tgs@makingmusicians.com

Grade 1

On completion of grade 1 the students will have a further understanding of basic scales and will be able to play scales over 2 octaves. Students will also have acquired the ability to play additional chords including major 7th chords. Sight reading becomes a important part of this grade. In order for students to gain the knowledge of the fret board layout students should be able to play a piece of music in 4/4 time at 60 b.p.m within I octave of musical notation. At this stage students confidence will be building through our live production sessions.

Electric Guitar: Grade 1

Duration: 10 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (20hrs)

Grade 2

On completion of grade 2 the students will be able to play previously learnt scales using different key signatures. Students will also be able to play Pentatonic scales in all 5 positions. Additional chords will be obtained to enhance the student's ongoing chord vocabulary. A clear understanding of how lead solos work over chord progressions and the ability to perform these would be expected from students completing this grade. Ongoing notational reading will be acquired, including an awareness of dynamics and musical theory. Students will also have picked up a variety of guitar techniques from the preliminary up to this stage.

Electric Guitar: Grade 2

Duration: 10 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (20hrs)

Grade 3 (Intermediate)

Students will have an understanding and have the ability to play arpeggios, in addition to further scale positions. Barre chords will be required at this grade and students will be able to play at least 4 different chords using this barre shape. In previous grades, we would have referred to the theory of the harmonized major scale; at this stage the group will be able to confidently apply this knowledge in relation to composition and transcription.

Electric Guitar: Grade 3

Duration: 10 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (20hrs)

Grade 4

On completion of Grade 4, students would have expanded their chord vocabulary and would have acquired further scale positions to benefit their lead improvisational skills. Students will also have acquired more guitar techniques and will be able to incorporate these into guitar solos. Students will have a greater understanding of musical theory and will be able to associate this with the practical element of the course. Time signatures, sight reading skills and dynamics will also develop further during Grade 4.

Electric Guitar: Grade 4

Duration: 10 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (20hrs)

Grade 5

Grade 5 marks the end of the intermediate level. At this stage guitarists will be knowledgeable and experienced in order to function in live gigging situations. On this course it will be encouraged for all students to get involved with a live performance, this will give the individual the satisfaction of putting into practice what they have learned to date. All of the information gathered from previous grades will be well established in the minds of the musician and will be able to converse confidently with other musicians.

Electric Guitar: Grade 5

Duration: 10 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (20hrs)

Grade 6 - 8 (Advanced)

Grades 6-8 will be the more advanced element and will therefore require more time dedicated to the remaining grades. We will increase the allocated time to 20 week courses in order to complete each stage.

Electric Guitar: Grade 6 - 8

Duration: 20 weeks

Course time: 2 hours per week (40hrs)

For a full price guide please see our prices or download our information pack.