Riverside Guitar School had its first Practice Lab event from 3-7pm on Tuesday, December 20. Riverside staff were excited to premier this new program and offer an open-ended learning experience for students during the winter break.
Students of all ages and levels dropped in to work on their current music and learn Christmas songs. Riverside staff shared different techniques and ideas about how and what to practice, providing new perspectives to encourage our students’ continued progress. Teachers and students formed small groups to work on students’ individual goals.
Sam worked with instructors Vincent and Jared on some Tom Petty songs out of the Joy of Guitar 3 curriculum – they really enjoyed Free Fallin’ and Breakdown. Sam and Vincent played two separate parts while Jared sang, forming an impromptu band! Sam later shared some of his original guitar compositions. The three discussed how to balance repetition and novelty while writing music.
Shelby, a Joy of Guitar 1 student, worked with Brett on learning Jingle Bells. There are some quick chord changes that give many students trouble, but after slowing down and transitioning between two chords at a time, Shelby rocked it!
Of course, there was a mandatory hot cocoa break, giving everyone’s minds and fingertips a rest before returning to practice.
Dean and Audrey worked with Nash, Xander, and Dave, who all take private lessons at Riverside. They discussed how bass guitars can complement guitar chords and worked on creating a cohesive sound. They applied this knowledge while playing through Frosty the Snowman, ending the session with a full run of the piece.
Staff and students had a great time at the Practice Lab and look forward to enjoying more in the future!
-Vincent Frank
