GUITAR TEACHER REVIEWS

Jonathan Patterson, February 15, 2007

I have taught guitar for almost 20 years, and looked for a book like this too many times to remember. Until now I always gave up and settled for using the Hal Leonard method plus my own hand-written extra sightreading exercises and supplemental materials about scales/theory/improvisation. I've wasted a lot of lesson time this way, and my students (and their parents) take hand-written materials less seriously than printed books. But the big problem I've had with books is that most students don't fit nicely into "Level 1" or "Level 2" of any available series. You know, you get some students know scale patterns all over the neck but can't read a single note, or students who can read melodies but don't understand any theory or chord-scale relationships.

Susan Palmer's book solves all my materials and organization problems and lets me focus on actually teaching. At about 150 pages this one book can easily replace several "Levels" of the Hal Leonard or any available series I've seen. She thoroughly covers the technical and theoretical fundamentals that all guitar styles have in common, and--my favorite part--she ties it all together into a continuous system that is easy to understand and immediately practical. I love it because when a student is stronger in one area than in another, I can approach the area that needs work by showing the student how it relates to what they already do well. Because of these connections I find that ALL of the material in the book is useful for all beginner-intermediate, and even many advanced students.

It's an easy sell to parents because the sheer amount of material will last a long time (no more "Didn't we just buy a new book for Timmy last month?") and looks infinitely better than a crumpled up pile of my handwritten notes. Combine "The Guitar Lesson Companion" with teaching students specific songs that they like, and your students will enjoy what they're playing while understanding what they're playing. Since that sums up my whole purpose and philosophy as a teacher this book is exactly what I've been looking for.

“Great Method Book!”

L. Bruck “Music Girl”, June 14, 2006

Having a master's degree in music pedagogy, I have seen a lot of method books over the years and Susan Palmer's latest addition to the guitar repertoire series is outstanding! My 11 year old son began guitar lessons last September and has fallen in love with the guitar, thanks in part to this excellent book. His rhythm, melody, and improvisation just took off. But most importantly, I believe he will have a love of music for the rest of his life, which is the major challenge of any music series.

 

“Excellent Book, Very Complete”

Alex Markvi, June 14, 2006

I have seen every book on the market and nothing compares to this book. The author has put together a comprehensive step-by-step approach to learn all the various facets and building blocks of successful guitar playing. This book impressed myself and my company so much we decided to pick it up as our newest all in one guitar method book. It has been exceedingly popular in its debut; I am confident that this book will become one of if not the staple in guitar methodology.
 

“Covers All the Bases”

Paul Chasman, June 29, 2006

Susan Palmer has written a clear, comprehensive, and integrated method for learning the guitar. "The Guitar Lesson Companion" will be an invaluable resource for many students who want a solid musical foundation. The Companion will also provide many teachers with a method that is focused and directed, yet flexible enough to accommodate the individual teaching style. I highly recommend this book to students and teachers alike.

Paul Wolf, June 23, 2008

I received Susan's book today...! One day turnaround, not bad. My early review after skimming it on my lunch hour is that it's an excellent step by step method for incorporating music theory into your lessons without having to start from scratch...you can supplement her curriculum with song transcriptions and probably have enough raw material to use for a year or two's worth of lessons. 
 
The book is written for teachers, not for the general public (although the students will be working from it, they would need a teacher's guidance) 
 
I'm glad I bought it and recommend it highly. 
 

Dave McCullough, May 29, 2008

Been looking it over, and I have to say, you put together a real nice piece of work, very well organized and thorough - impressive! 
 
http://www.davemccullough.org

STUDENT REVIEWS

“The Best Guitar Method Book I’ve Used”

Jessica M., June 13, 2006

At 32, I've taken guitar lessons with 4 different teachers and used numerous other guitar lesson books. Each time, I was disappointed and ended up quitting because I didn't feel like I was following a logical progression of learning. The teachers usually started each lesson by asking me what I wanted to learn, so I ended up spending a lot of time and money learning the chords to a handful of songs. This book has completely changed my outlook on learning the guitar. With the help of my guitar teacher, I'm starting to build the fundamental skills to be able to figure out songs on my own. The exercises are fun and challenging - I am actually excited about practicing every day! I would recommend this book to anyone just starting or wanting to improve their guitar-playing.

Robb, April 11, 2007

I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge of music with me.  I ran across your YouTube videos – watched a few – then purchased your book. 

Simply Brilliant! 

I have been interested in the guitar since my father let me play with his guitar as a young boy.  Now 35, I can finally appreciate the instrument (through your teachings) and let my inner music out. 

I just finished page 14 (CD Track #2) and I wanted to tell you that in all my years of education, from grade school to college, I have never been more inspired in such little time. 

The fact that you have us (those who are using your materials) playing along with background music – as simple as the sheet may be – within the first day, allows for an immediate return on our music investment. 

I know this particular exercise is simple (E, F, and G), but how you put it together with the CD… it’s just amazing!  Well done. 
 

Matt Brown, September 11, 2007

This book provides a great balance of guitar training that effectively improves one's knowledge of rythym, the fretboard, chords, and reading music. In addition, this book really improves your guitar playing skills regardless of which genre you prefer to play. It is one of the easiest books out there to follow. It gets right into it. 
 
http://www.myspace.com/rubyhillmusic 

Gilbert, October 21, 2007

I received my book in the mail yesterday in good order thank you very much. I opened it up at the dinner table to the 1st String, High E page and started to study a bit. Woke up this morning thinking about the Note Identification Worksheet and knowing where E F and G were at on the High E string and as notes. Cool. Nice relaxed learning. This book looks like the book I wish my guitar teacher had when I was taking lessons. A great guitarist, worked professionally, but not a great 'teacher' for me. Thank you most kindly, I will most definitely be using your book, it's clear and well written so that even this older guy, law school graduate and all- can understand it. My son at eight years old could read music but I've had a deficient music education and my eyes glaze over at a lot of the instructional material that is out there. Take care and continued good luck. Now to go look at that first video again. :-) 
 

Chris, November, 2007

I have taken lessons with Susan Palmer for twelve months now and I am here to tell you that her book "The Guitar Lesson Companion" is worth every penny. The book itself is very well organized, comprehensive and has enough content to keep an aspiring guitarist engaged for quite a long time. The CD tracks are fun and exciting to play along with and short of having Susan Palmer at your side, her online videos are exactly how she approaches the content in person during private lessons. 
 
If you are in the Seattle area and are interested in getting started, Susan Palmer has my highest recommendation. She holds a high standard for her students but is very supportive during the entire process. Always generous with her compliments and words of encouragement, Susan Palmer is a true ambassador for musicianship. 
 
Thank you Susan. 
 

Alison, July 1, 2008

So yea, basically the book improved my playing all-around. It gave me a better understanding of the fret board and different fingering positions and introduced me to new strumming rhythms. 
 

James, August 12, 2008

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