The GSM is proud to offer a guitar program of international standards. Our teachers are highly trained and have vast experience in performance as well as teaching. We focus our teaching on the student’s needs and interests, and are versatile enough to accommodate ages 6 to 94.
Although our teachers are mainly classical guitarists they are well aware of different styles. They can teach chord progressions if the student wants to accompany his/her own singing or accompany some other instruments, read charts by chord names, all the scales, arpeggios and chords necessary for jazz improvisation, flamenco style and much more.
We encourage students to join group classes as soon as they have the basic technique (holding the instrument, bow and left hand position and sound production). The group classes are not a substitute for private lessons; they have a different educational purpose.
We encourage students to join one of our chamber music groups as soon as they can keep playing their own part while listening to others and taking decisions about what they hear. Chamber music is definitively one of the most comprehensive music experiences and brings the opportunity to learn areas of music that neither private lessons nor orchestra can provide. It develops teamwork, leadership and musicianship while fostering the need for an improved personal technique.
The ability to play as you read (sight-reading) is not only essential for professional musicians but also one of the basic needs to enjoy playing music as an amateur. The GSM teaches sight-reading to all our students from intermediate level up.
The GSM is proud to accommodate students with special needs. Every year we have several students with some type of learning disabilities (ADHD, Asperger’s, moderate levels of Down Syndrome, even moderate levels of Autism). We strongly believe that music helps those students to overcome their difficulties and bring the possibility to learn how to play an instrument.
The GSM brings a high level of music teaching to local schools, park districts and community centers. General music classes and instrumental lessons and groups are taught through our Outreach programs.
The GSM’s students are frequently requested to perform in public events for libraries, park districts, chambers of commences, or even weddings and receptions. We strongly encourage our students to play in real events unknown audiences; it is not only a very rewarding prize for all their hard work practicing, but also an excellent learning opportunity.