Teaching Guitar through Popular Music is centered on the belief that all people are musical, demonstrated by leveraging the musical choices of the individual. This is achieved through performance of modern band music – culturally relevant music of students taught through approximation, music acquisition theory, and social equity. Participants will learn to play guitar through popular music, focusing on reading through iconographic notation, utilize improvisation, and demonstrate how all people are musical and can enjoy playing through familiar repertoire. Sample lesson plans will be discussed to show how to make the most out of basic musical elements and skills.
Target Audience
All music educators interested in teaching guitar and popular music.
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Scott Burstein
Music Will
Dr. Scott Burstein is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the non-profit Music Will. His duties include managing training, advocacy, and educational outreach. He previously taught public high school in Los Angeles for twelve years, including subjects such as Modern Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and AP Music Theory.
Scott received his DMA in Music Education at the University of Southern California, completing his dissertation titled “Transformation of Habitus and Social Trajectories: A Retrospective Study of a Popular Music Program” and lead author on the award winning “Modern Band Method Book” series.