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 the same music that will...
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