MY TEACHING METHODOLOGIES

My fundamental approach to teaching the guitar using a set of specific methods involving singing, playing, and applying in context.

Methodology

Methodology is the overall approach a teacher takes to teach their students in the most effective way possible. Some methodologies are common while some are unique and preferred by certain teachers, honed and crafted after years of teaching. Here are some of my core tried-and-tested methodologies that I have learnt and implemented in my own learning journey. These have helped me and surely helps my students too.

Master-Apprentice Approach

As your mentor, I provide personalized guidance, ensuring a transformative musical journey where traditional wisdom merges seamlessly with contemporary techniques. In this intimate setting, you're not just a student; you're an apprentice, learning the guitar under a master's careful guidance. The whole learning process is customized to your bespoke needs, with each learner being treated on a case by case basis.

    • Learning customised to bespoke needs, treated on a case-by-case basis

    • Two-way interaction rather than one - asking questions, playing together etc

    • Achieve goals sooner at a high standard

Song Analysis

Uncover the artistry behind every song through in-depth song analysis. Dissect melodies, unravel harmonies, and delve into the nuances of each song. Together, we'll explore the underlying structures, unlocking the secrets that breathe life into the music. Elevate your playing with a deeper understanding of the songs you love, and let's embark on a musical journey that goes beyond the surface.

    • Look at music from a top level perspective (understanding both macro and micro)

    • Improve general musicianship as you study more than just the guitar parts

    • Become better at other roles of songwriter/composer/arranger/producer

3 Birds 1 Stone

Learn scales, fretboard and theory together in a holistic and comprehensive manner where one is intrinsically related to another. Another example is to play along with recordings during the transcription process which greatly improves your time feel and groove since you are playing with the actual artists rather than a backing track or a click.

    • Make your practice more efficient

    • Tackle different challenges effectively

    • Improve the planning aspect to your practice with some creativity

Deep Listening

Deep listening is a musical discipline that transcends the ordinary. It leads to attentive detail, reshaping perspectives, and cultivating a refined taste for sound. Beyond mere instruction, it serves as a powerful tool to enhance ear training, fostering the development of keen ears that strengthen the overall learning experience. Deep listening is not just a skill but a gateway to a profound musical understanding.

    • Enhance enjoyment of music

    • Improve ears to learn songs more effectively

    • Repetition leads to better memory

Guitar Workouts

Much like working out at the gym, these practices are specific to this instrument, giving you the command and control that is needed to become a strong and confident guitarist. Diving into the details of the position of both hands and where the thumb should rest, navigating across the fretboard learning all the notes, building finger stamina, and much more.

    • These exercises are guitar-specific

    • Makes practising the instrument more interesting

    • Room for creativity and putting your own spin on it, making it work for you

Innovative Notation System

Make musical learning easy to follow and understand with an innovative notation system designed to simplify complexities and accelerate your guitar journey. Say goodbye to traditional hurdles and embrace a system that propels your understanding, making each lesson an enjoyable exploration of music. 

    • Play popular riffs which are simplified

    • Various memorable positions and shapes

    • Be able to communicate or record musical ideas

Transcription

Transcription is a specific method of learning music by ear. This process involves singing and vocalising musical phrases, finding and playing them on the guitar, then putting that knowledge to practical use by applying and using it in different contexts. Transcription will ultimately broaden your musical vocabulary, making your musical language more stylistically convincing, while improving playing abilities on the instrument as well as development in ear training.

    • Build your own ‘lick library’, confidently speaking the language of music

    • Build up a comprehensive repertoire of songs and standards

    • Deeply understand the music through rigorous study

Stylistic Crossovers

Imagine comparing Santana’s Europa compared to jazz standard Autumn Leaves, which are two songs in different styles. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? In my lessons, you will learn to find and analyse these tunes in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm. This method opens up new horizons and offers better understanding of styles.

    • Understand stylistic components

    • Dig into some musical history

    • Widen knowledge of artists and repertoire

Personalised Roadmap

Embark on a musical journey crafted just for you. Tailored to your unique goals and skill level, your personalised roadmap ensures each lesson is a purposeful step forward. Together, we navigate a path that resonates with your musical aspirations, making learning an individualized and fulfilling experience. Let's map out your personalized route to guitar excellence.

    • See exactly where you are in relation to your goals

    • Know exactly what you need to get there

    • Regularly review progress to optimise the practice

Remember: You are what you eat.