Why Change Your Classroom Guitar Curriculum?

Changing the way you do something, or the way you teach something, is scary. It’s comfortable to continue teaching the same way and using the same materials. So…why change your classroom guitar curriculum? Changes in curriculum and method should be done to improve the outcome of the student’s skills and the student’s understanding and appreciation of music.

While consistency is useful and imperative for teaching required skills, change can be healthy for the students and teachers. It’s invigorating and productive. If the right material is adopted, change can make the teacher’s job less demanding and streamline the teaching/learning process. I know that my classroom guitar teaching, and my private guitar teaching, changed dramatically over the years. The change and updates were stimulating. Some of my improvements were the result of trial and error, while others occurred due to observation and suggestions of others.

Making Change a Gradual Process

Change doesn’t have to occur as a complete overhaul. It can be subtle and gradual.
A change in curriculum can take place by supplementing your old curriculum with new ideas from a different curriculum. I have seen cases where educators have supplemented their existing curriculum with portions of the Consonus courseware with it’s online videos and audio. Many teachers who have supplemented their existing approach to teaching with portions of the Consonus material have converted to total use of the Consonus courseware. Because the basics are the basics, teachers soon find that much of the content in the Consonus method is similar to the method they have been using in the past. That makes the transition seamless. However, the teacher soon discovers all of the additional content and positive attributes of the Consonus material.

For some, an abrupt, complete change of curriculum and using a new method happens smoothly. The key ingredient that makes change unruffled is preparation. If the teacher has a clear understanding of the method and it’s application, the change will be rewarding and comfortable for the teacher and the students. To assist the teacher with understanding the application of the Consonus method, the courseware comes with loads of pedagogical help for the teacher to understand the concepts and skills, and how to present them.

Making Change Work

The essential element in creating change is a willingness on the part of the teacher to be accepting of new ideas and methods, and have the courage to try. The world of music is constantly changing. Embracing and applying change in your curriculum
will be an asset to you as a teacher and to your students.