Edmond OK Electric Guitar Lessons Acoustic Guitar Private Lessons Group Lessons
About Me! Guitar Dude |
| Monday, 29 December 2008 21:48 |
   Download the Guitar for Kids Tuner and Metronome FREE! Why do you get to download it for free? BECAUSE GUITAR FOR KIDS ROCKS!! Hi,
My name is Doug Smitherman, I will be your instructor. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor Degree in Music and a Minor in Music Education, specializing in Music for Children. I have taught guitar since graduating from North Texas and I am fluent in Fingerstyle, Rock, and Blues guitar. I also arrange and write music and have had compositions performed in the North Texas area.
The idea for Guitar for Kids started in my early teaching days when I taught only private lessons. I had previously played in guitar ensembles, and bands for years, and immediately saw that the lessons were lacking what the kids needed to play electric and acoustic guitar; a band. All electric guitarists and a large number of acoustic guitar players play with other guitarist and musicians. A private lesson cannot teach this and many other aspects of guitar playing. Even during my private lesson era I developed a dual program of both electric guitar, and solo acoustic guitar. I knew Guitar for Kids had to be the same dual format, but in a small group setting. Electric guitar is only part of the big picture of being a musician; acoustic solo and ensemble guitar also had to be a part of the program so the kids could play solo acoustic songs as many rock artist do with songs like Kansas: Dust in the Wind, or the Beatles: Blackbird, but they also needed to be able to play in a live band setting with acoustic guitar songs such as Pink Floyds: Wish you Were Here, or Bon Jovi: Dead or Alive. The third part of the equation was for the students to become literate in the world of music and for them to be able to read music, understand music theory, chord charts, and the many other aspects of being a literate musician so they could communicate with other musicians. So to round out the program I added to the acoustic part of the program chords, reading music, music theory through the use of a timeless method that will allow kids to play any acoustic piece from the famous classics to famous rock acoustic pieces. The last part of the equation was to have a non static program that could grow as the kids did in their musical abilities. First I saw the need for the kids to actually play electric guitars in the lessons to emulate the real thing even though they didn’t have electric guitars at home. So I purchased five electric guitars and a electric bass for them to play during lessons. In preparing for the first Battle of the Bands I saw the need to add guitar effect pedals so the kids could create their own unique sound just as the rock stars do. So I purchased guitar and bass effect pedals for each student to use along with pedal training so they become confident in the use of the pedals. Later I saw a need to better control the sound volumes in the classroom so I purchased a mixing board and a speaker system that we can run the electric guitars through or mic the acoustic guitars for a live performance The Parents, kids, and myself all set the standards for the program. First and foremost this is the students program. Through much appreciated feedback from the parents and kids I continue to change the program according to theire current needs. The basic equations will always be there, but it can always be done better so we can have the best guitar program in the country. Here are some samples of my music:
Directions to Guitar for Kid School of Rock. Location: -201 E Campbell suite 102 - The 2 story brown building at the Corner of Boulevard and Campbell. Campbell is the street just before the post office. Coming from 2nd St. you would go North on Boulevard heading towards Danforth. When you come to Campbell turn right. You will see a brown 2 story building on the corner. That is the new building (It is just before the white building that is the First Church of Christ Scientist on Boulevard that is just before Edwards). If you parked in the street parking on the side of the building on Campbell you will see two doors the one with the arch is the door for Guitar for Kids. (The other door says Tiger Lilly on it.) Street parking can be challenging due to kids from UCO parking in the street, but from checking the parking lot at different times during the day. There should always be parking available in the parking lot. The parking lot is a gravel lot that is somewhat hard to see so watch carefully for it. I should have a sign out by the entrance to both Driveways into the parking lot. You can also turn into the parking lot from Boulevard just past the building and before the white building just turn right into the parking lot and park anywhere. I will also try to have a sign there also. There is also a back door to the building I will try to have a sign on it also, but walk on around and come in thru the archway and there is a waiting room right thru the door. For the current available class times please call:
Doug Smitherman - 405-340-8294
For more information on the Guitar for Kids program.
Lessons are available for ages 6 and up. |
| Last Updated on Friday, 17 August 2012 08:35 |
About Me - Guitar Dude