Classical guitar pedagogy

The classical guitar pedagogy is a collection of ideas, structures and patterns that are typical in teaching the instrument. These elements have been formalised by several music governing bodies, most notably ABRSM. These frameworks contain a rubric to teach classical guitar from novice to expert. The pedagogy includes physical techniques and a wide array of songs that encompass these techniques as well as developing breadth in the styles of classical guitar. Music theory is also taught throughout the pedagogy, as the teaching of classical guitar utilises many aspects of the general musical education.

The classical guitar is today a standard instrument that can be studied at music universities and conservatories. Numerous education publications are available, from guitar-related books,[1][2] to musical style,[3] etc.

There are also institutions that offer worldwide graded music exams. Examples include:

• ABRSM: graded music exams from Grade 1 to Grade 8,[4][5] or advanced diplomas[6]
• Trinity College London: graded music exams from Grade 1 to Grade 8,[7] Music Certificate Exams,[8] or advanced diplomas[9]
• etc.[10][11][12][13][14]

Articles which consider graded exams in the context of the classical guitar have been written by the EGTA (European Guitar Teachers Association).[15][16][17]

Classical guitar pedagogy also includes music pedagogy. Relevant publications from John Sloboda and others exist, which consider e.g.

• Psychology of Music [18]
• Philosophy of Music [19]
• Music Education[20]
• etc.

Students studying music pedagogy usually receive access (via their learning institution e.g. university) to searchable online journals (e.g. via JSTOR, ProQuest) which simplifies the process of locating relevant data, studies and citations for their own research.

Brad Conroy's lesson on simple right hand arppegios

Bibliography at the end of the article