Basic Guitar and Collaborative Songwriting 4-Week Course
This is a course for students who have little to no guitar experience and would like to dive deeper into learning guitar chords and songwriting as a group
Gabriela Besel
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(113)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners are encouraged to practice their guitar every week, as well as practice and think about the songs we'll be writing each week.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
This is a 4 week class for learners who have little to no experience with playing the guitar. Our focus will be learning chords and working collaboratively to write a song (or a few songs) from scratch. The guitar goals are for learners to feel confident using their guitars. This means correct tuning, strumming, chords, guitar anatomy, and guitar care. In terms of songwriting, we'll talk about song structure. For example, what a good song means to us, and how we can use music and lyrics to tell stories, express ourselves, share with others, and get better at guitar playing. The lyrics will be written collaboratively (sometimes we will be split into groups to work on parts of the song) and the chords will be the ones we learn in class. My goal as a teacher is for learners to become even more curious and excited about exploring their instrument. I encourage everyone to always find what's most comfortable for them, to challenge themselves, and to practice. No one is obligated to sing, but I do hope that everyone will feel comfortable sharing their ideas when we work collaboratively on writing the song. I do my best to include everyone's ideas in a way that works in harmony with the song's intention. Trusting the writing process always works!
Other Details
Supply List
Learners must have a guitar. *** Songwriting Journal (optional): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095GRWQBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
113reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles
Hi there! My name is Gabriela and I teach Songwriting, Voice, and Spanish - beginner guitar too!
***I hope you're having a great 2025 so far. You'll notice that I have reduced availability. Until October of 2025 I will not be able to offer consistent weekly classes, but I will have flexibility to do mentorships and sporadic classes. Please message me if this is what you're looking for.***
I'm an independent songwriter currently writing songs in Spanish and English. You can find my music wherever you stream your music (Gabi Besel). Here is my YouTube as well: https://www.youtube.com/@gabibeselmusic
Songwriting is one of my favorite things to do, teach, and talk about. I believe that is holds immense power for expressing ourselves, documenting life, and connecting with others. I offer songwriting journals on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AGabriela%2BBesel&s=relevancerank&text=Gabriela+Besel&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_2
When I'm not teaching I am fully immersed in my craft and career as a singer-songwriter. As well as seeking other business opportunities such as selling songwriting journals on Amazon through my brand, Melancholy Society.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I find that I value - above all - the emotional comfort of each student (in a situation where their physical safety and health are already taken care of). This is because I believe learning is maximized when each person is comfortable, engaged, and in harmony with their self-expression. I value establishing trust in a student/teacher relationship, as well as hearing my student's learning needs, so I can assist them in a way that is best for THEM.
I teach my subjects in a way that requires active participation and collaboration with activities such as games, conversations, and hands-on activities.
Students hold the power to creating the learning experience that suits them best, and it's my job to guide them through realizing that power.
I can't wait to go on this journey with you!Reviews
Live Group Class
$9
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 45 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
4-6 learners per class
