by Glen McCarthy | Dec 15, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
Teachers worry about keeping a class interesting. But when you have a guitar class for a 90 minute block, you need great content! First, think about the possibilities using the National Standards as an outline. Think, “What will my students do today that includes:...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 9, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks
As Matt Gerry pointed out in an earlier post, there are many differing opinions when it comes to teaching TAB. It has been my experience that, when a guitar student arrives in one of my beginning classes knowing how to read a notation system, it is most likely TAB. I...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 8, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
When a student has an instrument in their hands, they want to use it! Making unwanted sound at inappropriate times can be distracting. A student might noodle out of embarrassment or to show off. One important rule to establish right away is “NO NOODLING!” How do you...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 2, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to teach an important new concept to your guitar class….and little Jimmy can’t keep his hands off the guitar while you’re talking! Well…. it’s little Jimmy….along with Fred, Wanda, and Gladys. It’s a classroom epidemic! To be fair…I...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 1, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
It is the beginning of the year and the stream of paperwork and returned forms is starting to pile up on your desk. How can you keep track of it? In my guitar classes students must return a student data sheet, a student parent agreement, an instrumental rental...
by Glen McCarthy | Nov 24, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Forearm Placement in Pick-style vs. Fingerstyle What are the differences in forearm placement in pick style vs. fingerstyle? Think about this. 1. Forearm position is largely the same for pick style and fingerstyle. 2. The difference is the angle the hand is in...
Recent Comments