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!
Hobbies:
Musical influences:
Favourite food:
Least favourite food:
Favourite music:
Favourite album:
Favourite movie:
Favourite musical theatre/opera:
Best quote from your teacher:
Favourite quote:
Favourite book:
Latest Homework from Gergely
Is Gergely Your Teacher?
Sign up now to get your weekly assignments delivered, and never lose your homework sheet again!
Watch the Star Wars Theme – Played on Organ!
Star Wars & Music Lessons
Unsurprisingly, Star Wars is all the rage at the moment, with the latest instalment having smashed box office records, and still going strong in theatres.
Musically, the main theme from Star Wars has always been a big deal, particularly with young kids learning musical instruments. Thanks to ‘The Force Awakens’ this flame of interest is now a roaring bonfire.
In our music school, we hear Star Wars themes at least a few times a year, and always enjoy them. They make a nice change from the traditional music learned in lessons. We also believe that it is important for kids learning music to be able to play the things that interest them. So, when kids tell us what they’d like to play, then we’ll find a way to get it into their lessons.
Star Wars on Organ, Played by a Young Woman
We also believe in sharing inspiration, so here’s what looks to be a teenage girl – who obviously knows how to practice – playing the main themes from Star Wars. Pay particular attention to her feet – this is where most of the bass instruments (Bass, Tuba, Timpani, Bass Drum) are coming from. Playing these parts with your foot is incredibly hard, but she makes it look easy! You’ll also notice how accurate and fast her hands are with the quicker rhythms. You may wonder why she has earphones in while playing, too. This is likely because she has programmed extra sound effects into her performance, and there is probably a guide (a programmed metronome, called a click track) to help keep her synched with those effects.
Safe Air at Home – Is Yours?
Here’s a fascinating article from the BBC about how the most common scented products we use. While safe by themselves, they can turn into potentially poisonous and life-threatening chemicals that could have adverse affects on ourselves and our families over time.
It is easy to take our air safety for granted, assuming that regulatory bodies are protecting us. While there is definitely oversight and regulation, what happens to the scented products once in your air is not something that the regulatory bodies concern themselves with.
With that in mind, and knowing as many families as we do, we certainly think this article is a worthwhile read for your consideration.
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.
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests
