An AVGPA student just received a $12,000 scholarship to study guitar at the University of Minnesota, AFTER JUST 8 MONTHS OF CLASSICAL LESSONS with us.  This student was taught with our exclusive Accelerando Guitar Method (discussed below) which is available to students of any age or ability level.  We also have an Accelerando Method for piano.

A St. Thomas University professor gave another guitar student the assurance that he would receive a scholarship if he applied to the music school.  This student also received a grade of "A" after a private-school evaluation by a member of the Minnesota Orchestra.

These independent assessments by top music experts confirm our claims of educational quality and results throughout the remainder of this site.

Recorded Proof that Our Teaching Methods Produce Extraordinary Results Quickly

Music Learning Curriculums

GUITAR PLAYING METHODS

We teach playing the guitar with a pick, which is most effective for strumming and melody (lead) playing.  We also offer lessons in the beautiful, versatile technique known as fingerstyle, where four fingers of the right hand pluck the strings.  This allows a guitarist to play music with independent layers or "lines", including pieces written for piano or even an orchestra. 

For example, in a typical music group, different guitarists play melody (lead), chords (rhythm), and bass (low notes).  With fingerstyle training, our students can play all three together--melody/chords/bass!

Digital Flashcard Software for Rapid Mastery of Music Reading

This software was developed by our head teacher

to work with the Accelerando Piano and Guitar Methods

PIANO AND GUITAR SKILL TRAINING/TESTING

This curriculum, which is offered for technique, ear training, and music performance,

provides a clear measurement of student progress.  Graduating from each of the 10 levels gives the student a sense of accomplishment and confidence.  Best of all, the skills acquired improve one's piano playing and ability to learn new music quickly.

The curriculum is based on the internationally recognized standards set by the renowned

Royal Conservatory of Music and the Associated Board of Royal Music Schools.

CONTINUAL CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT

On a regular basis, our head teacher researches and creates new teaching methods, technique studies, and music for students to play.  This translates into faster and higher-quality musical progress as each year of study passes, and the excitement of new and challenging modes of learning.

COMPREHENSIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE TRAINING

This training focuses on three key areas:

Technique (efficient, accurate finger movements),

Musicianship (quality of sound), and

Interpretation (varying the sound and time of notes according to personal taste).

Our approach is particularly effective because we teach professional-level principles and skills in these areas, starting with the very first lesson. This includes young children as well.  By our refusing to settle for anything less than a professional sound in the context of music matching the student's finger ability, they achieve their full potential as musicians at every step of their training.

DEVELOPING THE STUDENT'S MUSICAL PERSONALITY

Rather than teach students to copy the teacher's playing style, we have specialized techniques that allow them to develop their own musical personality.  This self-discovery process takes mental effort and experimentation with sound variations, guided by an expert teacher.  Eventually, however, the student is rewarded with a strong sense of confidence as a musician, and the ability to be creative without the teacher's assistance.  Thus, even our younger students become true musical artists.

Development of creativity is further enhanced by teaching students the music theory behind each piece they study.  As a result, they can enhance their weekly lesson music.  This involve rewriting a part of a melody line, adding "ornaments" and other special effects, expanding the accompaniment to the melody, or composing an intro or ending. 

DEVELOPING THE STUDENT'S MUSICAL CREATIVITY

After the early beginner phase, our students are taught how to improvise by adding to or changing the music they are working on.

Chord-melody arranging allows students to experience the joy of musical creativity without the difficult work of composing melodies.  Specifically, they learn how to combine chords with their favorite melodies to create beautiful arrangements that are uniquely their own.  As a result, they can develop a large repertoire of songs in any style.  Arranging also represents highly effective training in the memorization of chords, and the art of organizing chord notes for the most attractive and effective sound (chord voicing).

As students reach a high level of technical skill and musical understanding, they are also taught the art of composing original pieces.  Those interested in classical music learn the art of translating works of the great master composers for performance on the guitar, which is called transcribing.

MUSIC THEORY

Theory explains the building blocks of music and how they are used to create musical compositions.  Theory knowledge allows students to write their own music, improvise, and create accompaniments to singing.  In addition, they will play written music much better than those who are unaware of musical structure. 

EAR TRAINING

Ear training involves recognizing musical sounds by name, notating them on staff paper, and playing them accurately through hearing alone.  It also sharpens musical perception and makes the student more sensitive to pitch and duration patterns in music.  As a result, their playing improves significantly.  Ear training is also excellent preparation for arranging, composing, and improvising, which is discussed below.

MUSICAL STYLES

In line with the expectations of most piano students and their parents, the main focus of the piano program is on classical music.  For piano, the popular music category mentioned earlier includes mainstream "pop", jazz, movie themes, Christian, etc.

In the guitar program, students choose to specialize in classical or pop music, but are introduced to both during their training with us.