Since 1996 I have been a full time music teacher.
I have taught literally hundreds of students of all ages and ability.
In addition to my private lesson students at ABC, in 2006-2007 I taught guitar and World music at Cornerstone academy. I currently teach at “The Oaks Academy” directing a guitar ensemble, a music theory and history class, as well as preparing the students to sing/play in the musical programs.
The following list is an outline of some of the “must do” topics for my students.
1. Chromatic picking exercises that develop good technique.
2. First position chords in several keys.
3. Moveable Pentatonic, Major, Minor, and Blues scales.
4. Sweep picking arpeggios and scales.
5. Basic finger picking patterns.
6. Proper right and left hand positioning.
7. An efficient practice system.
8. How to tune by ear and with a tuner.
9. How to practice with a metronome.
10. Reading tablature, standard notation, chord charts, and scores.
11. Performance of complete songs.
12. Learn music theory and song forms.
13. How to figure out melodies and chords “by ear”.
14. How to play with others in time and in tune.
15. Major, Minor and Dominant Barre chord forms.
16. Modes and their application.
With young kids I use guitar method books, and they learn to read notes right away.
I recommend that all students learn to read notes, but sometimes adults that have played for years don’t want to put in the time required.
They just want to be able to play some songs or develop soloing abilities.
I this way I am very flexible.
I have hundreds of songs and tabs on my laptop, or I will ask the student bring in C.D.’s of their favorite songs, and I will figure the tunes out by ear and tab them out.
I also explain the theory behind the music-what techniques, scales, chord progressions etc. I am very willing teach students any song they like regardless of style.
Over the years I have seen that many guitarists suffer from “RDS”.
What is RDS? … It is the dreaded repertoire deficit syndrome.
Many players can play parts of songs, but not complete pieces of music.
Why? - Because they lack the techniques and knowledge required.
Classical players are mostly immune to “RDS” because they typically learn complete pieces of music arranged for guitar.
By focusing on repertoire, my students get much more out of playing, and are able to play well with others.
Best wishes,
Andrew Burt-ABC