How and Why I Teach the Way I Do

A photo of Stew Gunn playing classical guitar.

I tailor lessons to the individual student. I have always loved music, and my life has been enriched by music, so I believe helping students find a lifelong connection to music is the most important thing I do.

Larghetto and Étude, Op. 35 – by Fernando Sor

Larghetto No 3. and Étude No. 4 introduce some more challenging techniques for the classical guitar, like partial barre chords and ornaments. While still considered “easy” pieces, there will be measures that require extra attention.

One Octave Scales in Three Positions in 12 Keys

An image of the A Major Scale for guitar in first position.

The most common one octave scale positions in all 12 keys. These are a great way to begin to see the different shapes a major can take on the classical guitar and the electric guitar and will prepare you for 2 octave scales.

Sight Reading Exercises for Guitar

I’m in the process of making a book of exercises for students learning to read notation for the guitar, suitable for all musical styles.

BWV 999

BWV 999 sheet music snippet

One of the greatest joys of my life as a musician has been playing music written by J.S. Bach. This piece, originally composed for keyboard in the key of C minor, has been transposed to the key of D minor for the classical guitar.