What I Offer
The Suzuki Guitar Method
Made for children aged 4 and above, Suzuki Education is also known as Talent Education and requires deep parental involvement. Parents begin with a series of guitar lessons and learn the basics of holding the guitar, hand position, tone production, and how to play the first song in the Suzuki Method: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Principles of rhythm and listening then commence and practice strategies are discussed. Parents also begin playing the Suzuki Guitar School CD for their children. The success of the child also depends on the example that you set at home. Parent lessons also help me to know your child, their personality, and their strengths, through your eyes.
The child begins attending group classes as they master the first song. As the student progresses, the parental role becomes that of a home teacher in which they continue to attend the child’s lessons, supervise their practice, maintain motivation, and advise me on their child’s needs.
The parent maintains this involvement until the day when we decide together that the child is ready to take responsibility for their own progress, usually in their early teens.
Traditional Classic Guitar
This method, on the other hand, is designed for children aged 13 and adults. Parent involvement and supervision are still required for all pre-teen students. Beginners will start with a method book such as those by Frederick Noad or Aaron Shearer.
Proper sitting position, tone production, and hand placements are emphasized, while practice strategies and music reading are prioritized. Intermediate and advanced students may use a method book such as Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant or Solo Guitar by Frederick Noad.
All non-beginners will also have a mix of Didactic (Studies) and Interpretive (Repertoire) to maintain the knowledge that is appropriate for their age and practice level. Performances will also be emphasized.