Arcadia (Hal Leonard Method books), RCM, Berklee, Contemporary choices available. RCM and Berklee courses will use their specific curriculum.
Strum, Pick, Tap, Shred… Those are just some of the many ways your fingers are challenged and pushed to make incredible sounds on the guitar, ukulele or bass. Revered some of the “coolest” instruments in the industry because of their sound and look, playing guitar, ukulele or bass goes beyond just being cool at Arcadia!
We challenge everyone in the Guitar-Based Learning Program to experience as many different styles on their instrument while empowering and helping them discover their inner Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Andrés Segovia, or all of the above!
A fundamental component of the contemporary program is music appreciation, and exploring different ways to listen to music critically. As such, these topics will be taught using the students preferred musical choices while also introducing students to a wide range of musical styles. Students can carry these ideas to solo performances, sharing their progress through social media, and participating in the Arcadia Rocks program!
The Core Guitar Program is designed for beginner guitarists. The program aims to improve the skills of each student through a traditional method. This program utilizes Hal Leonard Guitar Method 1-3 as structure for each of the lessons. The core program will include Learning the fretboard, studies in rhythm, ear training and select pieces from the method books. The Core Guitar Program has three levels as well as a preliminary level, each with exit examinations.
Our contemporary program is developed on the principle of “the existence of a world outside of classical guitar music and its traditions”; this is what Arcadia’s contemporary program strives on. This student-driven program provides a pathway to a musical life outside of the classical music realm, feeding their hunger to learn music that appeals to them on their guitar. The classroom will foster a personalized lesson approach to aid in achieving the student’s musical goals with guidance of their instructor. Topics will include rhythm, chords, fretboard knowledge and theory; all while exploring the student’s favorite repertoire and desired musical genres.
Despite its small form factor, this fun little instrument has a much larger impact on a student’s musical impact than at first glance! With the rise of its popularity, more schools have opted to have young students learn the ukulele. For those that want to explore the instrument more, Arcadia Academy of Music is excited to share our reservoir of expertise so that students can get the most out of this instrument. Students will learn a brief history of the ukulele while exploring the various playing styles. They will be guided through four organized levels utilizing the Hal Leonard Ukulele method. At the end of each level will culminate in an exam. In this program, students will learn various techniques, theoretical concepts, and many enjoyable songs. From there, students can opt to learn guitar, bass or even singing to compliment what they have been taught.
The Core Bass Program will provide a comprehensive bass method that will aid in taking students from the beginner level to the advanced level. This method introduces theory concepts that are taught through pieces in the method books. The bass method features seven levels that all culminate in an exam. Students will learn knowledge of the fretboard, selections of pieces from the book, and several immediately applicable techniques. From there, students will be able to carry what they learned through performances, and band opportunities should they want to explore those options.
The Contemporary Bass Guitar Program is designed around a student-led approach. Students will reach specific and fundamental goals with the use of their own musical preferences. Rhythm, fretboard knowledge, theory, and chord construction are among the core topics that will be learned in this method. Students will be introduced to a wide range of music in order to gain music appreciation.
