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It is probably one of the greatest challenges every instrumental teacher faces. How do you help students make meaningful progress if they hardly practise at home? For years, I found myself asking the same question. We often assume that students should practise because they love music. We imagine that, after a full day at school, homework, sports, and other activities, they will naturally pick up the guitar and play. But what if they do not? The usual solution is to encourage

Note: This article is designed to help teachers and parents support young students in learning the guitar. Although I refer to the book Guitar Fundamentals, from which these strategies originate and whose structure reflects them, the teaching principles described here can also be applied to other guitar methods. The central aim of the Guitar Fundamentals book—the thread that connects every exercise, piece, and activity—is the idea of distinction between performance goals and

Music lovers, performers, and scholars often face the challenge of finding reliable, accessible sheet music. IMSLP, the International Music Score Library Project, has transformed how musicians access scores by offering a vast, free online library. This guide explains what IMSLP is, how it works, and how you can use it to enrich your musical journey. What Is IMSLP and Why It Matters IMSLP is a digital library that hosts public domain music scores and recordings. It was created

Guitar societies are a great way to meet other players of all backgrounds and experiences. They are a fun way to play with others and provide an opportunity to share your music to a friendly audience. Here are my experiences with 3 different groups that I have played with: Oxford Guitar Society (OGS) - where it all started: When I was at uni, I decided I wanted to be a bit more involved in the guitar communities I hadn’t experienced since playing in my primary school ensemble

Note: This article is designed to help teachers and parents support young students in learning the guitar. Although I refer to the books Guitar Fundamentals, from which these strategies originate and whose structure reflects them, the teaching principles described here can also be applied to other guitar methods. One of the most useful features of Guitar Fundamentals 1 is that it is structured around three different levels. I believe this is extremely helpful for teachers. Ma

Introduction and Structure of the Exams (Grade 1 Exams Guide) The Grade 1 exam is an important milestone for your child. It marks a significant step in their musical journey, culminating in a certified evaluation. Above all, it is a celebration of your child's love for music and their chosen instrument. Like any exam, it brings some pressure and requires a significant effort from your child. It is crucial, for this reason, that everyone involved respects their work and the ch