Fun Adventure

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My Guitar Students: Tiny Tacticians

I’ve always believed that learning should be a fun adventure. But who knew that my humble guitar studio would morph into a battleground of wits and strategy?

Fun Adventure

Chess

Inadvertently, I’ve got a peculiar little ritual going. I teach guitar lessons, which, as you might imagine, involves a lot of strumming, picking, and the occasional frustrated grunt. But here’s the kicker: once the final chord is struck, a phenomenon occurs…my students are irresistibly drawn to the chess board. It’s as if they’ve been holding back their inner grandmaster all this while, and the moment their fingers leave the fretboard, they’re ready to pounce.

I’ve had beginners, barely able to form a C chord, challenge me to a match with the intensity of a seasoned pro. Their eyes, normally focused on fretboards and tuning pegs, are now calculating angles and plotting strategies. It’s fun to see these budding musicians transform into tiny tacticians.

Shared Experiences

I’ve come to realize that the chessboard is more than just a game to them; it’s a break, a challenge, and a chance to connect. I see their competitive spirit, their problem-solving skills, and their ability to laugh at my blunders.

Even though I’ve lost my fair share of games, there’s something incredibly rewarding about watching their faces light up with victory. It’s a small win, but it means the world to them. And in that moment, I’m not just a guitar teacher; I’m a friendly opponent, a mentor, and, dare I say, a bit of a cool dude.

It’s in these shared experiences that I believe the magic of teaching truly happens. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment. When students feel comfortable and have fun, they’re more engaged and motivated to learn. And who knows, maybe one day one of my guitar students will become a chess grandmaster and a rock star all at once.

To learn more about lessons or if you have any comments about the blogs, please feel free to send us an email.

 

A Gemini Bedtime Story

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A Bedtime Story for Young Musicians by the AI Gemini

The use of AI is pretty fun. This Gemini bedtime story turned out pretty good!

Elias, a young man with a mop of messy brown hair, bounced on the balls of his feet, excitement crackling in the air around him. Sunlight streamed through his bedroom window, painting warm squares on his worn wooden floor. In the center of the room, a worn leather suitcase gaped open, its belly threatening to burst with dreams.

Elias wasn’t packing clothes, not exactly. Nestled amongst the carefully folded maps and crumpled travel brochures was his most prized possession: a guitar. Its wood, a deep mahogany, had been polished smooth by countless hours of practice. The sunlight caught the worn pickguard, making it shimmer like a hidden treasure.

This wasn’t just any guitar. It was a melody maker, a voice for the stories that swirled in Elias’s head. Every strum, every pluck, was a note in a symphony of wanderlust. The maps weren’t just decorations; they were blueprints for adventure. The red line snaking across continents traced the path of his upcoming world tour.

Elias wasn’t a famous musician yet, but the world was waiting. Every town square, every bustling market, every quiet beach was a potential stage. He’d play for wide-eyed children in bustling city streets, for weary travelers in sun-drenched cafes, for anyone who would listen.

He wasn’t just packing a suitcase; he was packing a heart full of music. He imagined the rhythm of his guitar mingling with the sounds of laughter in a Parisian cafe, the strumming in harmony with the roar of ocean waves on a Hawaiian beach, the melodies weaving through the bustling crowds of a Tokyo marketplace.

With a final excited bounce, Elias zipped up the suitcase. The world was a vast and beautiful song, and he was ready to play his part. He shut his eyes, picturing the faces he’d meet, the stories he’d hear, the melodies he’d create. A soft smile touched his lips as sleep, like a gentle wave, carried him away on a journey of dreams, a prelude to the grand symphony that awaited him on the road.

Feel free to leave us a comment about the AI story.

Audio Recordings

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Helping Students Find Their Voice: Using Audio Recordings for Self-Assessment

As educators, we strive to equip students with the tools they need to excel. In music, a crucial skill is self-awareness – understanding how you sound to others. This is where audio recordings become a game-changer.

The Magic of Self-Hearing

Traditional learning often relies on students receiving feedback from an instructor. While valuable, it can be limited. Recordings give students the opportunity to hear themselves objectively. This can be incredibly insightful, revealing aspects of their delivery they might not have noticed.

Audio Recordings

Jazmin at the Greeley Studio

Rhythm and Pitch

Imagine a student working on a strumming pattern or a lead. Upon playback, they can:

  • Identify rhythmic inconsistencies. Do they rush through certain passages or drag out others? There is also a visual representation of the audio which allows them to see pacing issues.
  • Recognize pitch fluctuations. Are the bends in tune or do they unintentionally over or under shoot the note? Hearing themselves can also help them tweak the solos and help them find and create their own melodic voice.

Beyond the Basics: Overall Delivery

Self-recording goes beyond capturing your performance. It’s a powerful tool for dissecting your playing and taking your skills to the next level.

Here’s what you can listen for:

  • Clarity of notes: Are your notes ringing out clean, or are there any unwanted string noise or fret buzz?
  • Dynamics: Are you using a good range of volume between soft passages and loud accents?
  • Timing: Is your playing tight and in time, or are there any hesitations or rushes?
  • Feeling and expression: Does your playing convey the emotion you’re aiming for?

By listening back to your recordings, you can identify areas for improvement and focus your practice sessions more effectively.

The Power of Google Drive: Accessibility on Demand

By saving recordings directly to the student’s Google Drive folder, they will have access at any time. This allows them to:

  • Compare multiple recordings. They can track their progress over time, observing improvements in areas like soloing or rhythm guitar.
  • Practice outside of class. Students can use the recordings as a reference point for self-practice, allowing them to refine their delivery at their own convenience.
  • Collaborate with peers. Students can share their recordings to get feedback fostering a supportive learning environment.

Unlocking Potential: Audio Recordings as a Learning Tool

By hearing themselves objectively, students can identify areas for improvement and take ownership of their learning journey. This has proven to be an amazing learning tool!

Ready to rock? Sign up for your first guitar, bass, ukulele or drum lesson today!

First Lesson

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Finding the Flow: Rhythm in Teaching

The first lesson with a new student is always really exciting. Getting to know their learning style, gauging their skill level, and figuring out the best path to take them on is a lot of fun.

After several lessons, it can be tempting to throw structure out the window and chase whatever sparks their interest that day. But I’ve discovered that a strong foundation in lesson structure can actually fuel flexibility, leading to a smooth, collaborative learning rhythm.

First Lesson

Rowans First Lesson on Bass

Structure

Here’s how this structured flexibility creates a winning combination:

  1. Consistency Builds Confidence:

Students thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect from a lesson – a warm-up, a review, some new material, practice exercises, and a wrap-up – provides a sense of security. They can approach each session feeling comfortable, ready to dive right in. This consistency frees up mental space, allowing them to focus on the actual learning instead of worrying about what’s coming next.

  1. Structure Empowers Exploration:

A solid structure is like a sturdy bridge. It gives you a safe platform to venture off on side paths based on your student’s interests. Did a particular concept spark a question? Great! Take the time to explore it together. Perhaps a student wants to try a new approach to a problem. Even better! Use this as a learning opportunity, while still ensuring you eventually circle back to the original plan.

  1. Flexibility Leads to Engagement:

Teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. Each student is unique, and their interests can steer a lesson in unexpected directions. By having a flexible structure, it’s easy to adapt to their curiosities, turning them into teachable moments. This creates a dynamic learning environment where students feel heard and engaged, fostering a love for the subject matter.

Planning the First Lesson

So, how do I actually implement this?

  • Planning the Framework: Starting with broad learning goals, I can then break them down into smaller, achievable objectives for each lesson.
  • Leave Room for Deviations: Adjusting my plan based on your student’s needs. There may be times when a detour is exactly what’s needed to solidify understanding.
  • Always Circle Back: If I veer off course, then it’s important to eventually return to the original objective, tying the exploration back to the core learning goal of the lesson.

The ideal lesson structure is one that fosters a rhythm – a predictable flow that feels both comfortable and dynamic. It’s a framework that empowers the student to explore, learn, and grow together, one enriching session at a time.

For more information on guitar, bass, ukulele, or drum lessons, please contact us. 

Online Lessons

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Online Lessons: Story’s Musical Journey

Story, now 12, had started learning to play guitar when she was 7. The guitar had become an instrument she really started to excel at. But when her family relocated, starting over with a new teacher was definitely a possibility.

This is why I am so glad online lessons were invented. Connecting virtually meant the transition to a new city would have one less concern for them. And of course, I was very happy that I could still teach her. Even though there are some draw backs, having a consistent lesson format can help tremendously when learning a new instrument.

Online Lessons

Story taking online guitar lessons

The Privilege to Teach Story

For me, it’s been a privilege to witness her progress unfold. Seeing her confidence grow as she tackles new chords and melodies is just as rewarding online as it was in person. Technology allows me to tailor lessons to her specific needs, demonstrating techniques and still providing immediate feedback.

The flexibility of online lessons has also been a bonus. With the occasional scheduling conflict, online sessions allow us to easily adjust the time without disrupting Story’s practice routine. This consistency is crucial, especially for young musicians where regular practice is key to developing skills and maintaining motivation.

Story’s dedication to her instrument is truly inspiring. Despite the physical distance, her enthusiasm for learning shines through the screen each week. She actively participates, asks questions, and eagerly shares her musical discoveries. It’s a testament to the power of online learning that a strong student-teacher bond can be maintained even in a virtual space.

So, if you’re hesitant about online lessons for yourself or your child, take Story’s experience as an example. Technology has revolutionized learning, offering accessibility and flexibility without compromising quality. With the right platform and a dedicated teacher, online lessons can be just as enriching and rewarding as traditional in-person instruction.

If you are interested in taking online lessons, please contact us.