Classes
Beginner Fundamentals
When developing Beginner Fundamentals, Brad strikes the right balance of personalized attention, patience, practical training, and positive encouragement. Correct sitting position, developing rhythmic continuity and fluidity, how the hands are set up, correct finger plucking action, left and right hand nail length and shape, achieving warm tone production, and legato (smooth) note connection are some of the topics taught and discussed. A method book is used to aid all beginning students gain control with structure. Basic theory (which is the cornerstone of all good instrumental playing) will be covered along with ear training. Throughout the method book and beginning RCM levels there are many satisfying and enjoyable pieces of music to be played. For beginning students practicing 20 to 30 minutes a day (6 to 7 days a week) is the minimum requirement to hear desired results. Very slow to moderate practice speeds (tempo) are suggested for beginners to develop accuracy, evenness, relaxation, and tonal control.
Intermediate Technique
As beginning students progress to the intermediate level, more emphasis is placed on the push towards advanced technique. Diatonic, chromatic and tremolando scales, arpeggios, slurs scales, and barre chords are studied and practiced. Maintaining accuracy and correct finger plucking action is now combined with speed to coincide with the demands of the music. Application and control of musical dynamics, note articulation, and tone/timbre colour changes are studied at the intermediate level to develop expressive playing. Theory and ear training are expanded upon and sight reading and clapping are introduced. Very attractive guitar repertoire and etudes are available to the intermediate player. Practice is expected to increase to a minimum of 45 minutes a day (6 to 7 days a week).
Advanced Technique
Advanced guitar students should have mastered all fundamentals from the beginner and intermediate levels. A solid technique and firm understanding of the fingerboard should now be developed. It is important to note that some "advanced" students with previous experience may need to take a step back to take a step forward if I believe they are missing important developmental aspects from the beginner or intermediate levels. Golpe, etouffe, tremolo, artificial and natural harmonics, ornamentation and pizzicato are techniques found in the rich advanced guitar repertoire. Periodic and composer style, expressive playing, and study of form are expanded upon from the intermediate level. Ear training now includes cadence identification, chord progressions, chord quality identification, all intervals within the octave, and melody playback. To continue development, advanced guitar students should practice 2 to 4 hours a day 6 days a week. Time management is extremely important when practicing at any level but especially so at the advanced level. Full recitals and concert programming are constructed by the advanced guitarist to develop their careers and aspirations.