Mel Bay Mastering the Guitar: Class Method (Mastering the Guitar) (Mastering the Guitar)

Mastering the Guitar Class Method is a remarkably innovative new approach to teaching guitar in class settings. Special features of this method include: careful grading of all material; use of both standard notation and tablature; numerous guitar ensemble pieces; the combining of music with other disciplines such as history, math, English, etc.; presentation of varied musical styles as applied to the guitar; solo material from different musical periods; selections derived from various countries and cultures; graded lessons on improvising; and suggested guitar back-up and accompaniment styles. This new method meets current MENC national standards for music education.

William Bay is president of Mel Bay Publications, Inc. He is an accomplished guitarist and trumpet player and has performed on both instruments in a wide variety of professional settings. He is experienced as a performer and composer of music ranging from jazz and rock to the classics and sacred. He received his bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his master's from the University of Missouri. Bill has received international acclaim for his innovative teaching methods, and he has authored over 200 books with sales in the millions. Mike Christiansen is a Professor and Director of Guitar Studies at Utah State University. In 1994 he was selected "Professor of the Year" at Utah State. He is the author of numerous instructional books, has recorded several CDs, and appears on fourteen instructional videos. He has had articles published in several magazines including Acoustic Guitar and Soundboard, and has also conducted many workshops for guitarists and educators. In addition to this work geared toward teaching, he has played in many top bands and ensembles, has written and performed radio jingles, has backed up many artists on recordings and has written and recorded music for TV and educational films. Currently, in addition to his teaching and writing duties, Mike does solo work, performs with the Lightwood Duo (a clarinet-guitar duo), and is a member of the group, Mirage.