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New World |
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THE STARLAND GUITAR SYSTEM GUIDING PRINCIPLES These are the guiding principles which were used to develop the System and will be used as a reference when developing new courses or modifying the existing courses. These principles serve to keep the System in line with it’s original purpose. Purpose: The purpose of the Starland Guitar Course is to provide an orderly, systematic way of delivering the fundamental techniques, skills and theory in playing the instrument in most popular styles (Blues, Pop, Rock, Country, Folk, etc.) to students ages 8 through 70. The purpose of The Instructor is to encourage and support the student to become more fulfilled and self-expressed human beings. The course provides a structure for this process. Principles : 1. Changing the system - There is value in having a stable system. It takes time and energy to teach and learn a system and there is also a cost in changing the forms, books, etc. In addition a change may seem helpful in the short run that may not be an improvement in the long run. Therefore changes will be made cautiously and after they have been tried and tested for a significant period of time (it was suggested about 1 year). Changes will be written in at first and tried by all teachers before becoming permanent. While not fixed in stone we strive to have a system that allows us the freedom to focus on the individual student without the distraction of having to remember what needs to be taught next. This can best be achieved by having a stable structure and adding and adjusting as appropriate. 2. Lasting - The system is designed in such a way that it is not outdated by the changing fades and popular songs/bands/styles of the moment. To do this the techniques are based on principles that can withstand the test of time. 3. No copy written songs - To avoid copy write infringement the system does not contain copy written songs. The student will purchase books of desired songs to supplement the system. This also avoids the problem of outdating the system. 4. Applicable to most students - The system appeals to a wide range of beginning/intermediate students because it is based on essential techniques that apply to most styles of popular music. Techniques and concepts that do not apply to the majority of students are not included in the system but may be written-in as appropriate. 5. Step By Step - The system is organized in such a way that learning the techniques necessary to playing the guitar is broken down into small, accessible steps. Each step is very do-able and gives the student a sense of confidence in their ability to achieve their goal. Furthermore, completing each step gives the student a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to continue. The steps can be broken down further if necessary. For faster students the instructor can go faster and give more steps each lesson. For students that have been playing the steps can be used as a “template” so to speak. The teacher can quickly go through steps checking off what the student already knows and then filling in the missing links. 6. Fun/Enjoyable - The system is designed so that the instructor can supplement with songs/riffs etc. to make it fun for different students with different interests. 7. Long-Term Sense of Fulfillment - The course is structured in a way that gives the student a systematic approach to learning the skills that will allow him/her to enjoy playing and possibly creating music on the guitar. Through achieving their goals and actively participating in music making the student will experience a real sense of fulfillment. In this way the system supports our primary mission which is to build self-esteem and enhance the self-worth of everyone who participates in this process. 8. Built-In Review - Having a built-in system of review addresses two fundamental concepts in learning a complex skill such as music. One is that to become useful most of the skills involved in playing an instrument must become “automatic” or go from a conscious process to subconscious. Correct repetition is the key (doing a technique many times correctly). By reviewing often more repetitions are performed with less boredom than doing the same number of repetitions before moving on to a new technique. Second, by reviewing at specific and previously chosen intervals the student has several opportunities to get each technique “up to speed”. This is less frustrating than working on each technique until it’s perfect. In addition when going back to a technique after moving on for awhile the student is in a different place, having practiced other techniques. The old technique will naturally seem easier when reviewed and give the student and experience of accomplishment. 9. Balanced Diet - The system includes a balance of theory, note reading and other skills necessary to play the guitar that are in proportion to common usage. An example: About 20% of the course involves note reading. Most guitarists spend little time note reading to play popular music. Note reading is included because 1) It will allow the guitarist to pick out melodies in sheet music 2) it will allow the student to communicate better with other musicians and 3) it gives them a foundation to build on should they decide to play classical guitar in the future. About 20% is a reasonable amount to derive the benefits without taking too much time from other areas (changing chords, independent finger movement, timing, strumming, chord progressions, etc.) 10. Steps Sound Complete - Accomplishing each step has a sense of completion and accomplishment in and of itself. 11. Many Opportunities for Success - By making each step complete and having a variety of elements in each technique the student is offered many opportunities to experience success. If the student is having trouble with strumming he/she my find it easier to play a note reading piece thereby feeling more successful. 12. Structure - The structure of the system facilitates the learning of breaking a larger skill into smaller parts. This “model” can be used to learn other complex skills such as learning a language or dancing. This structure encourages self-learning in the long run. 13. Guitar Elements - The guitar system is designed to support and facilitate teaching the following elements of playing the guitar: - Note reading - Chord Forms - Theory - Rhythm - Timing - Stretching - Changing Chords - Scales - Dexterity - Chord Progressions - Independent Finger Movement - Licks/ Bass Runs |
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