Strum & Sing: Mastering Guitar and Vocal Music - Level 3

The highlights of this course include:

Advanced Guitar Techniques 

• Introduction to fingerstyle and hybrid picking. 

  • Learn fingerpicking patterns and their applications. 

  • Practice combining picking techniques with strumming. 

Complex Chords & Progressions 

• Expanding your chord vocabulary. 

  • Explore jazz chords, suspended chords, and inversions. 

  • Work on transitioning smoothly between advanced chord progressions. 

  • Create chord progressions for original compositions. 

Mastering Solo Techniques 

• Introduction to improvisation. 

  • Learn the major and minor scales and their modes. 

  • Practice soloing over backing tracks in various styles. 

  • Peer jam sessions to enhance improvisational skills. 

Vocal Technique Deep Dive 

• Strengthening vocal fundamentals. 

  • Daily vocal warm-ups focusing on breath control and range expansion. 

  • Techniques for improving pitch accuracy and resonance. 

Stylistic Exploration 

• Discovering different musical genres. 

  • Analyze and perform songs from diverse genres (rock, pop, folk, blues). 

  • Experiment with vocal styles and guitar arrangements. 

Songwriting Essentials 

• Crafting your original music. 

  • Learn the elements of songwriting: melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. 

Advanced Harmonization Techniques 

• Blending voice and guitar. 

  • Techniques for creating harmonies and counter-melodies. 

  • Practice vocal arrangements and layering techniques. 

Performance Techniques 

• Preparing for live performances. 

  • Discuss stage presence and audience engagement strategies. 

  • Mock performances with constructive critique from peers and instructors. 

  • Tips for handling performance essentials and staying confident on stage. 

Arranging and Collaborating 

• Arranging songs for performance. 

  • Work in groups to arrange a song, integrating guitar and vocals. 

  • Practice presenting your arrangement in front of the class. 

  • Explore dynamics and transitions within arrangements. 

Recording and Production Basics 

• Introduction to home recording techniques. 

  • Learn basic recording setups using apps and software. 

  • Tips on mixing and editing your recorded music. 

  • Create a simple demo of your original song.

Songs you will learn in this course include: 

• Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2)

• "Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

• "Raabta" (Agent Vinod)

• "Kabira" (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

• "Tera Ban Jaunga" (Kabir Singh)

• "Agar Tum Saath Ho" (Tamasha)

• Hotel California, Wonderwall, Shape of you, Blinding Lights

About the Teacher 

Shantanu began his musical journey at the young age of eight, making his stage debut at just 10. With over 70 laurels in guitar competitions and a successful career performing with renowned bands like Silk Route, All Seven Notes, and Hyperion, his experience is vast and varied.

As a Grade 8 Distinction holder from Trinity London College of Music, Shantanu brings top-tier training to his lessons. His deep understanding of music theory, technique, and performance ensures students receive high-quality instruction.

Having taught over 5,000 students from India and abroad, Shantanu knows how to adapt his lessons to students at all levels. His experience with online and offline teaching guarantees flexible, personalized learning.

Shantanu’s students have the added benefit of preparing for exams from the prestigious Trinity School of Music, London, earning valuable certifications that can open doors in the music world.