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Simply Guitar for Young Beginner Players - Part 1

In this 5-week, multi-day beginner guitar course for young learners, students will learn the basics of guitar playing: basic stumming, some basic music concepts, 2 basic chords, the parts of the guitar and their role and simple, fun songs.
Sing Create Play by Bella Ely
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5.0
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What's included

5 live meetings
2 hrs 5 mins in-class hours
Homework
Practising 5 minutes a day will help with the development of the hand and fingers and strengthen the muscles required to play the guitar and press on the frets. Students can practise the strumming techniques and the chords discussed in class. The teacher will share digital copies of the songs that we learn during our classes, so students can practise those songs as well.

Class Experience

US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - 2
Beginner Level
💙💜💛 Welcome to Sing Create Play!!

~ Please note that you will need to have a tuned guitar for this class. Please check the message in the classroom (after you enrol) to learn how to tune your guitar. Younger children will require parental assistance.

~ It would be useful if students joined my NewBie Guitar Class + Student 10-Page Workbook class before enrolling for this course, but it is not compulsory. Link in here: https://outschool.com/classes/newbie-guitar-class-+-student-10-page-workbook-qyYyVr7f#usuu5xarZy

~ This is a multi-day course for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of how to play the guitar. Children will have the opportunity to practise picking each string with their thumb. They can also use a pick (plectrum), if they wish.

~ During this course, young learners will experience music making (with and without the guitar), practise musical fun and silly games, imitation, identifying right and left hands through games, counting the guitar strings and counting their fingers that go on the fret of the guitar or on the guitar strings. Skills like: turn-taking and waiting for one's turn will be reinforced along with performing in front of others and working as a team, collaborating and showing appreciation for other players in the group.

~ I recommend a grown-up to be in the room and assist the young learner. Outschool policy is that only the enrolled students should be on camera, but the grown-ups should be off-camera and assist when needed, please.

~ This guitar beginners class is enjoyable, interactive and learning is happening combined with lots of fun and giggles. I look forward to meeting you in class, singing and playing with you! 

~ Please send us a message before the course starts if we need to adapt our class to any specific needs of your learner and their learning style. This way, we make sure we provide the best experience for our families!

♪  𝓒𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮 𝓞𝓾𝓽𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮 ♪ 

-> Week 1: Intro to guitar; guitar anatomy, basic strumming
               ♪ practise how to keep a steady beat while strumming Down, Down, Down, Down;
               ♪ hands and fingers warm up;
               ♪ correct position of holding the guitar;
               ♪ We will first check if the guitar is in tune by singing a funny acronym; 
               ♪ the names and numbers of the strings with the help of another game and colour coded notes/strings;
               ♪ guitar anatomy - the parts of a guitar and their role;
               ♪ Keep a steady beat while picking the strings of our instrument, with the help of nursery rhymes;
               ♪ The class will end by learning to strum for 4 beats and then play 'rests' for 4 beats. 

-> Week 2: Exploring rhythm, low E string, Rests
              ♪ hands and fingers warm up;
              ♪ recap how to hold the guitar, parts of the guitar, Down strumming, rests;
              ♪ fret numbers and finger numbers on our left hand (or the hand holding the neck of the guitar);
              ♪ Students will strum their guitar keeping a steady beat, having fun with playing 'slow' and 'fast';
              ♪ We will also play a fun song 'What's For Dinner?' where children will interact with each other, come up with ideas for dinner and pudding and also strumming/clapping different rhythms. Rhythm is the basis of music;
              ♪ We will also learn about percussion by muting the guitar's strings and playing 'Humpty Dumpty';
              ♪ Low E string exercise, E and rests.

-> Week 3: C Chord (simplified version), Low E and A strings exercise
             ♪ hands and fingers warm up;
             ♪ Fun games playing 'piano' (quietly) and 'forte' (loudly);
             ♪ Children will pick one of the songs we did in previous sessions and choose how they want to play it (piano or forte);
             ♪ New strumming pattern: DU  DU  DU  DU  (Down-Up);
             ♪ We will learn our first chord. C Major (red circle sticker) - position on the fret and finger number;
             ♪ Strumming strings 1, 2, and 3 while holding the C chord; D, D, D, D (Down) and rest, rest, rest, rest;
             ♪ We will also learn 'Are You Sleeping?' 
             ♪ Low E and A strings exercise + rests;
             
-> Week 4: G chord (simplified version), High E (string 1) and B (string 2) strings + rests
            ♪ hands and fingers warm up;
            ♪ Strumming pattern: DU  DU  DU  DU  (Down-Up);
            ♪ We will learn the 1 finger simplified G Major Chord: position on the fret, strumming strings, finger number;
            ♪ Learn the song 'Baby Shark'. Children will be encouraged to vary their playing speed along with the song and also learn about 'crescendo'. 
            ♪ Keep a steady beat with tick-tock strumming "Five Little Monkeys";
            ♪ High E and B strings + rests;

-> Week 5: D and G strings; performing a song skills
             ♪ hands and fingers warm up;
             ♪ New strumming pattern: D  DU  D  DU  (Down, Down-Up);
             ♪ Recap of all the skills we learned; 
             ♪ D and G strings exercise + rests;
             ♪ Learn how to switch chord: switch between C and G chords;
             ♪ Learn "Old MacDonald Had a Farm";
             ♪ children can choose if they want to perform a song at the end of the class


Students will improve their musical abilities, in general, and will also learn: 
~  how to play the guitar, sing and strum at the same time;
~  how to hold a guitar;
~  correct playing position;
~  proper hand position;
~  how to count and play chords (simplified versions of C and G major);
~  how to strum.

Other skills children will learn in this class:
- strum at different tempos (fast and slow)
- strum with different dynamics: loud, quiet, from quiet to loud building momentum (crescendo);
- how to follow chord patterns (colours for children who can't read yet);
- how to play multiple children's songs including: 'Spring is Here', 'Five Little Monkeys',  'Humpty Dumpty', 'Row Your Boat', 'Are You Sleeping', 'Ring A Ring Of Roses', '', 'Baby Shark', 'Old Mc Donald Had a Farm'  - using 1 or 2 chords (C and G Major, simplified versions).

♪ BONUS ♪
Students will receive digital copies of a variety of resources. These digital resources are created by me, and they shouldn't be distributed without my consent, outside class.
     - colour coded chord diagrams;
     - colour coded chord sheets for all the songs we learn;
     - a student workbook.

* Please note that you will need to have a tuned guitar for this class. Younger children will require parental assistance. Please check the welcome message after you enrol and see how you can tune your child's guitar.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their musical abilities, in general, and will also learn: 
~  how to play the guitar, sing and strum at the same time;
~  how to hold a guitar;
~  correct playing position;
~  proper hand position;
~  how to count and play chords (simplified versions of C and G major);
~  how to strum.

Other skills children will learn in this class:
- strum at different tempos (fast and slow)
- strum with different dynamics: loud, quiet, from quiet to loud building momentum (crescendo);
- how to follow chord patterns (colours for children who can't read yet);
- how to play multiple children's songs including, 'Humpty Dumpty', 'Row Your Boat', 'Are You Sleeping', 'Ring A Ring Of Roses', '', 'Baby Shark', 'Old Mc Donald Had a Farm'  - using 1 or 2 chords (C and G Major, simplified versions).
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
🌟 This is an inclusive class. Children of all abilities and disabilities are welcome. Including ADHD, Autism, Emotional Learning Disabilities, & more. Contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your learner's needs!
Supply List
➡️ Please make sure that students have a TUNED guitar for each class. Please have a look at this video that shows you how to tune your guitar using an app on your phone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlOPxFyLeeo&t=9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unUctWG-3xo 

➡️ Learners can use a pick, but it is not compulsory; I actually recommend the use of fingers for strumming/picking.

➡️ In order for me to give feedback and see clearly the learner while playing their instrument, please make sure you position the learners, so I can see their BOTH hands when playing, head to the waist, in a well-lit room (the light coming from their front, not from the back). The young learner can sit on the floor, with their legs crossed. If they are joining from an iPad/laptop, they can also be on the floor or a little stool, it can point straight or downwards.

➡️ Please note that the learner can't sit on an armchair as this will restrict the way their instrument needs to be positioned and also restricts the movement of the learner's arms. A chair with no arms, or a stool are recommended. BOTH learner's feet should be on the floor, not hanging.

➡️ Please bring to the class small stickers (like the ones used for sticker charts: circles and stars): we need a red circle and a green/bright green circle one. 

➡️ Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or concerns.

🎵 The teacher will provide the songs and other files (strumming and chords sheets);
🎵 Guitar (classical, autistic, electric plugged into an amp; Standard tuning  E  A  D  G  B  E)
🎵 Guitar Tuner App.
 3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • YouTube
Joined September, 2021
5.0
674reviews
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Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Tennessee Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Meribeth Heitbrink
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bella Ely
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Carmen Collins
Wisconsin Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Katie Campbell
OLIVIA GREENE:
💙 Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an Outside Field in Psychology (Music Therapy)
💙 Classically and professionally trained in clarinet with additional experience playing piano, guitar, and ukulele
💙 Experience working with children with a variety of learning styles and behavioral disorders
💙 Experience getting to know children personally in order for them to feel safe and become successful 
💙 Experience as a K-5 Music Teacher
💙 Believes in creating a classroom culture built on respect and equity
💙 Trained in: Project Based Learning and Orff Level 1 Certified
💙 4+ years teaching in public schools
💙 4+ years teaching online

SARAH GEENENS:
💜 Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Psychology and Early Childhood Development
💜 Experience working with children with dyslexia, ADHD and selective mutism.
💜 Experience leading various programs within schools including ensembles and choirs
💜 Experience as a Reading Interventionist and Third Grade, Music and Art Teacher
💜 Experience with 21+ years of voice, 11+ years of piano, 9+ years of ukulele, and 7+ years of guitar
💜 Believes in valuing children’s creativity and self-expression through their mastery of instruments and finding their voice
💜 4+ years teaching in private schools
💜 2+ years teaching online


XIOMARA EZELL (aka ZIZI):
💙 Currently pursuing a Music Degree
💙 Experience creating custom guitar tracks
💙 Experience developing immersive music workshops, programs and camps
💙 Experience guiding children through the use of encouragement, creativity and passion to establish confidence
💙 Experience working with diverse and dynamic learners to create personalized curriculum
💙 Experience as a Teacher’s Assistant, Coach, and Collaborator for young musical learners
💙 Believes in creating a supportive and comfortable learning environment for all learners
💙 4+ years teaching guitar to all ages in various settings, including online


BELLA ELY:
💜 Creator and Founder of Sing Create Play
💜 Degrees in: Teaching (K-12), Social Work and Level 3 Diploma in Children's Psychology
💜 Experience incorporating auditory, visual and action based activities alongside music within the Sing Create Play curriculum to create an inclusive environment to help children immerse themselves in their learning 
💜 Personal and professional experience working with children with various learning styles and neurodivergent learners including: ADHD, autism, and dyslexia
💜 Trained in: Understanding Behaviour as Communication: A Therapeutic Approach, Tips & Tools to Manage Anger, Understanding Autism, Mindfulness for Daily Living, Understanding Anxiety, Classroom Behaviour Management, NLP Diploma in Life Coaching and Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers
💜 20+ years teaching in K-12 classroom settings
💜 5+ years teaching SEL specifically
💜 4+ years teaching online


KATIE CAMPBELL:
💜 Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 General Music & 6-12 Choral Education
💜 Experience organizing a variety of activities including choir, musical theater and student concerts
💜 Experience working with children with a variety of learning styles and highlighting their strengths through an individualized approach
💜 Experience creating an enriching learning environment through her understanding of the transformative power of music
💜 Believes in a holistic approach allowing students to build their confidence and become empathetic individuals
💜 Trained in: SEL Music Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Using Children’s LIterature in the Music Classroom, Orff Action, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Music
💜 16+ years teaching in public schools
💜 2+ years teaching online

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Live Group Class
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$60

for 5 classes
1x per week, 5 weeks
25 min

Completed by 54 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-8
4-5 learners per class

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