It supports the requirements of A Common Approach 2002 – This document, by the Federation of Music Services, encourages a multifaceted and ‘holistic approach’ to instrumental learning. GA is the only guitar tutor that meets the broad recommendations of this publication.

Technique – Great emphasis is placed upon the need to acquire the correct habits from the very beginning. This is backed up by high quality line drawings illustrating both good and bad technique.

Theory – No previous knowledge is assumed and everything is clearly explained.

Pupil/teacher duets – While usual in tutors for other instruments, this is not always so for guitar tutors. Adding a harmony part really helps bring the pieces to life, and the teaching process becomes far more enjoyable for teacher and pupil alike. The duet approach also gives the pupil an extra incentive to play the music up to speed with the correct rhythm.

Song/chord supplement – Most students take up the guitar in order to play their favourite pop songs. Nevertheless, many guitar tutors do not include chord study/song accompaniment, preferring to focus entirely on developing notational skills. This can be quite discouraging and limiting to many students. GA includes popular songs and chords, with suggested strumming rhythms and finger-picking styles. It also explains chord theory.

Ensemble supplement – Students love the musical and social interaction of ensemble playing. Most teaching in schools is actually done in small groups of three or four where there is an obvious opportunity and need for ensemble playing. GA has its own dedicated ensemble supplement of trios and quartets.

Well known and accessible tunes – Most of the beginner melodies are selected from the ‘greatest hits’ of the student repertoire. There are certainly no ‘filler’ tunes to be skipped, as is the case with many tutors.

Original music – The tutor also contains many original compositions.

Improvisation – Many teachers acknowledge the importance of improvisation but, lacking suitable teaching material, find the subject difficult to teach. GA is the only guitar tutor aimed at school children that addresses this important subject.

Composition  – Music educators agree that composition should be an integral part of all musical training. GA includes a variety of exercises to encourage composition.

Ear training – ABRSM grade requirements are covered with tests for interval, chord, and time signature recognition; associated listening tests are included on the CD. Other ear-training methods include completing well-known melodies and copy-cat aural games.   

Self tuition – School children often have as much as 20 weeks holiday time per year where they receive no tuition, which can hold back progress. Children, particularly brighter children, are inspired to practise more in the holidays by a book that encourages and facilitates self-tuition. Older children/adults will definitely require a tutor that encourages self-tuition.

Many written tests and exercises – Students enjoy these. They provide variety in the lessons, help assess understanding, and reinforce the information taught.

Homework diary – This puts the focus on pieces learnt rather than time spent practising. The teacher, student and parent can immediately see what needs to be practised. Students are encouraged by seeing a growing list of pieces ticked off – teachers should never underestimate the power of the tick!

Written to be used in schools  – While GA can be used by all ages, it is particularly suited  to school children, both primary and secondary.

Website Directory – The GA website – www.guitaracademy.co.uk – includes many supplementary study pieces, video tutorials, and a useful Links page.

CD recording (audio tracks are also now on the Guitar Academy website) – This really inspires students to practise more. It is especially useful for students using the book without a teacher. What sets this CD apart is i) The pupil and teacher parts are recorded on separate stereo channels. This means the balance control can be used to isolate each part with the student being able to duet with the teacher at home. ii) Backing tracks for improvisation.

Presentation – Beautifully illustrated throughout, each tune is accompanied by a full colour illustration, while the line drawings illustrating technique are of the very highest quality.

Glowing reviews: 

• ‘Guitar Academy provides an educational breath previously neglected in most other tutor books. The various elements of classical guitar technique are elucidated with admirable clarity and simplicity, as are the basic principles of reading music. It is simple and comprehensive and is the best beginner’s guitar method I have come across.’ – Craig Ogden, Principal Lecturer in Guitar, Royal Northern College of Music.

• ‘It really is one of the best [guitar tutors] I have ever seen.’ – Chris Dumigan,    Classical Guitar magazine.

• ‘It is a breath of fresh air.’ – Selina Copley, Stafford Guitar Centre.