Where to Teach, pt. II – College/University/Public School

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world and as such there countless people of all ages who wish to learn how to play it. One of the great things about teaching the guitar is there are a number of options as to where and how one can instruct students. Last month I outlined a number of situations one could teach in and this month I’ll get a bit more in-depth starting with the field of education.

Probably the most coveted teaching position for guitarists is at a university or college. Why? Well, for a tenured professor the pay is pretty decent, it has job security, accompanying pension and health benefits (here in the US), one works with high level students teaching lessons and guitar related classes such as pedagogy, history, coaching ensembles as well as conducting weekly masterclasses. However, in reality there are few tenure track positions in guitar available and when a position is open there is a large amount of competition. A full-time tenure track position at a college or university usually requires a minimum of a master’s degree, but a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) is almost always preferred. Additionally, some job postings may ask that candidates not only teach classical guitar, but jazz as well – you’re not teaching rock ‘n’ roll as a full-time university professor.

Although, getting a tenure track position at a college is extremely difficult, adjunct positions are more frequently posted. Adjunct faculty are those who are: part-time, paid on an hourly basis, may teach private and/or group lessons and work with music majors and non-majors alike. Furthermore, it is quite possible being adjunct faculty that one may teach popular styles of music as non-majors may register for individual lessons.

An area of growing need for skilled guitar teachers is in the public schools as more and more school districts are adding guitar programs alongside orchestra, band and choir. I say “skilled” because the guitar is a specialized instrument and many music educators are not prepared to teach it. Generally, music educators are from a vocal, orchestra or band background with little (if any) experience with guitar. Public education is a good career track which offers a salaried position, pension and benefit program. Moreover, teaching in the public schools may not always require a degree in education as many school districts offer a process called lateral entry. Lateral entry is an "alternate route to teaching for qualified individuals outside of the public education system. Lateral entry allows qualified individuals to obtain a teaching position and begin teaching right away, while obtaining a professional educator's license as they teach.” 

Have I missed anything? Please feel free to comment!

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!