Members BarneyGumbel Posted December 1, 2004 Members Posted December 1, 2004 I've been teaching at-risk youth for several years through a program I started (www.musicmentorship.org). Most often, we only see a youth for one or two lessons, so we rarely get beyond teaching them a few chords, or catchy riffs from songs they like. The purpose is to give them a positive experience. Now, I have a few private students that are kids of friends of ours. I didn't sell myself as a guitar instructor - they just asked me to start giving their kids lessons, so I agreed. I started off by teaching them open chords, how to read chord charts. We then moved on to strumming patterns. We are now working on the Minor Pentatonic scale, and 12-bar blues, but I also try to show them riffs from songs they like, to keep them interested. My worry is that my private lessons are not leading them down a clear path to competant guitar playing. I'm not sure exactly what I should be teaching them, the sequence of things I should be showing them, and how long I should spend on one particular thing. They don't practice a whole lot, I've noticed, so I find that we have to keep revisiting things I've shown them. So, I wonder if anyone can recommend some resources that lay out a clear week-by-week plan for teaching beginning guitarists. I've been relying on my instinct (from years of teaching at-risk youth), and feeding off of their interests, but I feel like I need some sort of guideline that can provide some structure. Any assistenance/recommendations would be VERY helpful!
Members marekk Posted December 1, 2004 Members Posted December 1, 2004 Cool helping at risk kids! I am not at risk(only those listening to my playing are), but i am a beginner(adult too). Sounds like very reasonable approach you were using so far. Just a sugestion, but maybe talk to a school music instructor from their school and ask for some input on were to go. I know my kids took band in school and progressed at a fanastic pace.
Members LosBoleros Posted December 2, 2004 Members Posted December 2, 2004 There should be emphasis on fun so you are doing right to show them stuff they like. If it was me I would encourage singing. Have then sing the basic major scale as a warm up and learn songs that they can sing to. That's what I would want to do. With the right mindsets, alot could be acomplished. Sorry for the non-guitarish answer.
Members 1boogieman Posted December 8, 2004 Members Posted December 8, 2004 Here's a book written from semester/year guitar class format.http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=18065 Lessons are easy to understand (for teacher and student) and the topics in the table of contents are perfect for lesson plans which are included.
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