Class Description

     - Course description:

Guitar Club is a course for more experienced players to showcase and share the songs they love to play with other budding guitarists. Students also get guidance on anything they are struggling with in regards to the guitar or the songs they are learning. Learning how to give constructive feedback is an important skill that is given substantial focus in this class. In a world that can be sensitive to any critique, it is important that students learn how to give and receive feedback in a mature and productive fashion.

        - Class structure:

Guitar Club is a round table format where students take turns sharing the songs they are working on and then getting constructive feedback from the teacher and other students. They can also get guidance on aspects of the guitar or songs they are learning that are proving challenging.

        - Syllabus:

Since this is a workshop class, the syllabus is dictated by whatever challenges the student needs clarification on regarding the songs they are working on. Students are also guided in the art of giving constructive feedback that is helpful and effective to their peers.

        - Interaction:

Students are encouraged to compliment or give constructive feedback after a student presents their performance piece. They are also encouraged to share in each other’s learning process as we present the challenges and concepts particular to each student’s individual piece.

        - Learning goals:

To use the challenges that face the player to grow as a musician and a person. Also to learn how to give positive, constructive feedback that encourages the recipient of the feedback.

        - Homework / practice time:

Students should practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, as daily repetition is essential in showing progress on the instrument. 1-2 hours a week will ensure they show progress weekly. However, the more time they spend practicing, the quicker they will become proficient on the instrument.

        - Assessment:

I give verbal assessments during the class for each student highlighting where they are excelling and where the challenges lie in their playing. Parents can request a written assessment via any messaging format.

        - Distribution of Class Materials:

During these online classes, students will see screen shares of the worksheets for the following week as the instructor explains the assignment. The worksheets will be emailed in a PDF format to all the students / parents after the class has concluded.

        - Teaching style:

Dave is very patient, energetic and compassionate to the challenges of learning music. He stresses the importance of balancing discipline with fun and tackling a number of small tasks instead of one large task in order to learn music swiftly and with much less stress.

        - Teaching experience:

I have been teaching private music lessons from my own studio for 24 years, with additional teaching experience in public schools and employee training while working as a music librarian for Disney Studios.  I teach group lessons in piano, ukulele, guitar, song writing and music geography. I have worked with children ages 4-18 throughout my teaching career. While at Disney I also helped prepare the scores for numerous films such as Frozen, Big Hero 6 and many other family classics. This experience allows me to prepare custom pieces for my students based on their interests and favorite songs because of the skills acquired while working in the film industry.

I have been playing piano for over 40 years, and guitar and ukulele for over 10 years. I have created my own curriculum for these instruments, emphasizing taking complex ideas and simplifying them for any age group so students can play music AND understand how music works. I have been writing songs for 37 years and focus on my students releasing their creativity while learning how to give and receive constructive feedback to their peers. I have studied world music and culture for over 31 years, which greatly informs my understanding of Music Geography. 

        - Next steps:

After this class, students will be well prepared to start taking private lessons.

Additional Information

Class size: 3-10 students

Supplies: Students will need to purchase the following items

Students need to have a 3-ring binder with plastic pockets on the inside of the front and back covers. Guitars can be purchased online through Sweetwater. Here is link to a great, affordable guitar: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FS800NT--yamaha-fs800-concert-natural

     

Prerequisites

Students should have enough knowledge of the guitar that they are learning and playing songs on their own.

Class tags:
Guitar/Banjo/Ukulele