Stafford Classical Guitar Centre Review

Stafford Classical Guitar Centre have reviewed Guitar Academy, Book 1. 

The reviewer describes the book as ‘a tutor that I highly recommend and will use. It is a breath of fresh air …’
I would like to thank the reviewer for such positive feedback. The full text is given below:

GUITAR ACADEMY BOOK ONE

This is a very well presented tutor, covering many areas that others miss and providing clear explanations without being too ‘wordy’!

There is a comprehensive intro, addressed in turn to the student, the parent/guardian, the teacher and to those teaching themselves.
The writing here draws you in, emphasising the excitement to the student, explaining the teaching method and practice to the parent, outlining the thoughts behind the teaching ideas to the teacher and adding encouragement to all these for those teaching themselves. This is followed by descriptions of different types of guitar, fitting strings, technique and sitting positions, tuning, reading music and a note reference picture.

The book as a whole is accessible to all ages and would be suitable for adults to work through without a teacher (although this is never ideal). The pictures illustrating technique are first class, and there are constant references to maintaining good technique throughout the book, including revision pages and tests.

As each note is introduced, the student can see the note being played as well as having a written explanation. Of course all good teachers use demonstration, but it is invaluable to have the pictures to refer to between lessons. There are plenty of tunes to practise on as the notes are learnt; this is so important as repetition is vital to learning. After the music in two voices is introduced on page 28, the pieces do get quite difficult; however, I think that the student working through the book properly will be prepared for this.

By the end of the classical section on page 55, all the notes in first position have been covered and the student is playing 2 part music, with some tricky stretches and arpeggiated chords requiring up to 3 left-hand fingers. This is followed by 13 pages of ensemble pieces and a final Song/Chord supplement, with excellent explanations of how the chord boxes work and the strumming patterns. As a classical guitarist for the past 32 years, I think that learning chords is an important part of becoming a guitarist and musician and of increasing your overall enjoyment and appreciation of the instrument.

The way the book is set out, the student feels that they are doing something new and exciting on every page – even if it is only a game based on what they have already learned. This is very important for maintaining interest and momentum.

The ideas for improvisation, ear training and theory are great and so helpful for the teacher who has struggled to produce their own material while teaching such short lessons in too many schools (speaking from personal experience)! As pointed out in the introduction for teachers, other sources of repertoire should be used in conjunction with this book, especially as it takes the student to a grade 1 standard, and knowledge of a broad range of music is very important.

This is certainly a tutor that I highly recommend and will use. It is a breath of fresh air I look forward to the next volume!