Classical Guitar Lessons
Classical Guitar Lessons: A Teaching Philosophy
Originally from Australia, I began my studies in guitar there, attending the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, before moving to the US to pursue guitar performance and instruction. I hold two masters degrees, a research masters in Musicology (MPhil) from the University of Sydney and a performance masters from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (MMus). I have returned to Australia and am now located in Melbourne, where I attained additional qualifications in Alexander Technique. I am accepting guitar students in Carlton North and Elsternwick. Meet Meredith.
Music should be enjoyed! My first priority is to foster a life long love of music in my students; not just as someone who enjoys playing their instrument and plays their repertoire with understanding and musicality, but as someone who will love music for the rest of their lives. To help achieve that, a basic teaching philosophy is that most technical issues can be resolved through appropriate repertoire; there is also a focus on relaxed technique and efficient body use to reduce the tension issues so common for the classical guitarist.
I bring over twenty years of experience in having taken students to the highest levels of solo and ensemble performances.
Lesson Structure and Content
Lessons can have a strict focus on Classical or Spanish Guitar, or lessons can also cover a broad range of materials: note reading, chords and chord songs in popular music, songwriting, music theory. All students learn as a part of their instruction note reading, right hand technique, and musicianship. Meredith encourages using a systematic curriculum such as the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) for those who wish to achieve levels and certificates in their study.
All students are encouraged to perform regularly and opportunities will be provided, including chamber music. Long distance lessons are available, and students are encouraged to contact me about a suitable instrument if they are thinking of purchasing one.
Under her tutelage, Christopher transitioned from a beginning to intermediate performer and played with increasing confidence and joy.
As a parent, I found Ms. Connie to be warm, kind, competent and professional as an instructor. Moreover, she came to know Christopher as a boy, a learner and a musician. Ms. Connie is passionate about the business of helping children learn to appreciate music and play an instrument alone and together. I particularly appreciated her non-judgmental communication style and her consistent effort to keep sight of the whole child in her approach to teaching.
— Christopher Gatty