Why The Guitar Is a Useful Instrument For a Drama Teacher
The guitar has always proved an essential tool of the trade to myself, as a drama teacher.
An acoustic or semi-acoustic guitar is both portable and flexible enough to provide a backing source at a moment's notice, whatever the location, when rehearsing standard songs or when improvising new material.
The advent of high-tech effects pedals and workstations (I use the Digitech GNX3) , modelling amplifiers and guitars, has made studio-type sound effects available at the touch of a button (or pedal) for the benefit of audiences used to the sophisticated effects associated with today's top level bands or cinema-based drama.
It is a straightforward process recording multiple tracks on multitrack digital recorders, which can either be standalone units, or computer-software based. These can produce sounds on a par with those produced in recording studios only a few years ago and are an excellent way of producing backing tracks for performance.
There has also always been a close relationship between the teaching of drama and the teaching of music. Most drama teachers whose work involves a performance element will undoubtedly have considered incorporating music into their productions at some time or other. For a drama teacher to be a musician as well, is a considerable asset!
But traditionally the guitar is a complex instrument- and I had the advantage of being lead guitarist in a group before becoming a drama teacher, which gave me a head start. So why should I advocate that drama teachers should consider learning an instrument that takes years to master?
Well, what brought me to this way of thinking was when I was trawling across the Internet for a means of encouraging my teengaged son, Felton, to persevere with the new Strat he had been given for his birthday. Like many kids of his age, he was keen to learn, but wanted to learn quickly. The idea of being a rock star was great, but the thought of grafting through laborious finger exercises, hour after hour, developing his skills at the pace of a snail, did not exactly appeal to him!
Then I stumbled across Chris Elmore's ad which boasted "How To Play the Acoustic/ Electric Guitar in 30 Days." Naturally, I was reticent. Having been playing, myself, for over forty years (-and still having much to learn-) how could I expect a mere child to acquire such a skill in so short a time!
To my surprise, when I studied what Chris had to offer, it was different from the usual approach to guitar teaching. It cut corners, but without omitting essentials. It went straight to the heart of what was required, with immediate effect, which created a sense of purpose and the fulfilment of progressive achievement from the outset. ("I can do that- and now I want to learn how to do this!")
What is more, the course was online, interactive and visual, with the facility to use sound to support the learning, when appropriate. It was also downloadable to subscribers, thus making it available offline. Updates could be accessed at no extra cost, as and when they were made available. Interesting and highly informative newsletters were e-mailed at regular intervals.
Overall, it was a treasure trove for any guitarist!
What is more, I found to my delight that all levels of guitarists were catered for by Chris Elmore's site. There were backing tracks to jam to; favourite songs to learn; and even a new facility aimed at developing advanced lead guitar skills, each individual aspect available for a one off additional modest subscription.
I believe that Chris Elmore's Guitar Tips site will enable both practising and potential drama teachers to add an additional dimension to their teaching by learning to play the guitar quickly, easily and skilfully. Those who can currently play the guitar will benefit by access to backing tracks, favourite songs or advanced lead guitar playing skills which will serve to enhance what skills they already have.
By using the guitar in their teaching, drama teachers will be able to back singing rehearsals, improvise new material and provide instrumentation for performances.
Once the skills have been acquired, they will be able to use guitar workstations, effects pedals and digital recording methods (using digital multitrack recorders and/ or computers) to create backing tracks to support performances.
If you are considering learning the guitar to support your Drama Teaching, then there is no better starting point than Chris Elmore's site. Click the links, explore them for yourself and see what you think.
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"Learn How To Play The Guitar In 30 Days" If you want to learn to play the electric / acoustic guitar in 30 days, check this out...
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"Learn To Play Your Favorite Songs On The Guitar" If you want to learn to play you favorite songs on the guitar step by step -- check this out...
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"Improve Your Guitar Playing With Guitar Backing Tracks" If you'd like to jam with your own set of 'guitar backing tracks' -- check this out...
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"Learn To Play Lead Guitar Like A Rock Legend" If you want to learn to play lead guitar like a rock legend, without even leaving your home -- check this out...
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