Music Educator Spotlight
This month we spoke to John Sweat, Guitar and Orchestra Director at Howard High School. Mr. Sweat is currently in his 26th year of teaching in the Bibb County Public Schools. He holds degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. In addition to teaching at the high school level, he has served as adjunct faculty for both Wesleyan College and Mercer University. In 2013, John received the inaugural Robert McDuffie Center for Strings Award from the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University.
1. What would you say is your favorite thing about teaching guitar?
I love watching the faces of students who are new to ensemble playing when we have our first large group rehearsal. When we put all the parts together for the first time, they loved it! You can literally see the joy on their faces and how much fun they are having!
2. What is the biggest challenge you face teaching guitar currently?
This year, I have added our feeder middle school to my teaching load, which condensed the number of my high school classes in half. Our high school guitar class is comprised of students with multiple levels of proficiency. Making sure the true beginners get what they need and that the more advanced students are challenged is always a concern for me.
3. Where do you get your curriculum from, and what are your favorite resources?
The “Essential Elements” method book is my starting point for beginners. However, I supplement with multiple sources for our classroom curriculum that I have collected over the years. I also like to incorporate a mixture of print and digital resources for daily use. The best resources I have found are our amazing guitar colleagues in the state! They are always willing to help and share their strategies.
4. Do you focus on class performances or solo guitar playing? How do you differentiate in your classroom?
Our classes have focused mainly on ensemble performances in previous years. At the same time, we have also included solos and small groups in our concerts as well. For the upcoming spring, I am working to provide all students with the experience of playing in a trio or quartet. In general, I have let the students lead this direction. They have so many wonderfully creative ideas and I love to see those come to fruition for them.
5. What advice would you give to someone with little guitar training who is asked to teach a guitar class?
Enroll in a Teaching Guitar Workshop now! The sessions are held each summer in several places around the country. Although the 2023 dates have passed, you can still learn a great deal about the workshop by visiting their site at www.guitaredunet.org. It is a treasure trove of information and resources and will completely transform your approach to teaching guitar.
6. Any advice for teachers who are new to the profession?
Attend the in-service conference in Athens! From the moment I set foot in the guitar sessions, my fellow colleagues made me feel accepted and comfortable. They are excellent at nurturing new guitar teachers and are without a doubt one of my greatest sources of encouragement and support!
7. Who inspired you to teach guitar?
My orchestra students asked me to teach a guitar class for several years before I finally took the plunge. I kept putting them off as I felt completely inept to teach guitar. My first class was
comprised of 3 students who played circles around me! Despite my angst with the situation, I quickly realized there were still aspects of music they needed to learn and that I could indeed teach them. My students and I continue to learn from each other daily and I LOVE teaching guitar!
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