Once the guitars are constructed and decorated, the teacher chooses the most suitable way to teach the classes.

The kids are eager to try their "new instrument".

The method goes through different steps :

Appropriate holding of the guitar ; study of the right hand (with the plectrum and the thumb); study of the left hand (tickling); adapting the ear, creating rhythm through different musical games and the melodic line; solo, duo and group playing ; improvisation; concert composing (you will find examples on Naftali Lahav site). We could even consider setting up a show with other instruments, etc. The participants discover their own music and the one of their fellow students.

Classes will be sufficiently fascinating so that the youngest will not find themselves being bored: Therefore, it is important to have various exercises and to find suitable pieces for their age. After 6 months, the child must be able to play simple pieces in first position, play in groups, etc. It is important to note that the musical experience must be successful for each of them. Therefore - if needed - a report will be set up with grades varying between 90 and 100 %. The teacher will help those who are struggling with a particular problem.

In short, to manage an oriental guitar, a child must learn to coordinate his hands using his sight and his hearing, which is not that easy. This explains the interest of this method, as it is not necessary to learn too many things at once, which is the case for the 6 strings guitar. There is no need to read the notes; you simply have to place each finger of the left hand on the corresponding numbers ranking from 1 to 4. Those numbers are “written” on the neck for the first position, then, the whole position is shifted two tones higher. This guitar has a unique string, but afterwards, a second one can be added. Other instruments of Carl Orff’s style can also be used to enrich the orchestra.

During the whole period of classes, the guitars will remain in a wardrobe to avoid they would be used as toys or damaged due to inappropriate use by the children, who have not learned the technique yet (which is by the way really easy to learn).
The year will end with a recital at school and then, children will be allowed to take their guitar back home

The enthusiasm caused by the oriental guitar, so much to the close to the children that of the adults, returns this very attractive educational method. His way to make simple what is very difficult (to master an instrument of music) is another asset of it, and the sound is indeed pleasant to listen (natural). If you want to try, in your school or your group of youngsters, you will find more information on my page "Music"