Enjoy Playing the Guitar Using Fingerstyle (Level 1) Enjoy Playing the Guitar Using Fingerstyle (Level 1)
Course Outline
We’re excited to reintroduce NSA – Enjoy Playing the Guitar Using Fingerstyle (Level 1)—a rewarding course designed for aspiring guitarists looking to explore the expressive art of fingerstyle playing.
Ideal for beginners with basic chord knowledge or those returning to the instrument, the course offers a structured 10-lesson progression. Participants will develop essential fingerpicking techniques, master simple plucking and strumming patterns, improve chord transitions, and learn to coordinate melody with bass lines for a fuller sound.
Students will also enjoy learning timeless classics such as Oh When the Saints, Moon River, Yesterday, and Fly Me to the Moon—pieces that are both enjoyable to play and satisfying to master.
This course is perfect for:
• Beginners
• Anyone looking to explore fingerstyle techniques and improve their musicianship
Some prior guitar experience is helpful—but most importantly, bring your enthusiasm!
Course Overview
-
Lesson 1:
Guitar setup, posture, basic rhythm, tablature (1st & 2nd strings)
Repertoire: Oh When the Saints Goes Marching In -
Lesson 2:
3rd string, 5-note scale, C, F, G7 chords, strumming in 3/4 & 4/4
Repertoire: You Are My Sunshine -
Lesson 3:
4th string, G major scale, thumb + finger coordination
Repertoire: Autumn Leaves -
Lesson 4:
5th & 6th strings, chromatic scale, Am, Dm, Em, arpeggios
Repertoire: Sway -
Lesson 5:
Full string use, 12-bar blues, alternating bass
Repertoire: Moon River -
Lesson 6:
Finger coordination, G, C7, D7 chords, bass + melody
Repertoire: Can’t Help Falling in Love -
Lesson 7:
Harmonic finger coordination, E7, A7, B7 chords
Repertoire: Yesterday -
Lesson 8:
Speed-building exercises
Repertoire: Wonderful Tonight -
Lesson 9:
Reading tabs with rhythm notation
Repertoire: All By Myself -
Lesson 10:
Fingerstyle revision and final showcase
Repertoire: Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
Trainer Profile
Mr Clarence Chan has done three CDs both as a soloist and with his group, “He-Arts”. He has also performed at night spots such as Orchard Hotel, River View Hotel, British Club, Raffles Marina and more. During his time as a music instructor, the schools and institutions he taught in achieved multiple awards. At present, Mr Chan aims to share his love of music and guitar techniques to many in order to help build up the vibrant music scene in Singapore and around the region.
Mr Thomas Liauw obtained his M.A. (Music) as a research schloar at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He graduated with a B.A. (Honours) Degree in music from Kingston University (London), obtained his Fellowship from Victoria College of Music (United Kingdom), Licentiate Diploma in Teaching from the Trinity College of Music (London) and a Music Diploma from LaSalle College of the Arts (Singapore).
| Course Duration | |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 20 hours (10 sessions)
2 hours per session |
| Course Dates | Monday 30 June, 7, 14, 21, 28 July, 4, 11, 18, 25 August & 1 September 2025 |
| Time | 7pm to 9pm |
| Venue | NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House 9 Kent Ridge Drive Singapore 119241 |
| Registration Closing Date | 20 June 2025 |
| Course Fees per pax (Including GST) | NUSS Member: $436.00
Public: $479.60 |
| Fees payable by Singaporean and PR aged 50 and above (Including GST) | NUSS Member: $116.00
Public: $127.60 |
| Course Material Fee | Participants are required to pay an additional of $8.00 for the printed notes |
| Remarks | *Course dates are subject to change
*A minimum of 15 participants is required for the workshop to commence *This course is eligible for SkillsFuture credits claim (for course fees only) *Participants are required to use their own ukulele and tuner *Please note that there is no refund and no replacement for lesson(s) missed |
