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7 Real Classroom Questions Answered

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Read More about 7 Real Classroom Questions Answered about 7 Real Classroom Questions Answered
7 Real Classroom Questions Answered
If you’ve ever attended a Teaching Guitar Workshop, you may have written a question, concern or comment on an anonymous sticky note for one of or guitar-teaching gurus to answer. If you’ve never been to a Teaching Guitar Workshop, that’s how we roll. Further[…]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 7 about Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 7
Classroom Guitar Diary – Week 7
The G and D chords and learning about a progression. I had a restful two week spring break! And so did most of my students so, I was a little worried about how much they would retain. Back to our regularly scheduled classes! I started this week’s lesson letting students know that we will be studying 3 more weeks of guitar. While I LOVE guitar classes and would teach nothing but that all year, I do know that not everyone shares my passion and some kids want to get back to making other kinds of music. Kids who share my […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about All You Can Eat Guitar Ensemble Music about All You Can Eat Guitar Ensemble Music
All You Can Eat Guitar Ensemble Music
Being a musician helps you see patterns. So, after years of teachers telling us that they wanted more guitar sheet music for their classroom guitar programs, we started to see a pattern. Eureka! All you can eat guitar music. Step up to the buffet and start getting some ideas for your classroom. * Steve Kaufman – Flatpik Central – some great downloads here – chords, leads, and TAB. Steve also has some bonus downloads like blank chord charts and TAB manuscript paper. * Guitar Downunder – this site has some awesome downloads! The site has Guitar Ensemble Music – always […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about 11 Ideas for a Big Guitar Program on a Tiny Budget about 11 Ideas for a Big Guitar Program on a Tiny Budget
11 Ideas for a Big Guitar Program on a Tiny Budget
You’re a teacher…even better…a school music educator! You have navigated budget cuts and lived to tell the tale, you are used to ambiguity (communicating through dots on a page), and you know you’re going to have to figure out how to run your classroom guitar program in adverse conditions. What to do!?!? First: We’re here to help you through it – you’ve got friends. Second: Don’t panic….take a deep breath. Guitar classes can generally be started for less than the cost of a tuba. Third: Read these 11 ideas and recognize that success is within reach. 1. No guitars Have […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about The Ultimate Barre Chord Blog about The Ultimate Barre Chord Blog
The Ultimate Barre Chord Blog
OK, your kids can play the notes on the first few strings and they can play a few chords in first position. They’re excited, but they’re constrained. Let me tell you, the first giant leap out of the box on guitar involves two words – Barre Chords! Using a few primary shapes barre chords allow you cruise all over the guitar neck and play just about any chord your heart desires. F#7 – no problem with barre chords. Cmin – no problem with barre chords. Db – you got it – barre chords! Before you jump in with the shapes […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 4 about Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 4
Teaching Guitar – A Classroom Diary – Week 4
“But why do I have to go? School is not fun!” That quote is from a first-grade child, asking his mom why he has to go every single day to this place that he was told was going to be a lot of fun, but has not lived up to the hype. If he could articulate further, he might say, “I am only six. I like to have fun, but school is not fun and from what I can tell, it’s going to get worse every year, […]

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January 27, 2026
Read More about Setting Up A Guitar Room about Setting Up A Guitar Room
Setting Up A Guitar Room
Guitars: The school should own a classroom set of matched instruments. Most veteran guitar teachers recommend nylon string (classical) guitars for many reasons. Nylon String Guitars are much easier on beginner’s fingers. Can play all musical styles. Tend to break less frequently than steel string guitars. Can be easier to repair than steel string guitars. Storage: Lockers and/or Racks. Both personal and school owned instruments will need to be stored. Practical solutions include hanging the instruments on the wall, using a rack system, or using lockers.

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March 15, 2024
Read More about Burnout about Burnout
Burnout
Burnout can be especially hard during the holiday season with so many obligations – concerts, grading, personal, etc. If you wake up and find yourself asking, “Why did I want to be a teacher?”, try out a few of these strategies. 1. Have Fun Daily with Your Students Share jokes, brief stories, puzzles, brain teasers, etc. This keeps it interesting for you and for your students.

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March 15, 2024
Read More about Lafayette Guitar Festival about Lafayette Guitar Festival
Lafayette Guitar Festival
The Lafayette Guitar Festival got its start 3 years ago when I decided to form a rock band made up of students from my guitar classes. Tuesday Night Rock Band was formed and it is the most fun I have had in years! TNRB, as we call it, made appearances at basketball games and variety shows but wanted a night where they could play for friends and family. It was such an overwhelming success that I had to create a second rock band to accommodate all of the students who wanted to be a part of the group. It’s Guitar Class! Have Fun!!!

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March 15, 2024
Read More about It’s Guitar Class! Have Fun!!! about It’s Guitar Class! Have Fun!!!
It’s Guitar Class! Have Fun!!!
But why do I have to go? School is not fun!” That quote is from a first-grade child, asking his mom why he has to go every single day to this place that he was told was going to be a lot of fun, but has not lived up to the hype. If he could articulate further, he might say, “I am only six. I like to have fun, but school is not fun and from what I can tell, it’s going to get worse every year, not better.” This is not an April Fool’s Day anecdote; it’s all too […]

Read More about It’s Guitar Class! Have Fun!!!

February 18, 2024
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