Samuel Wong has been teaching at Freedom High School since 2007, ranging from teaching kids who have never touched a guitar to those who have made the All State Guitar ensemble. He teaches all levels of guitar from beginning, advanced, and artist guitar. Wong has specific methods of teaching, and wants them to be developed if student stay within the guitar program.
“I’ve been teaching here since 2007 and it’s been wonderful teaching at Freedom,” Wong said. “I love this area. I love the school and the students in the school, and there’s a very high level of talent everywhere here.”
Since Wong has been teaching for almost 20 years, internal and external factors have impacted his teaching style and the way students interact with his assignments. Technology has been a huge factor in school life of staff and students, as there is more access to tools that challenge students’ intellectual skills. The increase in technology has lead Wong to integrate new ways to learn notes, practice music and get assignment to him conveniently.
“One of the software’s software you use is sight reading factory, which reinforces reading notes on the guitar,” said Wong. “Students have to practice that at home once a week just to get more familiar with the different positions on the guitar.”
For all the years Mr. Wong has been teaching, he is still confident in his old methods that he started with. The biggest change that he has experienced is the increase in his class sizes from beginners to freshman being able to audition to the most advanced class, artist guitar.
“The program has grown steadily over the years, and we are now at our maximum number of students, and it’s been wonderful seeing the growth in the guitar program and also in fine arts,” Wong said.
