Qualcomm Guitar Class
January-April 2012
***To register for this class: You need to obtain approval from the instructor.***
***There are no refunds or rescheduling once the class starts. ***
Thanks for your interest in taking guitar classes at Qualcomm.
-The next beginner class will start on January 19, 2012 - cost $200
(For your convenience there is now a Paypal credit card option--at bottom of this page. Tuition with Paypal is $206 and there is a $20 fee for withdrawal from class.
There is no withdrawals/refunds once the class begins)
-Building T421
-To register or for any questions please contact Mike by email at mikeslayen@aol.com
*You will need a guitar and book FJH "Everybody's Guitar Method 1"
(If you would like me to get a book for you please let me know at registration)
-Meets 10 Wednesdays (plus an 11th bonus class) from noon-1 PM on the following dates:
More class info at bottom of page
January
19
February
2, 9, 16
February 9 & 16 will be held in S220
March
1, 8, 22, 29
April
12, 19, 26*
(There are no lessons January 26, February 23, March 15, April 5)
*April 26, is 11th bonus class
Qualcomm Guitar Class
Mike Slayen - Instructor
Here is some information to keep the class running smoothly.
-Curriculum….
We will cover…reading music, strumming basic chords, finger exercises and tablature. These skills will give you a broad knowledge to pursue your goals on the instrument.
-Arrive early if you can…We have the room starting at 11:30 AM
(tuning and getting setup and ready to go take a bit of time) Plus you get a chance to warm up.
Guitars... All students will need their own guitar. I recommend an acoustic although electrics can work if that is what you have (electrics are hard to hear in class unless you bring some type of amp) For beginners even though you haven't played I suggest you check out at least a few guitars, hold them and see how they feel. Look and feel are important. Make sure your left hand can reach to the top of the neck (where the pegs are) and your right arm/shoulder do not feel uncomfortable or stretched out while sitting with your arm around the guitar.
Other things to think about.....steel strings have more of a rock/folk/brighter sound but tend to hurt fingers more at first. The necks are thinner which can make it easier to play after your fingers adjust. Nylon strings sound smoother/softer but are much easier to break in your fingers cause they hurt less than steel strings.
Some places I work with are Bertrand's Music in Rancho Penasquitos/Poway, Alan's Music in La Mesa and Valley Music in El Cajon... call them and see what they have in stock before you head out to the stores (they tend to have limited stock on hand but are usually very helpful). You can also try Guitar Center and online. Make sure you understand the return policy wherever you buy just in case there is a problem. For those of you who are bargain seekers you can try Craigslist etc. buyer beware though! Try any store in your area, as well!
-Class disruptions…. You are all adults….if you need to arrive late, leave early, take a call…just do it quietly and take calls outside the classroom
Additionally, out of respect for your fellow employees, do not disrupt/play guitar near those at work.
-Bring materials… Obviously for every lesson you are going to want to bring your guitar, book and any handouts we have. If you don’t have your guitar come to class anyway you can still learn and pick up any handouts if there are any.
-Missed materials….If you have to miss a class it would be great if you could exchange emails with someone in the class, to pick up materials for you and let you know what we covered in the class. You can email me if you miss and I will let you know what we covered but I will not be able to get materials to you until the following week. mikeslayen@aol.com
-Practicing……YOU MUST PRACTICE! If you want to learn how to play guitar you have to put in time on the instrument. It is like learning a sport-hitting a golf ball, shooting a basketball etc.
Don’t get frustrated if a certain skill is hard at first, keep working on it! It will come if you stick with it!
You must receive approval from instructor before registering!