How exciting it was to see everyone FINALLY in Guitar Club.  I feel like it was FOREVER since we had sign-ups till yesterday. I was so proud of everyone. Your attention and hard work really showed! Keep up that focus and we will all excel in guitar. Below are the two chords (G chord and C chord) that we learned, the string names, and the two songs we played along with using our new chords. You can find these song on iTunes, Youtube, or even your parents music collections!  Practice at home this week on switching between our chords.  If you have sore fingers, soak them in a bowl of ice water to sooth the sting. It will get easier as our fingers get tough and strong!  See you all next week!!

Songs:
Electric Avenue- Eddy Grant (Uses only G chord, practice with an even steady beat strumming down the strings)
Jambalaya- Hank Williams (start with C chord then switch back and forth between C and G on the words that rhythm with "my oh!")

I really enjoyed watching your music videos of your songs you composed in club.  Everyone made them just a little different and that was cool.  Great work everyone.  Click on the button below to view your video on our Vimeo page.

Our local music store, Music and Arts,is offering a discount deal on a 3/4 classical guitar and gig bag. This offer is exclusively for Music Matters students. Just print the flyer below and take it into the store located in the shopping center with Bagelicious and Fuji Hana!

I'm so happy to share with you our videos we made in class and your small group compositions.  I hope to see you all back in September! 

Click on the link below to see your videos.

https://vimeo.com/album/3396187 

Great job guitarist on your single string compositions this week. Keep working that back-and-forth finger motion on single strings and our new cord D.

Remember no club this week while I am at conference, enjoy your week off! See you all back in the music room next week.

Guitar club has been all about chords these last two weeks with the three string G and C chords now also the spooky sounding E minor chord. While you practice this week be sure to watch:

Your posture; make sure you are sitting up nice and tall

How you're holding the guitar; on its "hip" not like a table top

Your thumb; along the back to the guitar on the white tape

Your strumming hand; strumming down with your thumb across the top of the strings and not hooking behind the strings to pluck them outward

We also started working with picks last week. Be sure to hold the pick firmly to avoid it being eaten by the sound hole and strum down lightly! If you would like me to make you picks just bring in some USED gift cards in a ziplock baggy that has your name on it to club and I'll punch them for you.

IMPORTANT INFO:

There will not be club next week during conference week.

Many of you have asked about buying a guitar for your student. Things to remember when purchasing:

1. Your student will need a 1/2 or 3/4 sized guitar according to their size.  
2. Nylon strings are easiest on new player fingers but steal will also work. 
3. You only need the guitar itself and I would recommend a gig bag for transportation.  Many guitars will come with straps, picks, strings, etc. but for our purpose they are not necessary. If they come with the kit that is great but don't pay extra for them right now.
4. There are guitars out there that are more toys than they are guitars.  Stay away from these types that you can purchase at toy stores or retail markets and stick with name brand instruments that you would find in a music store. Cheaper guitars, while more economical, don't produce the best sound and have a hard time staying in tune.  These factors will cause practice time to be very frustrating for your student and can lead to disappointment.  

If you are looking to purchase online my suggestions would be the:

1) Lauren 3/4
2) Yamaha C40 3/4 size
3) Yamaha 1/2
4) Ibanez 3/4
5) Lauren 1/2

We use the Ibanez in class but all of these options will work for your child in club and will help them to feel successful with easy playing and good tone.

If you would prefer working with someone locally, I suggest Music and Arts located across the street from Mount Bethel.  They are very friendly and knowledgable of the instrument and will be able to get your student setup.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at musicmatterinmarietta@gmail.com 


See you all Wednesday!!!

Intense faces today as our guitar club hit the strings strumming!! It was awesome to see everyone together as we learned our first two chords (3-string G and C) on our first meeting! Check back later this week for practice tips and info about purchasing a guitar for home practice.