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Four
keys to learning to play the guitar:
- Mechanics
- Knowledge of the Fretboard
- Ear Training
- Play
With
even a rudimentary command of these skills the guitarist begins to
"learn how to learn." Styles and genres become choices rather than
prisons. A world of music opens up.
Guitar instruction is offered to anyone, at any level, interested in
pick-style guitar. The primary focus of the approach used is HOW
to play, rather than WHAT to play. Work is done in four areas:
- The MECHANICS
of the right and left hand.
- KNOWLEDGE
of the FRETBOARD. A
command of scale and chord structures frees us from dependence on chord
books, tablature and the memorization of shapes and "licks" without
context.
- EAR
TRAINING. Once we know how to
produce a sound (mechanics) and where on the fingerboard a sound can be
produced (fretboard knowledge), how do we choose which sound to produce.
- PLAY. Putting skills and techniques to work in
musical situations is essential. Without creativity and play, skill is
merely dry information. And so, at every stage and every level, play is
important. This can be accomplished with a) music created in the
moment, designed to utilize a particular skill; b) the development of repertoire,
for more refined applications; and c) guided group lessons where we can
play together, putting our command of these skills to the test in a
musical context. For Guitar Craft students there is a large and growing
body of repertoire available. For individual students, there is a world
of music; songs and classical compositions. And for everyone, nothing
is more effective than writing and performing our own music.
The practice,
then, is divided into four areas:
- BEGINNERS. Beginners work with the fundamental principles
and mechanics of the guitar. The pace and specifics are left open, in
part to be determined by the prior experience, circumstances and
aspirations of the student.
- EXPERIENCED. Guidance is offered with the focus on
increased understanding and refinement of skills, supplementary
techniques, ear training, the development of efficient practice habits,
performance skills and the introduction of repertoire. For those
working in the Guitar Craft
standard tuning, this includes work with other players on the body of
Guitar Craft repertoire.
- CIRCLES. Within particular geographic regions, Circles
sometimes form to work together more extensively.
At all levels and
throughout this process, emphasis is on "how we
are" as we undertake the tasks and skills necessary. The understanding
is
that we are, ourselves, the real instrument and the guitar is the
particular
tool we have chosen for the task. The development of an effortless
technique is
crucial. Much of my understanding of the ergonomics of the guitar has
come from
my work with the Alexander Technique, which
has been part of Guitar Craft since its inception. From
time to time we invite an Alexander teacher to take part in the Circle
meetings,
and conduct classes and courses.
email
curtgolden@curtgolden.com
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