Our approach
We want to help you achieve your musical goals. We'll help you determine those goals and then work with you to meet them. At The Ta’Ma'Sam Guitar Workshop, we promote the "play" in playing music. We believe that if you are enjoying what you are learning, you will stay more committed to it. Ta'Ma'Sam's programs will help you build a solid musical base. Elements of music theory are introduced when they enhance and deepen your understanding of the material you are mastering. You will acquire an understanding of the guitar, a repertoire and gain confidence. You can learn privately or in a group.
Why offer lessons in pairs or groups?
Learning together with a friend or in a group helps break down what can be, for some, a stressful one-on-one teacher-student dynamic. Group learning often helps generate a more comfortable social atmosphere that greatly enhances the learning environment. Just as successful students in other fields take advantage of peer interaction to help them understand and master a subject, learning guitar with a friend or in a small group allows a student to take advantage of their friends' and fellow students' support and insights. And when it comes to practising between classes, two or more heads really can be better than one.
You can learn by playing songs
At The Ta’Ma'Sam Guitar Workshop we will teach you to play songs, not just scales and exercises. The best way to start is by doing. That's not rocket science. It's actually the way thousands of guitarists, both professional and amateur, have unlocked the joy of playing throughout musical history. We can start by introducing you to simple chording or open tuning techniques that allow you to build a repertoire of songs. By learning a variety of songs, you will explore a range of musical structures and possibilities.
Why offer lessons in pairs or groups?
Learning together with a friend or in a group helps break down what can be, for some, a stressful one-on-one teacher-student dynamic. Group learning often helps generate a more comfortable social atmosphere that greatly enhances the learning environment. Just as successful students in other fields take advantage of peer interaction to help them understand and master a subject, learning guitar with a friend or in a small group allows a student to take advantage of their friends' and fellow students' support and insights. And when it comes to practising between classes, two or more heads really can be better than one.
You can learn by playing songs
At The Ta’Ma'Sam Guitar Workshop we will teach you to play songs, not just scales and exercises. The best way to start is by doing. That's not rocket science. It's actually the way thousands of guitarists, both professional and amateur, have unlocked the joy of playing throughout musical history. We can start by introducing you to simple chording or open tuning techniques that allow you to build a repertoire of songs. By learning a variety of songs, you will explore a range of musical structures and possibilities.
It's not about talent!
To bend a phrase "Talent is overrated." It is a tragic fact that many people, young and old, having been told they had no talent or are "tone deaf" by insensitive friends, family members or worse, incompetent teachers, deny themselves the sheer joy of playing a musical instrument. Current scientific research has undercut old prejudices about so-called natural talent and musical ability. Research into musical success shows it rests on four basic elements: the desire to play, the opportunity to learn, support and positive criticism, and the effort put into learning.
Surprisingly to some, "talent" is not the determining factor.
What about reading music?
While reading music is a skill that you should acquire at some point, it is not immediately essential to learning to play an instrument. Many leading musicians have not only played without being able to read music, they have composed as well: think Paul McCartney. Our programs employ ear training, the use of chord diagrams and other notation methods to help you play. Outside classical and ensemble scores, much of today's music is published in a form called a "lead sheet" which sets out the melody, the words of a song and includes either chord symbols, chord diagrams or tablatures. We will teach you basic music theory and how to read music, but that can come once you are comfortable playing.
Music is good for you!
Yes, music is good for you! Not only is it fun, it offers a host of benefits beyond sheer enjoyment. Scientific studies over the past decade have demonstrated that children who are involved in music programs score better on standardised tests at school, have fewer behavioural problems and develop positive self-image. Adults who play an instrument handle stress better, are more mentally alert and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. If you want to find out more about the benefits of music we can provide copies of many articles dealing with various facets of the subject.
E-mail: tamasamguitar@live.ca or phone: 705.238.7581
