For over twenty years Patrick has provided quality instruction to residents of Brantford and surrounding areas. Being primarily a teacher of the classical guitar, he teaches students as young as five years old. In the initial stages of development, Mr Feely relies heavily on the Aaron Shearer text, "Learning the Classic Guitar." Once students have acquired a secure, rudimentary, technical foundation, the introduction of the "Royal Conservatory of Music Guitar Series" is presented.
Patrick uses these internationally recognized publications with a threefold aim: to provide students with a clear, well-paced path for their musical development; to nurture the techniques necessary to successfully meet those developmental challenges; and to expose students to the full range of the instruments repertoire and potential.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons form the core of the educational experience at the academy. Beginner students focus on the core fundamentals of positioning the guitar, and the correct movement of the fingers and thumb in both hands. Students learn to read music and play correct rhythms and pitches. Intermediate students focus more on the expressive aspects of music such as the use of dynamics, rubato, and achieving a cantabile tone.
GROUP LESSONS
Group Classes meet once a month and are a mandatory part of the Academy. These provide students with the opportunity to socialize, overcome shyness, and to share their skills with others in a non-threatning learning environment. Students with two years of study or less meet together in a large "guitar orchestra." Emphasis is placed on playing correct pitches and rhythms, while learning to balance individual parts within the whole. Many Friendships are formed, and students follow each others progress throughout the years.
More advanced students meet together in designated quartets, trios and duets. These groups work through some of the more challenging repertoire while focusing on synchronicity of execution, and an increased development of expressive techniques such as vibrato and the use of harmonics. THE ACADEMIC YEAR
The Academy has a 39 week teaching schedule which matches the elementary school calendar. Here is the sheduale for the 08-09 teaching year.
Sept - lessons begin Oct - Thanksgiving holiday Dec - Christmas holidays Jan. - Lessons resume March March break holidays March - Lessons resume June - Regular lessons finish
FESTIVALS
Students are encouraged to participate in local music festivals which take part throughout the year. Here are the web addresses of some of the more important festivals. Here you can find important information on application deadlines etc..
Guitar examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music take place in the winter, spring and fall. Go to their web site to view more information. http://www.rcmexaminations.org/
GETTING STARTED
If you are just beginning lessons you will need the following items:
1) A guitar foot rest. 2) A music stand. 3) A 3/4, or full size (depending on the size of the student) classical guitar. 4) A copy of "Learning the Classic Guitar Part 2" by Aaron Shearer Book. Mel Bay Publications.
Students who have been playing for a while may benefit from the following items:
1) A metronome 2 An electronic tuner 3) a copy of the "Royal Conservatory of Music Guitar Series Third Edition Guitar Repertoire and a Studies Book" (Introductory through to Grade 8) 4) A copy of the "Royal Conservatory of Music Guitar Series Third Edition, Guitar Technique Book" 5) A copy of the "Basics of Ear Training Book 1 - 8." by Boris Berlin and Warren Mould. 6) When purchasing strings I would recommend the "Pro Arte medium tension strings by D'Addario." 7) For any guitar repair you might need I would suggest calling Len Dembicki at (519) 753-031
POLICIES
1. One month's notice must be given prior to the termination of lessons
2. Missed lessons will be made-up during Christmas and March Break by appointment. Students will be responsible for re-scheduling.
Patrick Feely, Dip. Mus., B. Mus. (Per.), M. Mus. (Per.), A.R.C.T. phone/fax 519-756-2080 e-mail: pfeely@rogers.com
