The Brad Powell Guitar Method: for Class & Independent Learning - Vol. 1 - Paperback

by Brad Powell (Author)

A comprehensive guitar method (Vol. 1 for beginners), starting with the basic elements of music: the staff, notes and basic rhythms; parts of the guitar and how to hold it, play it and make sounds; then methodically taking the student(s) from the guitar's 1st string through 6th string in First Position (open strings and first four frets, plus 5th position on first string: Low E to high C). Included are many familiar popular and traditional songs from around the world, with many duets and trios which are terrific for guitar classes... so the class can split into sections and play as an ensemble together. The pieces and arrangement are also excellent for school performances! Chords are introduced, with over 30 chords included, and used in the songs.The Brad Powell Guitar Method is also excellent for students taking private lessons, as well as for independent learners. Guitar students in each learning situation will enjoy and learn from this unique method. (Online video guidance is being introduced in fall 2021, to provide playing examples for guitar classes and independent learners. This can be especially helpful for school music teachers who might not play a lot of guitar.) Here are just a few of the many songs and pieces included: Ode To Joy, Trumpet Voluntary, Aura Lea (aka "Love Me Tender"), When The Saints Go Marching In, Home on The Range (other cowboy songs), 'Minuet in G' by Bach/Petzold, Down By The Riverside, Duérmete, Mi Niño, The John B. Sails, Las Mañanitas (Birthday song), Bill Bailey, Simple Gifts, House of The Rising Sun, Take Me Out To The Ball Game, Crossroads of Jam 'n' Bread (an original tribute to blues innovator Robert Johnson), and many more.Valuable music theory lessons, presented in applied ways. Background information on the composers and the music is included along the way, to broaden the learning experience. The Brad Powell Guitar Method covers both 'Pick style' and 'classical guitar finger style' playing--to bridge that 'gap'--helping students become well-rounded, educated and capable musicians. The Brad Powell Guitar Method has been tested in thousands of private lessons and hundreds of guitar classes (20-30 students each), and has brought the joy of music and guitar playing fun to many!

Author Biography

Inspired by the Beatles, Brad Powell began guitar lessons at age ten, then at age 15, he became a protégé of renown jazz guitarist Joe Pass. During college, Brad studied classical guitar under concert artist Vincenzo Macaluso, and at California State University, Northridge (earning a B.A. in Music), where he took classes under Dr. Ronald Purcell, and a master class under the maestro Andrés Segovia. Brad was featured at the Hollywood Bowl performing Gerald Wilson's Sonata for Guitar and Orchestra, with the composer conducting. Brad has composed music for popular TV shows, including Hill Street Blues and The 'A' Team (working with composer Mike Post). Brad has recorded nine albums (and counting) as "The Candlelight Guitarist." He has taught over 5,000 private guitar lessons, and hundreds of guitar classes.