I have an Associate of Art degree in musical science from Miami Dade College. I studied Music engineering, Voice, Theory, Rock and Classical guitar & piano at Miami Dade. By the time I received my degrees, I was able to continue studying master music books with just instructions from the books. And for 19 years, I thoroughly self studied most musical instruments including Bass, Trumbone, Drums, Trumpets, Saxophones, Clarinets, Violin, Viola, Cello and more.
For over fifteen years, I have taught group music class in christian churches and all instruments at home private lessons. Also; I had taught group piano, guitar class to children from 5 years and above at Ams recording studio for four years.
Over the years I have discovered the most effective way to master the instruments. First, I start with one of the music method books to teach students fingerings and basic theory. For that I have been using Mel Bay modern guitar and bass guitar methods for strings, Essential elements 2000 for woodwinds and brass, Advanced rock drums techniques just to name a few. Second, comes the major and the relative minor scales and how to create chords from them. Third, come the intervals and advanced techniques from various music books and authors. Finally, is the six sequential text/workbooks in theory, harmony and arranging by Charles S. Peters and Paul Yoder.
My students start playing music on their instruments on their first lessons. First, we both play the lessons; then I teach students how to sight read the lessons. Finally, I explained the theory behind the songs.