Thank you for your interest in guitar class for your student! The following is a list of criteria and expectations for all guitar classes at TREA, and to help families select the most appropriate one for their child.
3rd-6th Beginner Class: (no experience up to less than a year)
- No student younger than 8-9
- Middle school 12-13 OK
- Even if experienced they still need help with chords and help with fingering
3rd-Middle School Intermediate Class: (some experience 1 year plus – can play chords and make chord changes changes, can follow simple strums)
- Ages 9 to Middle school ages
- Able to grow in applying strums and chords to full songs
Middle school to High School ages Advanced class: (Can read and follow to play songs already)
- Can tune their instrument
- can easily read a chord chart and follow a lead sheet
- Some experience reading tablature helpful
- Ability to use a pick and finger pick a plus (or vice versa) Both would be best
Class expectations and format:
- Students will need; a guitar, picks, tuner, and will need to purchase a syllabus to have at home for practice. I will have syllabus books available to use in the classes so they will always have what they need at home and will not have to bring the syllabus to class.
- Attention is essential – classes can be fun but it is not recess. To learn requires commitment; having their gear ready; and proper behavior in class so as not to interrupt or disturb the class.
- First 4 to 6 weeks will be to evaluate a student’s fit and their behavior – that class rules are followed. (Previous class experience is no continuance guarantee)
- Classes will be centered on chord knowledge, flat pick and fingerpick, for notes and strums, application of skills in worship songs. Songs will encourage ensemble playing, song arrangement, and skills practice.
- Information will be available relating to progression in tuning skills, changing strings and the use of a capo.
- Some music theory will be addressed but more intensive theory, standard notation reading and advanced tablature would need to be facilitated by private instruction.