Studying guitar is a rigorous
discipline. Because of this I consider
taking on new students a substantial
responsibility.
If you or your child desires to begin guitar
studies we will precede as follows.
First Meeting: Our first lesson will
be an evaluation lesson lasting
approximately one hour. We are not
necessarily looking for existing musical
training, but rather the aptitude and
physical dexterity required to master the
instrument. I will take the prospective
student through a number of evaluative tasks
to measure areas such as tone recognition,
rhythm repetition, and basic guitar
fingerings.
This first lesson will determine our course
for the first set of lessons.
The fee for the first lesson will be $45.
Subsequent
to the First Lesson:
If you choose to proceed with private
lessons I will ask the student or student's
parents to agree to a
fixed-term contract. Half-hour lessons for
younger students are $25. One hour lessons
for advanced students are $45. Additionally, I will
assist the student in acquiring the
necessary equipment for the lessons.
Our work will then proceed over an
initial three-year plan.
First Year: learn the parts of the
guitar; how to hold it properly;
establishing a correct right-hand position
(this will differ with every student; how
to read music; learning basic theory and
knowledge of the fretboard; how to tune a
guitar; reading rhythms and keeping time;
establishing basic right and left hand
technique by use of the two method books
Kitharologus and Sagreras-these books will
systematically go through basic to advanced
exercises on attacks (free and rest
strokes), arpeggios, block chords, reach
development (hand elasticity), slurs
(hammer-ons and pull-offs), barre chords,
scales, etc.; beginner etudes from Sor,
Aguado, Giuliani and Carcassi will enforce
what is learned in a larger musical context.
In Kitharologus: levels 1 and 2 will be
explored and mastered. In Sagreras: lessons
1-60.
Second Year:
continued work on technique at
a beginner/intermediate level: further
strengthening of left and right hands with
more advanced slurs, extensions, shifts,
scales, arpeggios, etc; expand repertory to
longer pieces (developing memory along the
way); further work with etudes; introduction
to music of all eras-Renaissance to 20th
century; further knowledge of fretboard;
music theory begin learning how to interpret
music in context of time period; development
of sight reading skills. In Kitharologus:
levels 3 and 4. In Sagreras: finish book 1,
begin book 2.
Third Year: intermediate to advanced
intermediate technical work; further
strengthening of left and right hands; more
advanced etudes by composers such as
Villa-Lobos, Sor, Barrios, Tarrega,
Giuliani; expansion of repertory to longer
pieces (3 pages or more); intermediate sight
reading; further development of
interpretation skills; theory. IMPORTANT: By
this time, students will have complete
knowledge of fretboard and note recognition
anywhere on the guitar within the first 15
frets. Also students will be able to spell
basic chords-major, minor, diminished,
augmented and 7th chords, as well as
understand their harmonic function in music.
In Kitharologus: levels 4 and 5. In Sagreras:
continuing in book 2.
Fourth Year and Beyond: Advanced
studies based on student's progress.
Are you ready for our first meeting?
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