Guitar Lessons
Classical Guitar Lessons
Classical guitar lessons offer an in-depth exploration of this elegant and expressive style of guitar playing, focusing on traditional techniques and repertoire. Students learn to read sheet music, develop proper fingerpicking methods, and master the intricacies of hand positioning and posture. Under the tutelage of an experienced classical guitar instructor, students delve into pieces from renowned composers such as Villa-Lobos, Sor, and Tárrega, while also gaining a solid understanding of music theory and classical music history. These lessons emphasize precision, tone quality, and musical interpretation, allowing students to develop a refined and nuanced playing style. Whether you are a beginner captivated by the beauty of classical music or an advanced player seeking to deepen your expertise, classical guitar lessons provide a structured and enriching path to mastering this timeless art form.
FAQs
What is Classical Guitar? Classical Guitar is the interpretation of classical music on the guitar. From the Renaissance to the present day, the repertoire is extensive and absolutely beautiful.
What is the benefit of learning classical guitar? You will become an independent self sufficient musician. In order words, you will be able to learn the pieces you love, and play them on your own, with out the need of a band or backing track. You also will be learning music written by the best composers in the history of music, and this is most gratifying.
Is classical guitar very hard? Classical Guitar is not very hard if you follow the right steps. It does require a positive discipline that will work in your favor for any other guitar style you may want to explore
Do I need to read Music? Yes! It is not hard, quite the opposite, it is very rewarding. Reading music allows you to independently learn music. Reading music will make you a better musician.
Do I need to know music Theory? Not necessarily, but it is beneficial to understand harmony, even at a basic level, this way interpreting music does not become just mechanical.
What kind of guitar do I need for classical guitar? Classical Guitar is played on a nylon string guitar. There are minor differences from a regular steel string acoustic, but very significant when it comes to learning the style. The strings are made out of nylon, which is a significant difference when it comes to fingerpicking. The neck is a bit wider also.
Do I use a pick for classical guitar? No, you do not use a pick. Classical Guitar is played fingerstyle. You will develop a fingerstyle technique that will be equivalent to holding 4 picks in your hand.
Do I need to practice a lot? The amount of time you practice is proportional to your improvement. I am aware that we do not have all day to practice and I make sure to tach the best practice techniques so your time is spent most efficiently. I do recommend daily practice, even if it's short.
What kind of songs do I learn on classical guitar? When you study classical guitar you will learn to play music by the greatest composers. From the Renaissance to the present day, the library is enless.
What kind of material do I need for classical guitar? You will need a nylon string Guitar, a footstool, and a series of books.
What is your lesson make-up policy? The Beacon Guitar Studio offers 1 make up lesson per month. Cancelations need to be announced 12 hour prior. Make up lessons do not add up or carry over. Make up lessons need to be done within 2 weeks of the original lesson.
Flamenco guitar lessons immerse students in the vibrant and passionate world of traditional Spanish music. These lessons focus on the unique techniques and rhythms that define flamenco, such as rasgueado (strumming), picado (plucked notes), and golpe (tapping on the guitar body). Under the instruction of a knowledgeable teacher, students learn to play classic flamenco forms like bulerías, soleá, and tangos, while also understanding the cultural and historical context of the genre. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong sense of rhythm and dynamics, essential for capturing the expressive depth of flamenco music. Whether for beginners or experienced guitarists, flamenco guitar lessons offer an enriching and challenging experience, allowing students to explore and master this captivating musical tradition.
Flamenco right hand techniques
Flamenco Guitar Lessons
Arpeggios: Using all of the fingers to break a chord in to individual notes.
Rasgueados: The fierce and percussive strumming technique.
Picado: A rapid movement of fingers i-m in order to play scales and single note passages
Pulgar: A heavy thumb stroke used to play single note passages mostly on the bass strings.
Alzapúa: A rapid up and down thumb movement which combines both scales and chords
Trémolo: A technique used to sustain a melody by a consistent repetition of the same note.
Golpe: A percussive technique produced by striking the wood of the guitar.
FAQs
What is Flamenco? Flamenco is an art form that evolved in the south of Spain by the Gipsy people. Today it has become a world wide art form.
What is the difference from Classical Guitar to Flamenco guitar? The main difference is the music. The guitar playing style is different because you will need to use all the right hand techniques listed above.
Do I need to read music to play Flamenco Guitar? No, we use TAB notation for Flamenco
What king of Guitar do I need for Flamenco? You need a nylon string guitar with a plastic wood protection.
Is Flamenco Guitar hard? It is a bit challenging due to the right hand techniques. Many flamenco styles are also in unusual time signatures which also adds to the challenge.
Jazz Guitar Lessons
When we think Jazz guitar we think improvisation. Before getting into improvisation it is important to understand Jazz harmony.
Jazz harmony consist of studying jazz chords and jazz chord progressions.
Jazz improvisation is based on improvising over jazz harmony. WIthout the knowledge of one, it is difficult to approach the other.
Does Jazz improvisation mean I can play whatever I want? Yes and no. You can play what ever you want, however, it needs to be based on the harmony you are improvising over and within the language of Jazz.
What does it mean to "solo over changes"? It means that within your solo, you need to outline the chords changes that are taking place. When you solo over changes usually the harmony is moving to different keys and this needs to be heard while you are improvising
What is the difference from Rock to Jazz In Rock it is common to have 1 scale that works well to improvise throughout the song, we call this modal soloing. In Jazz, you need to change scale every time the harmony changes, and it some cases it can change rather frequently and fast.
Group Guitar Lessons
Guitar group lessons offer a dynamic and engaging way to learn the instrument in a collaborative environment. This class brings together beginner students of close skill levels, allowing for a rich exchange of knowledge and experience. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, students can develop their technique, learn new songs, and understand music theory while benefiting from the motivation and support of their peers. The group setting fosters a sense of community, making the learning process more enjoyable and encouraging students to stay committed to their practice. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your musical journey or an intermediate player aiming to hone your skills, guitar group lessons provide a fun and effective path to achieving your musical goals. This class requires a minimum of 3 students.