GUITAR/UKULELE CLASSES
Students should be at least age 7 to begin Guitar study. As a preliminary step, we recommend Ukulele for those aged 6.
CLASSICAL GUITAR
In Classical Guitar classes the students learn to read music (a skill that is transferable to other instruments) and also the basic techniques used in playing the guitar. Whilst the focus is on learning and understanding musical notation, classical guitar classes also include basic rhythm guitar techniques (learning chords and strumming rhythms for playing songs).
Classical Guitar lessons are best suited to students who want to learn how to read music as their main objective.
In the Beginner and Intermediate Guitar ensembles which all classical guitar students are encouraged to join, the focus is more on rhythm guitar playing.
For these classes, NYLON STRING guitars are recommended (as opposed to steel string guitars).
UKULELE
Students can begin to study Ukulele from age six.
The popularity of the Ukulele has grown strongly in recent years, due to its ease of playing and affordability. It is an excellent instrument for young beginning music students.
Beginners’ classes cover basic chords and strumming, picking melodies, reading music and some music theory. Adult students are welcome. If the student is a child, a parent/caregiver is encouraged to also attend the classes.
Following on from the Beginners’ class, students can continue with additional music theory, including playing orchestrated music in a small Ukulele ensemble group, as well as playing in a multi-instrumental group. The knowledge and skills gained are useful for progressing to another instrument, especially to guitar.
RHYTHM/
CONTEMPORARY GUITAR
A nylon or steel-string guitar is required. (Nylon is recommended for young beginners). These classes are for students who want to focus solely on rhythm guitar (reading chords and strumming) and reading tablature.
No music notation is taught in these classes. Beginners’ classes focus on learning basic chords and strumming styles. Continuers’ classes further students’ chord and fret-board knowledge and strumming styles, and introduce reading tablature.
ELECTRIC GUITAR
An electric guitar uses one or more pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals. The vibration occurs when a guitarist strums, plucks, fingerpicks, or taps the strings. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is sent to a guitar amplifier before being sent to the speaker/speakers, which converts it into audible sound.
BASS GUITAR
The Bass Guitar, also known as Bass or Electric Bass, is similar in appearance and construction to an electric guitar. It anchors the harmonic framework and establishes the beat. Students will need a fretted bass guitar (preferably 4 strings) with a lead/cable and a practice amp. Beginner classes focus on finger style playing and reading music in the bass clef, as well as some basic improvisation and playing by ear. Several styles of music will be covered.
The goal of these classes is to develop a competency to enable the student to participate in ensembles and other music groups. Continuers classes will focus on development of techniques learned and increase skill levels, and some music theory as it relates to the bass.
