GUITAR DEPARTMENT
Acoustic, Classical, Jazz, Electric Guitar
Private Guitar Lesson Program
Guitar is one of the most popular instrument choices at the
Fox River Academy. We offer lessons in acoustic guitar, electric guitar,
and bass guitar. Private guitar lessons center around the proper
development of hand position, posture, relaxation for optimal technical
execution, and rhythm/pitch. Students learn to sight-read, develop their
musical ear, and understand music theory in relation to their instrument.
Recommended session duration:
Youth - 30/45 minutes; Teenage and Adult - 45 minutes/60 minutes.
Age to Begin Guitar Lessons
Instruction in guitar may begin for students as young as 4 to 5 years
old. Smaller acoustic guitars with nylon strings are a good place for
children (as well as students of other ages) to begin their studies and
exploration on the guitar. Nylon-stringed instruments provide less
pressure per square inch, making it easier on the student to learn to
play, and are easier on the fingertips.
We also have many teenagers and adult students studying in Fox River
Academy's lesson program. Whether you always wanted to play the
guitar, or you have an old guitar sitting around the house and have
wanted to learn to make music, we welcome students at all levels and
ages. Once a student has studied privately for some time, many
opportunities exist at our academy for teenagers and adults to
participate in various music experiences, such as our Adult Recitals,
Guitar Ensembles, Evaluated Performances, Rock Ensemble, etc. Please
contact our office for more information.
Acoustic Guitar or Electric Guitar?
Many teenagers are often inspired when they hear the power of an
amplified electric guitar. If you are a rock music fan, and want to learn
to play rock guitar in a group, starting on an electric guitar maybe your
choice. However, many professionals and adults find it rewarding to
learn the basics of guitar using an acoustic guitar. If you want to learn
guitar masterworks or learn a song to sing along to, then an acoustic
guitar is probably the best choice for you. There is much overlap between
these two, though, and you might even want to learn them both, according
to your own individual musical goals. At Fox River Academy, we give you
the choice!
Starting Supplies
Due to the nature of the instrument, most young students may need a
special sized guitar appropriate for their age and size. we recommend
young students to begin on acoustic guitars with nylon strings because
steel strings may be too hard for their fingers at first, discouraging
them from regular practice. When shopping for guitars, you may find it
overwhelming that there are different varieties of electric guitars and
amplifiers, and acoustic guitars with both nylon and steel strings.
Please feel free to contact our academy, and our instructors will be able
to assist you with recommending a good starting guitar for your lessons.
Our Guitar Faculty:
Fox River Academy's guitar faculty has outstanding credentials and years
of diverse performing and teaching experience to offer the best in
musical education for classical, rock, folk, Latino, and jazz styles,
among others. Our instructors can open your mind to the many and varied
possibilities of music-making with the guitar.
Fox River Academy Guitar INstructors:
Ben Mc Munn
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Alex Valencia
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Ron Stark
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Kathy Palmer
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 Ryan Stark
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Teacher Information Page
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