M.Mus (U of T)
B.Mus (Oberlin)
Guitarist Gergely Szabo has an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance from Cambrian College where he majored in the classical guitar. Over his time there, he completed 2 years of comprehensive pedagogy courses. He also gained well grounded vocal skills, as well as basic knowledge on the piano. Outside of classical music, he exhibits a repertoire of skills and knowledge in playing the genres of rock, blues, and heavy metal music. He has experience in teaching the guitar and the ukulele to a range of people aged 6 to 54.
Gergely’s teaching methods include both the use of books and digital methods. The three main books he uses to teach guitar are as follows: “Guitar Method Book 1 by Will Schmid and Greg Koch,” “Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests RCM Level 1,” and “Classical Guitar Repertoire and Etudes RCM Level 1.” For teaching ukulele, he uses the book “Ukulele Songs for 1, 2, or 3 players by Elizabeth Ragsdale.” Aside from these, he frequently uses the Muse Score application as a play-along practicing tool.
Gergely’s passion for music and his dedication to growing the love of music in others are the biggest reasons why he teaches guitar and ukulele. His approach to teaching involves learning through play. The material he covers with his students is always delivered in a way that is highly interactive. Most of the assigned exercises he gives involve the elements of play that students can enjoy both in class and as homework.
Get to know Gergely…Beyond the Bio!
Coming soon!
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Latest Homework from Gergely
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A Homework Welcome!
Hello Cornerstone parents and students!
Starting after exams, your homework will arrive on this page on Thursday or Friday of each week. You can bookmark and visit this page any time, or sign up for the emails on the main ABC/Cornerstone page, and your specific homework will go right to your email! We encourage you to sign up now. If you have students at home that have their own emails, phones, tablets, or computers, we encourage you to have them sign up, as well. We are increasing the level of accountability moving forward, and would like everyone to have the opportunity to be as well informed as possible.
If you are looking at this page before February 7th, please note that these pages are still under construction, and many of the features will be coming soon. We’ll send out some general notes to you via email during the 7-week program, as well. This will keep you up to date on the programming.
B. Kerekes
Director
Maori Haka – Wedding Warrior Music
Maori Haka – Warrior Music at a Wedding
It’s easy to forget – in our very popularity based culture – that music comes from within, from all of us.
In this very interesting clip, a traditional warrior chant and dance used to intimidate enemies, is presented at a wedding as a sign of respect.
The Traditional Haka
Below is a more traditional video, with traditional dress and tribal tattooing. This is a good one to watch with kids, to broaden some cultural horizons, and to show that music isn’t just singing behind a microphone!
Exposing your kids and friends to different music culturally, historically, rhythmically, and tonally is a subtle, but excellent way to teach the embracing of new things in general.
For a good overview of Haka in general, the Wikipedia article on Haka is excellent. Of particular interest is the role of women in the traditional Haka, which is reserved for extra special events, and the evolving role for women and children in Haka in modern times. It is extraordinary and inspiring that a traditional musical form is evolving with what is a pretty quick speed.
Preferred Books for Gergely’s Students
Click to buy them here, and they’ll come right to your house! What could be easier?
Hal Leonard Guitar Method
The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming.


