CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

This 'suggested' lesson overview assumes that the student is a beginner. However, it is noted that many 'new to me' students could not really be described as beginners. Therefore, the teacher will conduct an assessment on the first lesson to assess just where the student is, in terms of both theoretical knowledge and practical ability.
I would like to clearly point out that this assessment is NOT AN EXAM, in which one passes or fails. It is merely an effort on the teacher's part to be able to help you more efficiently by NOT going over information and practical exercises that the student may already appreciate!

Due to the very nature, and abilities of different individuals, different ones will complete this curriculum at different times. As an average, a student of average intelligence and ability, receiving 1 hour per week instruction, taken from the very start, should complete this particular course in c.12 months. (Some have taken as much as 2 years; some have completed in 8 months! This teacher appreciates that there are many factors involved in the learning process; availability of time, other vocational/job concerns, family, innate ability, the student's views of the importance of lessons, IQ, distance traveled, age, etc.). As always; education, in any form, has a lot more to do with opportunity and endurance, than IQ.

Due to the nature of one-on-one teaching, the teacher can gauge the 'speed' of instruction for an individual student. Simply put: this teacher is NOT interested in 'dragging out' the lessons. (It is neither in the student's, nor the teacher's interest to do this, as sadly, some other teachers seem to do)! However, guitar learning is 10% instruction, and 90% practice!


CURRICULUM

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE GUITAR: Its parts (nomenclature), its 'scope' and various uses with modern 'Western' culture.

2. AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL THEORY AND SCALES: As applied to the instrument. (Simple songs).

3. AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC READING: Its history, types, reading and use in historical & contemporary times.

4. FURTHER MUSICAL THEORY & PRACTICE: Basic concepts of musical HARMONY and GUITAR CHORDS.

ESSAY 1. "The Historical Journey of the Guitar". Highlighting some of the famous makers, types, the different types of music played on them.

5. PRACTICAL 'LEAD' PLAYING: The practical applications of music reading and practical techniques. (More advanced difficult / intricate songs).

ESSAY 2. "The Guitar Today". Highlighting the various makes, differences / types, the modern electronic devices used for ' waveform modification' (FX), amplifiers, some of the various styles of modern players.

6. PRACTICAL CHORD (RHYTHM) PLAYING: The further (more advanced), concepts of chords & chord 'shapes' & positions.

7. MUSICAL THEORY: Further, to advanced knowledge and practical application(s) of musical theory and scales as applied to melody and harmony concepts.

8. PRACTICAL: The 'sharpening' process of acquired skills & knowledge.

9. SIMPLE SINGING: This is about training one's voice, but only in the BASIC sense. If one wants to become a professional singer, one should consult a professional singing teacher. (I do not pretend to be a professional voice trainer). But, it is often the case that guitarists are expected to sing, at least in the simple sense.

ASSIGNMENT: "Basic Electronic Repair & Maintenance". A short assignment on soldering, identifying basic electronic parts, understanding of how an amplifier basically works.

10. MUSICAL INDUSTRY APPRECIATION: An overview of 'industrial' vocational positions and their further functions. How to find work in the music industry. How to understand the various and other instruments, eg., brass instruments, percussionists (drums), other stringed instruments, singers, etc.

11. 'JAM SESSIONS' WITH THE TEACHER: It is assumed that by this time, the student will be confident enough to 'row his/her own boat', in that the teacher is now less of a 'teacher' and more of just another musician or perhaps a 'Jam Buddy'.

12. EXIT: This is about going briefly over EVERYTHING that the student has learned. This should take no more than about 3 weeks. At the completion of this section, the student has completed this teacher's course. It is now suggested that the student may wish to gain employment in the music industry, or perhaps attend another teacher, as ALL competent teachers have different styles and experience(s), and one will NEVER stop learning!

One further note: I take a personal, but professional interest in ALL my students. Therefore, I would certainly appreciate a contact, perhaps even several years after exit, just to let me know how one is going in terms of guitar playing.