by Glen McCarthy | Jul 31, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Assign parts of the Ensemble based on skill level and difficulty. For students who have a very difficult time with note reading, practice using the “first note option”. The goal of the “first note option” is to train the young note reader to follow in the music and...
by Glen McCarthy | Jul 31, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
The guitar is essential to the music of many cultures. Put together a library of different styles multi-cultural music that you can play for your class; this will help them to understand the wide range the instrument possess outside of rock and pop music, such as...
by Glen McCarthy | Jul 22, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
The guitar is a very popular instrument and you may have a budding Eric Clapton in your class. These students can be a good resource and usually will be glad to be your assistant, either by demonstrating guitar performance techniques or assisting other students.
by Glen McCarthy | Jul 19, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
**true story First day classroom guitar: Student:” Mr. D., can you play “Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen?” Mr D.: “Wow, that is a pretty challenging piece! I can’t currently play that, but is it something you are interested in learning...
by Glen McCarthy | Jul 17, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Demonstrating the Guitar for Beginning Teachers In band/orchestra classes, students rarely ask for the teacher to demonstrate the instrument. In guitar, it is expected. Assuming we are beginner classroom (guitar) teachers, how can we deflect this question? Is it okay...
by Glen McCarthy | Jul 17, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Naming the notes at the 5th fret from the 6th string to the 1st string helps to get your bearings in 5th position. If you know the note that your 1st finger is playing, in any position, it will help you get a handle on the other notes of the scale. Remember, “ if...
