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Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press
  • Female
  • Seattle, WA
  • United States
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Latest Activity

Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
"Fill in the gaps! http://ning.it/a3rSkX"
Mar 2, 2012
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press replied to Jason Derrick's discussion Essential skills/proficiencies for beginning guitar instructors in the group Teachers
"It sounds like you have enough skills (at least on paper) to be able to teach someone the basics of guitar, and the skills you have developed through social work should transfer over to teaching and be very helpful too. I think that being able to…"
Mar 2, 2012
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
"Are Guitar Lessons Worth the Money? http://ning.it/xtoc4J"
Feb 29, 2012
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a video
Nov 29, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
"THE ROCK PROJECT JULY 30-AUGUST 3 We're challenging students to be creative and smart musicians, while having a blast! http://ning.it/vlDzvO"
Nov 22, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
"Awesome news: The Seattle Music Partners will be using "The Guitar Lesson Companion, Volume One" starting this year! http://ning.it/a3rSkX"
Oct 31, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
"My new book was mentioned in this cool guitar blog: http://www.guitarnoize.com/the-guitar-lesson-companion-volume-2/"
Sep 13, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press posted a status
Aug 16, 2011
John Horne replied to Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press's discussion Do you have any art or writing project ideas for young students attending a music camp? in the group Teachers
"Hi Susan,   I don't know how easy this would be to do in a camp situation. But I have sometimes assigned high school and college students the following writing project:   Choose a favorite guitarist and research: 1. who their major…"
Jul 27, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press added a discussion to the group Teachers
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Do you have any art or writing project ideas for young students attending a music camp?

I'd like to break-up the day at a music camp I am teaching next week by asking the kids to use other mediums to express themselves. One idea I have is to play a piece and have the kids write a story about it, or draw a picture. I'd love your ideas! The kids are ages 12-17 and they are rock musicians. Thanks in advance for your help. Thanks,Susan Palmerhttp://www.leadcatpress.comSee More
Jul 27, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press updated their profile
Jul 18, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press replied to Julian's discussion Reading Music in the group Teachers
"Hi Julian,   I don't have my book in front of me, but I may be able to help you understand the concept without it. The patterns used correspond to the CAGED System on the guitar. He doesn't name them as such, but it sure makes it…"
Jun 27, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press added a discussion to the group Fingerstyle Jazz
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Paul Chasman

I studied with Paul when I was in high school and over the years he became a friend. He has a new album out, and I told him I would spread the word about it to my online community. Last night, he sent me a link to a new video, and I thought you all might appreciate his fingerstyle work. Cheers! See More
May 26, 2011
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press replied to Kirsten Fruehling's discussion Scales?
"Hi Lil,   I'm glad you enjoy the tracks. That's a great question about the first jam track up there. You could play an "A" minor pentatonic over the C Major 7 chord, and you could experiment with other minor pentatonic…"
Dec 14, 2010
Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press replied to Lisa McCormick : Guitar Teacher's discussion Beginner-friendly Holiday Guitar Songs in the group Teachers
"Hi Lisa, Congratulation on your book! I'm sure it will help a lot of folks for years and years. Susan Palmer www.leadcatpress.com"
Dec 2, 2010

Profile Information

Which one of the following describes your involvement in music? (Check all that apply)
Music teacher, This is a profile for a guitar-related business engaged in the following area(s):, Instructional material publisher (books/video/website)
How many years have you been playing guitar?
20-30 years
What is your website address?
http://www.leadcatpress.com
Do you subscribe to or regularly read Acoustic Guitar?
I purchase copies at newsstands/bookstores

Music Education for Today's Guitarists

I wrote these books to help students get more out of their guitar lessons and to help teachers save time and be more effective in their studios. I have been frustrated with most method books because they do not follow a clear and progressive structure, they omit important concepts, and there never seem to be enough exercises for students to really learn the material. While no method book works well with every type of student, I created a method book series that is more flexible than other books on the market. I also decided that in order for these books to truly be successful, they should be used with a guitar instructor; that's why these books are designed so different than other books you have seen.

THE GUITAR LESSON COMPANION, VOLUME ONE BOOK & CD
• The Book for Students Taking Lessons
• Jazz, Blues, Rock and Folk Music
• Electric or Acoustic Pick-Style
• Beginning into Intermediate Levels
Free Sample

Part One is a progressive and comprehensive guide to reading standard music notation on the guitar. There are note identification worksheets, isolated rhythm exercises and reading studies that sound good with the included Jam CD. Reading studies in all 12 keys and in the next position are also included. Part Two covers chords, scales, tablature (TAB) and basic music theory. Chord changing exercises are provided for beginners and the CAGED system for chords and scales is presented for intermediate students.

ORDER VOLUME ONE HERE AND ALSO RECEIVE: Online Support, Weekly Lesson Planner and Picks!

THE GUITAR LESSON COMPANION, VOLUME TWO BOOK & CD
• Designed for Serious Music Students
• Jazz, Blues, Rock and Folk Music
• Electric and Acoustic Pick-Style
• Intermediate into AdvancedLevels

Part One is a music theory primer designed to promote active learning. The workbook format will help students learn the intervals, scales and chords in all 12 keys. It also includes an application section that covers popular techniques to create and resolve tension in music, including the tritone substitution. Part Two focuses on improvisation, more specifically on mastering the chord tones and modes most often used in jazz and blues music, in all 12 keys and in five positions on the guitar. Part Three will help students visualize the guitar neck in different ways while providing some popular ways to think about chords on the instrument. This section also includes some stylistic chord studies that are important for well-rounded guitarists to play and understand.

ORDER VOLUME TWO HERE FOR FREE SHIPPING TO US ADDRESSES!




CHECK OUT THE FREE LESSON LIBRARY FOR THE BOOK:

CHECK OUT THE SPECIAL TOPIC GUITAR LESSONS:
CHECK OUT THE JAZZ, BLUES AND ROCK JAM TRACKS: Popular Articles by Susan Palmer:
• That Amazing Guitarist Never Took a Lesson, Why Should I?
• How to Find a Good Guitar Teacher Where You Live
• Interviewing Potential Guitar Teachers
• Understanding Your Guitar Teacher's Studio Policies
• What to Expect at Your First Guitar Lesson
• Your Child's Guitar Lessons
• When it's Time to Quit Your Guitar Lessons
• Should Students Learn on Electric or Acoustic Guitars?
• Fundamental Concepts and the 3 Year Plan
• Illiterate Guitarists
• The Art of Practicing Your Guitar
• Terrible Teaching
• The Importance of Music Education

• Easy Chord Songs for Beginning Guitarists
• Benefits and Limitations of Webcam Guitar Lessons
• How to Play Lead Guitar
• My Experience at a Summer Music Camp
• The Moody Mode
• When Students "Get it" and "Get Good"

About the Author:

Susan Palmer is the guitar instructor at Seattle University. She teaches "The Rock Project" at Cornish College of the Arts, and is the author of "The Guitar Lesson Companion,” Volumes One and Two. Susan maintains an active private studio, and has spent the past fifteen years teaching adults and children how to play the guitar. She is proud to have many students now actively performing across the United States. Thanks, in part, to her extensive collection of YouTube lesson videos, Susan has developed an international following, and recently began offering private lessons via webcam. Her books have been adopted by teachers and students in over 10 countries, including faculty at Berklee College of Music.

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Comment Wall (36 comments)

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At 10:54pm on January 23, 2011, Babushekar said…
Thank you Susan. Eagerly waiting for my book :)
At 12:49am on October 7, 2010, Kevin Sipes said…
700 subscribers! You rock!! ... or whatever else you feel like playing on the guitar today... :D
At 4:33pm on July 24, 2010, Luis Motta da Silva said…
Hi!
Just accepted your frienship offer, Thank you. Great blues licks. My instruments and music are slightly different from yours, as you may see on my page, but I hope you like them...
At 1:05pm on March 7, 2010, DD said…
Thanks Susan.... a great surgeon...almost three weeks in, therapy is great and I am soloooowly playing a bit of fingerstyle on a small body moved over to my left leg in a more classical position :)
At 8:57am on January 4, 2010, Rob Nicodemus said…
Hi Susan,
My name is Rob Nicodemus. I live just outside the Nashville area (Murfreesboro Tn.) and I'm using your book teaching my 40 year old daughter the guitar. I wanted to tell you what a great job you've done in putting together this great teaching tool. Looking forward to Volume 2. When do you think that will be avalable?
At 1:42am on November 8, 2009, G Alexander McDonell said…
thanks i'll have a look.
At 7:02am on November 7, 2009, G Alexander McDonell said…
I am interested in your book - i am looking for a good method for teaching jazz/pop - What is really important to me is the beauty of the exercises that i give to students. I have been teaching classical method because i found a really good set of method books that has people playing beautiful music right from the beginning. I am hoping for something like this - do you think your book would be what i am looking for?
At 9:43am on September 9, 2009, Hugh McCloskey said…
Hi Susan,
I was reading one of your blogs and found myself a little confused about your book; is it for teachers, or students and teachers? I am taking group lessons and thought it might be helpful for adding some structure to my practice. The group lessons are not very structured because students are at different skill levels. I've been at it for about 10 months with no musical background, while others have had a little experience with church groups, etc. Basically I'd like to know whether it would be appropriate to use on my own or whether I'd need to use the book in conjunction with a teacher.
Regards, Hugh
At 12:18pm on July 13, 2009, Sharon Netzley said…
Thanks, Susan. When I get the idea a little more fleshed out I'll be happy to share it with you.
At 2:44pm on June 25, 2009, hue said…
Thank you.
At 1:38pm on June 19, 2009, mark haselock said…
hi susan thanks for the comment ,the parlor guitar has a standard neck same as the martin guitar i just fell in love with it the 12 fret sounds nice and sharp and did not cost the earth,im glad i started to play the guitar
At 7:21am on June 14, 2009, T. McCloud said…
Excellent, thanks!
At 10:59am on June 1, 2009, Donna Zitzelberger said…
Thanks so much Susan! It's getting crazy, but also very exciting. It's so fun to see the kids pumped up! Hope you have a great end of the year, and look forward to posts from you after you finish up!

donna
At 7:26pm on May 18, 2009, Kathy said…
Thanks for having me. I've been reading some threads, and so far it looks like a lot of great women.
At 6:30pm on May 17, 2009, Sam King said…
Hey Susan,
Just an update on my progress. I am on week two in the book. I am actually going a little slower than the book. I have been striving for perfect tone out of my notes and chords. The note are good the chords are pretty good but changing between chords is getting me frustrated. My fingers seem to have a mind of there own which does not agree with what I want them to do. I finger the chords without strumming and change from chord to chord over and over again. G to C to G to G7 to C. The combo is part of Amazing Grace I'm working on. Still practice everyday two-three hours a day in one hour blocks.
Thanks for what you do for the guitar community and for new people wanting to learn.
Sam
At 6:46pm on May 11, 2009, Walt Pilcher said…
Thanks, Susan. It was a lot of fun. Just need some ideas for future episodes!
Walt
At 11:06am on May 6, 2009, Sam King said…
Your book and CD arrived today. What fast service. I was pleased to see the lessons are laid out very similarly to the way my instructor is teaching me. I like the lesson planer a lot. it is more structured than the lesson plan my instructor gives me for the week.
Thanks
I will keep you updated on my progress
Sam
At 10:32pm on May 3, 2009, Deidre McCalla said…
susan -

yes - i did get the user guide! on first glance it looked very helpful but i've yet to really sit down with it. i'm a bit swamped these days - vis a vis it took me til just now to see you asked about it on my page! i did get around to listening to the CD in my car and i'm jazzed that you give such great sounding, interesting tracks for the student to practice with.
At 6:59am on April 28, 2009, Donna Zitzelberger said…
Hi Susan,

Glad to get to know you! You have put a lot of quality work into your book. The CD is amazing. I tried the first few pages out on some of my very little students and they started to rock out while they played E, F, and G. Quite an ingenious way to get the kids to learn their standard notation! Thanks for all your hard work!

Donna
At 2:04pm on April 24, 2009, Cheryl A Moon said…
Hi Susan,
I haven't had a chance to look into that yet... I have a simple beginner book - just got my guitar last week :D - I may order get the companion... but it may be a little while. Thank you for adding me to the group.
Cheryl
 
 
 

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