Professional Development

Join the OU Department of Music for a series of professional development events for music educators on the campus of Oakland University. Most events qualify for State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs.)

Introduction to Guitar for Music Educators - Friday & Saturday, November 15 & 16, 2024

Join us for a two-part interactive workshop designed specifically for music educators looking to incorporate guitar into their teaching. Whether you’re new to the instrument or looking to expand your skills, this workshop will provide the tools and techniques to confidently introduce guitar to your students. Across two sessions, participants will gain practical, hands-on experience and valuable instructional strategies for the classroom.

Part 1: Friday, November 15, 2024 | 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Varner Hall, Room 231

Unlock the Basics

In this first session, participants will dive into essential guitar techniques, from basic chord shapes to simple strumming patterns and rhythm exercises. You’ll learn effective methods for teaching guitar to students of all ages and how to seamlessly integrate the guitar into your music curriculum. By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel confident in your ability to introduce guitar basics to your students.

Learning Outcomes:

Describe basic guitar technique
Diagnose fundamental technical problems with guitar students
Play open chords
Explain and demonstrate the guitar fretboard

Part 2: Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM | Varner Hall, Room 231

Exploring Notation, Bar Chords, and Blues

Building on the first session, Part 2 will focus on reading standard musical notation on the guitar and translating familiar music theory concepts to the instrument. You’ll also learn the essentials of bar chords and explore classic blues progressions and scales to enrich your students’ musical experience. This session will provide the tools needed to deepen students’ understanding and engagement with the guitar.

Learning Outcomes:

Read music in the first position of the guitar
Play bar chords
Play blues progressions and basic improvisations

Expand your teaching toolkit and inspire a new generation of guitarists!

REGISTER FOR ONE OR BOTH PARTS HERE

review the full course document here

Meet the Instructor

Bret Hoag is a special lecturer of guitar at Oakland University and lecturer at the University of Michigan. A regular solo performer, Bret specializes in performance of new music; he has premiered works by many composers, including P.Q. Phan, Anthony Lanman, Rafael Hernandez, Mitsuhito Ogino, Terry Herald, Brian Hulse, and John Hall.

Aside from solo engagements, Bret frequently performs in chamber settings. Most recently, collaborators have included Jeffery Zook, flutist; George Stoffan, clarinetist; Drake Dantzler, tenor; Kelly Holst, soprano; and Davis Brooks, violinist.

At Oakland University, Bret directs the Oakland University Guitar Ensemble, teaches all levels of guitar classes for non-majors, and recruits and maintains an active studio of guitar majors. In addition to teaching courses intended for guitar majors (including Guitar Pedagogy and Guitar Literature), Bret also teaches History of Rock and Roll. At the University of Michigan, Bret teaches guitar classes and conducts the guitar ensemble.

Bret holds a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance from Oberlin Conservatory, and a master’s degree in guitar performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Prior to his appointment at Oakland University, Bret held a full-time position at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), where he was coordinator of guitar and directed the IUPUI Guitar Ensemble. In addition, he taught applied guitar at the University of Indianapolis.

School of Music, Theatre and Dance

Varner Hall, Room 207
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041

For all event or ticketing questions:
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Email: [email protected]