Our Guitar Program is specifically designed to develop guitarists who are musically literate and highly versatile across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genre. Depending on the student’s initial interest they begin studies on either Classical Guitar or Contemporary Guitar eventually completing a highly comprehensive course of study.
The Classical Guitar Program follows a syllabus designed to prepare students for participation in the National Music Certificate Program which is associated with the internationally recognized Royal Conservatory of Music. The National Music Certificate Program offers a comprehensive music education that combines tools for high-quality instruction with opportunities for personal development. Candidates completing the National Music Certificate Program gain nationwide recognition and lifelong skills.
Curriculum Example:
Reading Standard Music Notation
Guitar Technique
Classical Guitar Repertoire (16th Century – 21st Century)
Scales/Modes (Open Scales, Modes and the Eight Movable Scales and Modes)
Fingerboard Logic and Harmony
Basic Chords
Music Theory and its application on the guitar
Ear Training and its application
Performance Training as a soloist and in an ensemble
The Contemporary Guitar Program follows a syllabus developed by the school's director, Richard Cox. This program develops guitarists who are fully prepared to enter the music field as working professionals if they so desire. The curriculum was developed around specific competencies that the modern guitarist must master in order to compete in the music industry at the professional level. Contrary to the current trend in guitar instruction, students are not taught a “song of the week.” Instead, lessons focus on becoming a better guitarist by mastering competencies in a logical and systematic progression. Students should expect to learn to read standard music notation and chord symbols in addition to learning to improvise single-line solos in the many contemporary music styles.
Curriculum Example:
Reading Standard Music Notation
Contemporary Standards in Rock, Blues, Country and Jazz
Guitar Technique
Scales/Modes (Open Scales and the Eight Movable Scales and Modes)
Fingerboard Logic
Basic Chords, Movable Chord System, Diminished 7 Chord System
Chord Construction (4 Way Drop 2 and 4 Way Drop 3 Voicings)
Music Theory and its application to the guitar
Ear Training and its application
Performance Training as a soloist and in an ensemble
The Suzuki Guitar Program - This internationally recognized method of music instruction for children was developed by Japanese violinist and music educator Shinichi Suzuki. It has helped produce some of the world’s finest musicians. Suzuki parents begin the training themselves in Suzuki Parent Education classes where they learn about the Suzuki philosophy and method in addition to learning to play "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" using the nylon-string classical guitar. Once the child begins lessons the parent is well prepared to supervise the at home practice sessions and take an active part in the weekly private lessons and small group classes.
Parent Education Class - This four week class provides parents with the tools needed to be an active partner in their child's learning process. Subjects covered include preliminary lessons on beginning classical guitar technique and sitting position, proper supervision of at-home practice sessions, elementary music rudiments and lesson expectations.
