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!
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Latest Homework from Gergely
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Student Recital Review
Hi Team,
We have one week left before recitals, and I’d like to ask you to review the two sides of recital etiquette with your students this week, even if they are not coming; Being a good audience member, and being a good performer. I will likewise ask parents to review this with their kids, so we should have an improved recital experience, but hearing it from both sources this week will make a good impression!
Being an Audience Member
Take the time to discuss how to observe and respond to performers. Encourage critical thinking from your students to choose how they respond; Did they love it? Is the young(er) kid that just performed maybe shy for their first time and would be happier to have really loud applause? How would they like others to behave if and while they were performing?
I encourage you to add your own thoughts about being a good audience member to this.
Being a Performer
The biggest area that I would like you to emphasize is the approach and departure from the instrument. Kids often feel nervous and pressured, so I encourage you to practice this in your lessons this week, so that each student looks like they are under control. A practical reason for this is our video process, which does need to be adjusted from student to student, but it is good practice for being a better performer in general.
1. Approach the instrument not too quickly, and smile like you own the world. Take a measured bow, then sit down.
2. Be comfortable at the instrument, make sure everything is where you want it – it is your performance, and you can take whatever time you need to set up.
3. Before you begin, take a good, deep breath. This act alone can relieve tension and nerves to a high degree.
4. Play your piece the way you want to, and the way you imagine it.*
5. When you finish, bring back your million-dollar smile, and take a bow.
6. Walk away from the instrument, not too fast, like what you did was something you do every day, no problem.
*Most people don’t know what you are playing, the only way they’ll know if you make a mistake is if you let them know by making a face, a noise, stopping, twitching, etc. I usually recommend smiling like you are pleased, and did exactly what you wanted to. Fool the audience!
New Email System Online, more.
Check Your E-mail
I think I have gotten the new system up and running effectively.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Other E-mail lists
In addition to the Teachers Only list, there are lists for Music Lessons, and Music Together that you can subscribe to, which means that you can stay informed about other things going on at the school. You can sign yourselves up for that, if you like, there will be a subscription option on the Teachers Only page shortly.
Microwave cover
I’ve recently gotten a plastic food cover for the microwave. Please use it to cover all food you put in the microwave, and mind you do not burn yourself by steam, or touching a really hot plate.
Coffee Mugs
Some of you have already started to bring your mugs, which is great. Please grab a fat marker from me or Jasmine and write your name on the bottom, so others will know which is yours, and so they can be kind and clean yours if they use it.
Thanks,
Barn.
Preferred Books for Gergely’s Students
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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.
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests
