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Bachelor Degree: Fullsail University
My name is Shawn, I've been playing the guitar for an impressive span of 17 years. My journey in music began at a young age when he discovered his love for the instrument. Since then, I have dedicated countless hours to honing my skills and expanding my musical repertoire. Early influences ranged from classic rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to contemporary guitar virtuosos such as John Mayer and Joe Satriani. Drawing inspiration from these legends, I embarked on a musical exploration that would shape my unique style and sound
Teaching beginners was a delicate symphony, requiring patience and creativity to instill a love for the instrument. As these neophytes grappled with frets and strings, I discovered the significance of a strong foundation. Breaking down complex concepts into digestible fragments, I unraveled the mysteries of chords, scales, and strumming techniques. Witnessing their eyes light up with each chord progression mastered, I understood the true essence of imparting knowledge. Yet, this journey was not without its dissonances. Moments of frustration and self-doubt surfaced, much like a discordant note in a melody. Navigating these challenges with resilience, I learned that the ability to adapt and pivot was crucial. Reframing setbacks as opportunities for mutual learning, I encouraged my students to approach difficulties with a tenacious spirit, setting an example that transcended the confines of the guitar studio.
Teaching scales equips students with the fundamental building blocks of melody and improvisation. This knowledge empowers them to create their own solos and melodies, enhancing their musical expression. Understanding chords is essential for rhythm playing and song accompaniment. By teaching a variety of chords and chord progressions, you're enabling students to play songs they love and laying the groundwork for more complex harmonic concepts. Introducing note reading helps bridge the gap between playing by ear and reading music notation. This skill enhances their versatility and opens doors to a broader range of musical styles and compositions.
Creating an enjoyable learning experience is crucial for fostering a student's passion for playing the guitar. Familiar songs that the student enjoys, playing songs they know and like. Introducing progressive challenges. Once they have mastered the simpler concept I will gradually increase the difficulty. Giving them the choice of songs they would prefer to play, because it's one thing to play a song you're given to by a teacher there is 50% chance they might not enjoy that particular song. So I try to make it as fun as enjoyable while also making sure they are learning as well.