
Students expand their knowledge beginning with the introduction of basic skills including single note play, various strumming patterns as well as numerous open position chord forms. Students journey from reading tablature to standard notation.
Level 2 begins with open position chords and progress to movable power chords. Improvisation is introduced, based on movable pentatonic scales. Reading skills are further developed with eighth notes, syncopated rhythms, key signatures, flats, and standard notation on all six strings. Techniques expand with the introduction of hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides and syncopated strum patterns. Music theory is introduced in an innovative way, utilizing the cycle of 5ths and key related major & minor chords to provide the basis for transposition, song transcription, and composing original chord progressions.
L-1 Course Repertoire includes:
includes 9-duo, trio, and four part ensemble arrangements as well as numerous exercises, musical examples, solo pieces and lead sheets.
L-2 Course Repertoire Includes:
8 new original ensemble pieces in styles ranging from swing, funk, reggae, to klezmer. Ensembles are supplemented with numerous exercises, musical examples, solo pieces and lead sheets.
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What’s Included:
Workbook
Beginning Guitar Student Workbook – L-1 & L-2
Subscription
12-month subscription to the Consonus Online Learning Site with related online course content.
Every exercise, solo, and ensemble piece is presented in its own review and/or practice video, demonstrated by the author and utilizing rhythmic audio backing to develop student timing and ensemble playing skills.
Online content mirrors the Course Lesson Plans and Student Workbook. Non-lesson related videos cover topics such as stringing and care for the guitar.
Instructor development and teaching aids:
Full Lesson Plans
Videos suitable for classroom demonstration and instruction
Supplemental teacher training videos which will help you get your class started right and progressing with topics including:
- How to teach a blended learning course;
- Layered learning techniques for differentiated learning;
- Ensemble rehearsal techniques and more.
Optional teacher training workshops.
Attend a CMI summer teacher training workshop taught by Mike Christiansen and CMI staff instructors. You’ll learn the same key concepts and techniques that Mike has developed and taught for over 30 years in his university guitar pedagogy courses.
Sample Ensembles!