Moveable Open Chords–a tool for improvisation, PMR, and cooler songs (from GSL)

Moveable Open Chords—a tool for improvisation,

PMR, and cooler songs (from GSL)

Description:  Moveable Open Chords is a technique taken from the course series GSL: Guitar as a Second Language.  It is a surprisingly easy and immediately effective tool for use in almost any clinical setting.  Using this tool helps unlock the instinctive musicality most therapists can already use on piano, whether it is their primary instrument or not, because of the piano’s linear, visual layout.  Moveable open chords help unravel the spatial, shape-based layout of the guitar so therapists can improvise with the same fluency as they do on piano.  These moveable chords lead to intuitive music-making, with a freedom and beautiful complexity of sound that can come in no other way.

The course is designed in chapters, with a 1- or 2-question quiz following each chapter and a 2-question post-test at the end of the course.

The chapters are arranged on the following topics:

1. Introduction to GSL (1 minute)
2. Chord chart (2 minutes)
3. Notes on the fingerboard (7 minutes)
4. Moveable open chords (19 minutes)

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will identify organizational characteristics of the guitar and how they can be utilized in individualized musical experiences.
2. Participants will demonstrate moveable open chords within the context of a song accompaniment and accompanying progressive muscle relaxation exercises.

Prerequisites:  No participant will be turned away; however, participants will be able to make the most of this course if they can already do the following on the guitar:

1. Comfortably play these open chords from memory: A, A7, Am, Am7, B7, C, C7, D, D7, Dm, Dm7, E, E7, Em, Em7, F, G, G7.
2. Accompany themselves singing various songs using basic chords (above) and one or more basic strum patterns.
3. Have a basic knowledge of music theory, including I-IV-V chord progressions and rhythm patterns in three-four and four-four time signatures.
4. Have some clinical experience (either observation, practicum, internship, or professional) to be able to relate to concepts and examples presented in the course.

Instructor Qualifications:  Jamie Bartschi holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy, and has played the guitar in performance and clinical settings for 23 years.  She also has 28 years experience teaching guitar and violin.

Video Course Format:  The course is comprised of four chapters, each lasting 1-19 minutes (see Chapter headings above).  An access time of one month is provided to enable participants to complete one chapter or less per week for maximum absorption of information.  Each chapter is presented face-to-face with the instructor and includes examples, play-along segments, and a downloadable PDF handout with illustrations and explanations.  A one- or two-question quiz follows each chapter to help solidify key concepts.  Answering the quiz questions correctly enables the participant to move on to the next chapter.  Participants are encouraged to rewind and replay each chapter to facilitate effective practice and mastery of each concept.  At the end of the course, a post-test is given to assure understanding of concepts.  A 90% score is required to pass the post-test, which qualifies the participant to receive a certificate for 1 CMTE credit earned.  Certificates will be available to save or print immediately upon finishing the course.

Number of CMTE credits:  1

Price:  $25

Cancellation & Refund Policy:  Our full grievance policy is available on our website on the “FAQ” page.  MusicTherapyGuitar.com is passionate about providing videos that actually make a difference in your musical abilities.  If for any reason a video course is unsatisfactory, you may contact us within 14 days of purchase to request a refund.  Include a complete description of the problem.  Requests submitted later than 14 days after purchase are not eligible for a refund.  If severe illness, accident, loss of a loved one, or similarly urgent life situation prevents you from completing a video course in the allotted time period, please contact us to request a one-time extension.  Requests for extension must be submitted more than 24 hours before your course access expires.  See our website for full details.

CBMT Relationship:  Moveable Open Chords (from GSL) is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists for 1 Continuing Music Therapy Education credit.  MusicTherapyGuitar.com (Approved Provider #P-129) maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.