by Glen McCarthy | Feb 18, 2013 | Classroom, Education, News, Tips + Tricks
Bill Purse – Tip 1 Tip 1 – You can usually tell the difference between nylon and steel string guitars by the way that strings are attached. Nylon strings are tied to the bridge, whereas steel strings are held to the bridge of the guitar with bridge...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 13, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
A Day in the Life – Improvisational Magic This week in guitar class at Salina South Middle School, I teach the students the magic of the minor pentatonic scale. Our concert this last week was a perfect segue into improvisation as I had two students from last semester...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 5, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Tips + Tricks
How much should a student guitar cost? Guitars come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of quality, but choosing does not have to be difficult. You want a quality guitar for beginning students. Many can be found at your local music store for as low as $99.00 to...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 3, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
A Day in the Life – Concert is a Success Why was I worried…I shouldn’t have doubted them for a second. An incredible concert today, and the students were very proud of their work (as was I). We do have a little work to do on performance skills (resting position,...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 1, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
A Day in the Life – Our First Gig Today is our first gig! We are performing for the Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year. Just last year, I was a part of that group- and boy what an experience that was. As a local teacher of the year in Kansas you are afforded the...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 30, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Tips + Tricks
When should we introduce the theory behind identifying the notes in a chord & behind moveable chords? Unlike those who deal with “theoretical physics”, in guitar class we deal with practical, not “theoretical”, chords. As soon as students have a reasonable grasp...
