Where to Teach, pt. I – Options

I remember when I began teaching guitar and trying to navigate how to make a living teaching lessons or at least supplement my income. Moreover, several times in my life I have had to start from square one as a teacher, but each time it got easier because I had developed the knowledge and skills on how to do it. It would be nice if all one had to do was post a sign offering lessons and the students would just show up; however, it is never that simple and building a thriving studio will take time, patience and perseverance.

One of the great things about teaching guitar is that there multiple places one can teach – you can pick one or several in order to develop an income stream which works for you.

· College/University/Public School - class guitar, individual lessons for music majors/minors/general student population)

· Music School - geared toward individual lessons

· Community Arts School - focusing on a specific local population

· Music Store - usually a retail establishment which offers lessons

· Home - students come to your home

· Travel - the teacher goes to an individual’s home to teach lessons

· Outreach Programs – generally afterschool programs offered to school districts

· Skype/Internet – video conferencing lessons with students far away

Over the next several posts I will discuss the pros and cons of each teaching each situation. Until next time!

Building a Reference Library, Pt. IV – Styles

Over the course of my career as a musician I have always been interested in other styles of music; although I started out playing rock I have also studied classical, flamenco and jazz to name a few. Having studied other styles has come in extremely handy as a guitar teacher because inevitably a student comes in who is interested in: joining the school in jazz band, playing some country licks or even getting into some finger picking. 

This month I wanted to wrap-up the series of “Building a Reference Library” by noting several books which are wonderful starting points for students (and teachers!) with the basics of a given style. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list by any means, but some books that have been in my library which have been helpful to me over the years. 

The Keys to Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 1

By Dennis Koster

This is a fantastic book for dipping into the flamenco pool, introducing flamenco forms and rasgueado technique in a structured and easy to understand manner.

Swing & Big Band Guitar 

By Charlton Johnson

This is a great book for understanding the basics of “four-to-the-bar comping in the style of Freddy Green”. 

Bossa Nova & Samba for Guitar

By Mike Christiansen

One of my favorite books for getting into the rhythms and chord changes which are indicative of Bossa Nova/Samba style. 

Mel Bay’s

Getting Into….

This is actually a pretty neat little series Mel Bay put out. Two books I have from the series are Funk Guitar by Ronald Muldrow and Slide Guitar by Steve Dawson. 

Solo Guitar Playing 1

By Frederick Noad

This is a book about the classical guitar and has been around for years. It covers the basic seating position, techniques, note reading and includes a ton of music examples. However, if classical is a style your student (or yourself) and interested in learning I would highly recommend finding a qualified instructor. Classical guitar is one of those styles in which a well versed teacher is required as learning bad habits can take years to undo. 

Hope this is helpful and if anyone else has some style recommended books feel free to comment – thanks!

Building a Reference Library, Pt. III – Sight Reading

Back in December I began a series of posts discussing reference books that would benefit teachers to have in their library. This month I’ll continue and talk about some good books for sight reading. I know most guitarists don’t read or don’t read well, but working on it with a student is a good way to dive in and practice that skill! 

Rhythmic Training

By

Robert Starer

Before one even starts to read notes on the staff, it is a great idea to become familiar with rhythms. Rhythmic Training is good book to start with and there is an also a workbook available with various rhythm drills. 

Rhythms Complete

By

Dr. Charles Colin and Bugs Bower

This book emphasizes short eighth measure melodic studies, focusing specific rhythms with accompanying chords above. The rhythms don’t get much faster than eight notes and also supplies examples of picking patterns.

Reading Contemporary Guitar Rhythms

By 

M.T. Szymczak

This book has been in my library for years! There are one and two page studies and it emphasizes working with sixteenth note rhythms. One of the things that is unique is that it offers a rhythm guitar part with its own accompanying rhythm. It is from the Berklee Series and is out of print, but if you come across a copy that is not too pricey it is worth it.

Guitar Position Studies

By 

Roger Filiberto

The title says it all – studies in all positions. Of course you can read music in any position, but this is organized and helps to break down the fretboard positions and offers studies which are specific to each.

Sight Reading for the Contemporary Guitarist

By

Tom Bruner

Looking for a challenge? This is it! The book has position studies, but the trick is the notes are entirely random. This book can be frustrating, but you’ll get to know the notes - that’s for sure.