My teaching method is based on “keeping it simple”. I believe that the student needs to focus on the fundamentals of music and learn how to understand and appreciate how the guitar functions musically.
Focus Areas: Scales/Chords * Technique * Music Reading * Theory * Practicing

My system of instruction and teaching music starts and ends with scales or the sounds that our music is derived from. Music is based on a series of preset sounds that predate Bach, which I break into 2 focus areas, Major and Minor. To make music, we must first make the sounds, hear the sounds, and understand where they are on the guitar/bass.
Thru the use of musical exercises and songs the student learns to recognize scale and chord concepts in melodies, identify chord progressions, and play the sounds that they hear on recordings. Lessons also allow students to work on songs of their own choosing. Every fourth or fifth lesson the student is encouraged to bring in a song (CD) of their choice to work on.
I also believe that students should be exposed to a variety of musical styles including blues, classical, jazz, and pop in order to learn and appreciate the history of music. Periodically throughout their lesson sessions, I have students work on musical pieces in these different genres. This helps them understand that fundamentally music is the same sounds over and over, just in a different context. Which helps them realize that no matter what style of music, they can play it!
Instruction is also offered for advanced students interested in Jazz guitar. Students interested in this area of study will learn about the use of modes, melodic minor scale concepts, chord melody, comping, and improvisational techniques.

Student Commitment: Studying a musical instrument requires a time commitment from the student. If you want to learn how to make music you must be willing to commit practice time every day (see the hand out “How to Practice”). As your instructor my responsibility is to help you understand music and how your instrument works musically, or, take the mystery out of music. It is only the students desire and willingness to practice and study that can help them learn to play music.

Necessary materials for all students:

• Metronome
• Guitar Tuner
• Manuscript book(s)
• *Lesson books.
• Pocket folder (for handouts)

Jazz Students should purchase: Six Essential Fingerings for the Jazz Guitarist by Jimmy Bruno – Mel Bay Publications

Ed McCartan - Instructor

• Graduated from Mansfield University, Majored in Classical Guitar, Earned a BA in music
• Teaching music instruction for 14 yrs
• Studied with various jazz luminaries, most recently with jazz guitarist Jimmy Bruno
• Performed in numerous venues including the Rehoboth Jazz Festival & the Berks Jazz Festival
• Performed in a variety of jazz, rock, & blues ensembles including with vocalist Patti Austin and bassist Gerald Veasley.
• Currently performs solo, and with the ED McCartan Trio, and Relatively Speaking.
• Musical Director Ladies of Jazz

Ed McCartan
610-432-5270
edm@edmccartan.com
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