4 Sites That Will Make You a Better Guitar Teacher

by Glen McCarthy | Jun 19, 2016 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized, Videos

You’re a classroom guitar teacher and you’re having trouble planning lessons. Maybe your kids are getting better on guitar faster than you. You want to stay ahead of the curve, but when would you have time to take lessons and where would you find money in...

The End of Noodling or Take Back Your Guitar Class

by Glen McCarthy | Apr 25, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

When a student has an instrument in their hands, they want to use it. However, making “unwanted” sound can be distracting, slow down a class, and if I hear the lick from “Sweet Child of Mine” one more time, I’m gonna….. It’s...

Classroom Guitar Diary – Guitar Sub Plan

by Glen McCarthy | Apr 17, 2016 | Classroom, Education, Gear, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized

The big question… What do I do with a sub? You could pop in a movie… But, I know that when kids come to my room, they expect to play instruments. Also, there are a ton of resources out there that can instruct anyone to do anything. So, here are some...

Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 4

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...

Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 3

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...

Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 2

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...