Tag Archives: Pedagogy

The Role of the Shishya in Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music, or Hindustani music, is revered as one of the world’s more complex and theoretical musical systems. Despite the values placed on demonstrating this necessary knowledge base and observing the conventions of musical performance, Hindustani music remains to … Continue reading

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Free Guitar Resource: Open Chord Bass Notes

Here is a very useful chart for rhythm guitar, alternating bass, and for fingerpicking, bluegrass, and old-time accompaniment. It provides the root, third, and fifth of all of the basic open chords in multiple positions. Open Chord Bass Notes

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The Role of the Guru in Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music, or Hindustani music, is revered as one of the world’s more complex and theoretical musical systems. Despite the values placed on demonstrating this necessary knowledge base and observing the conventions of musical performance, Hindustani music remains to … Continue reading

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Jazz Article at Guitar International Magazine

Guitar International Magazine has just published my article “Jazz Improvisation: Licks as a Learning Tool” on their website. This article provides a method for getting the most from pre-composed licks as a model of jazz improvisation.

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Coming Soon: Website Reviews

As any student of music is surely aware, there is a virtually unlimited number of instructional resources available, often for free, online. Even when I was learning guitar, I relied heavily upon a number of websites for tablature, playing exercises, … Continue reading

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Coming Soon: The Mike Op Music Beginner Guitar Series!

I’m just putting the finishing touches on my new instructional program the Mike Op Music Beginner Guitar Series! Hopefully this online guitar course will be available for purchase before Christmas. Here’s what it’s all about: This eight-part program is intended … Continue reading

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Book Review: Unlocking the Guitar – Notes on the Neck, by Chuck Anderson

Unlocking the Guitar – Notes on the Neck, by Chuck Anderson. Anderson Music Publications, 2002. ISBN#0-9719730-0-8 This book provides an approach to one of the trickiest topics guitar players of any level face: learning the notes on the neck. The … Continue reading

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Music Education, Negotiation, and Compromise 1*

One of my primary interests in teaching and studying music is the relationship and dynamic that develops between the student and teacher. As a teacher it is my responsibility to ensure that I guide my students toward a working knowledge, … Continue reading

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MA program completed!

I am attempting to add new content to this site on a more regular basis. Now that I have finished with my MA I can again focus on music and education. For those interested here is a link to my … Continue reading

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