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Classical Guitar LESsons FAQ
What is a classical guitar ?
A classical guitar is an acoustic string instrument with nylon strings instead of metal strings. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingernails rather than a pick.
What kind of music is played on a classical guitar?
A variety of music is played on this instrument: classical, jazz, folk, pop arrangements, and south-american music to name a few. Listen to the playlists below to give you an idea of what you could be playing!
Where does the Classical Guitar come from ?
The classical guitar descended from the vihuela, a 15th-century spanish instrument that had four sets of double strings called "courses." In the mid-16th century, a five-string instrument known as the baroque guitar superseded the vihuela. The baroque guitar grew in popularity in Spain, France and Italy. By the late 18th century, most guitars had now six strings. During the 19th century, the Spanish luthier Antonio de Torres made structural changes to the instrument's body. These improvements allowed for a better projection and sustained sound. Torres is largely responsible for the design of the classical guitar we know today.
Do you teach styles of guitar playing other than the classical guitar style?
We teach both classical guitar style and fingerstyle guitar. Classical guitar is played by plucking a nylon-string guitar with the fingers. Fingerstyle guitar is also played by plucking with the fingers and shares many similarities in terms of technique as the classical guitar style, but is played on a steel-string guitar. We specialize in both styles! Unfortunately, we do not teach playing with a pick or electric guitar.
Am I too young for guitar?
The youngest I will teach are 7 years old. There may be exceptions for 6 year olds depending on the maturity and the physical ability (coordination between hands). Please inquire for a trial lesson to see if it will work. I found that often under 7 the coordination is too difficult when the child has to do two different things in both hands (plucking and holding a note). For 6 and under, I usually recommend Ukulele lessons as the instrument is smaller, only has four strings and has less tension in the strings. They can practice strumming and singing on it!
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For children under 10, I highly recommend that the parent sit in the lesson. The parent will also have to commit to helping them practice at home, otherwise, be warned that it will not work out as expected. Please be prepared to help them!
Am I too old or too inexperienced for guitar?
In terms of how old one can be: nobody is ever too old to begin guitar. The oldest I ever taught was 90 years of age! Let that inspire you! Guitar is a beautiful instrument that will bring you not only joy but many benefits such as improved concentration, better long-term memory as well as reaction-time. When learning an instrument, you are developing, improving and rewriting parts your brain . As proven by many studies, it will help keep your mind sharp!
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We work with everyone regardless of their experience. In fact, if you have less experience it may be easier as it is harder to change bad habits that have formed from years of playing!
What will I need to purchase for the lesson?
For children you need:
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A nylon-string guitar (we recommend using a smaller sized guitar 1/2 size of 3/4 size depending on the child's age and height)
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A footstool/footrest
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method book(s) (to be determined based on the child's age and experience)
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a lined notebook to write the homework and what to practice weekly.
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Please note: Depending on the children's age, the parent may have to sit in the lesson with them and help them at home.
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(optional) a phone or recording device to record the audio of the lesson. Depending on the children's age, it may be beneficial to record the lesson and go over it during the week.
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a metronome and a tuner (both of these can be found as smartphone apps)
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For adults you need:
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A nylon-string guitar or a steel-string guitar (depending on the style you would like to learn)
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A footstool/footrest
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method book(s) (to be determined based on experience)
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a lined notebook to keep track of what to practice weekly.
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(optional) a phone or recording device to record the audio of the lesson.
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a metronome and a tuner (both of these can be found as smartphone apps)
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID?
Eligible adults will need to be vaccinated against Covid. We teach young children who cannot take the vaccine and cannot protect themselves, so we ask that adults do their part to protect them. Thank you!
Is your studio a safe space for everyone?
Yes, we stand against any type of discrimination and the studio is a LGBTQ safe space. We accept everyone regardless of gender expression, orientation, religion, race etc...
AUDIO EXCERPTS
Pricing & Registration
For information on the policies, please check the "Pricing & Policies" section of the site.
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To book your one-on-one lesson please book your lesson by the phone or by email.