Osterloh Guitar Academy

Your Digital Hub: The Student Portal

Think of the Student Portal as your personal dashboard for everything at OGA. It's where you'll track your progress, manage lessons, access personalized materials, log your practice, and see your achievements.

Watch this quick tour to see how it works: (Highly Recommended!)

How to Log In:

• Go to the Portal: [PORTAL_LOGIN_URL] (Bookmark this!)
• Your Student ID: [STUDENT_ID]
• Your Password: Use the temporary password from your welcome email. You must change this the first time you log in.

Key Portal Features Overview:

• Overview: Your main dashboard. Set your musical goals here first!
• Skills & Progress: See detailed progress across different guitar skills.
• Classes: View the schedule and book your private lessons or group classes.
• Practice Log: Keep track of your practice sessions – super helpful for you and your teacher!
• Achievements: Unlock badges and points as you master skills.
• Media: Upload and view your progress photos/videos.

Essential Guitar Setup

Let's get your instrument ready:

1. Guitar Parts: Knowing the basic parts helps follow instructions.

2. Tuning: Tune to E-A-D-G-B-e (thickest to thinnest string). Use a tuner app (like GuitarTuna) or a clip-on tuner. Accuracy is key!

3. Holding the Guitar & Pick: Comfort is important. Sit upright in a chair without arms. Rest the guitar's waist on your leg. Hold the pick firmly but relaxed between your thumb and index finger.

How Learning Works Here

We combine personalized lessons with powerful digital tools:

• Lessons & Classes: Your core learning happens here. You can view available slots and book your lessons/classes via the Classes tab in the Student Portal.
• Workshops: Look out for special workshops on the schedule (also in the portal) for deep dives into specific topics.
• Your Digital "Binder":
  • Your instructor may assign specific exercises or notes – check the Portal (likely Media or a dedicated section if added).
  • General materials, backing tracks, standard exercises, and theory guides are always available in the main Resource Library.
• Resource Library: A vast collection of videos, PDFs, audio tracks, and diagrams organized by category. Use it to supplement lessons and explore topics. Access it here.

Practice: The Key to Progress

Mastering guitar is built on consistent, smart practice.

Watch this short video on our approach to practice:

Core Principles:

• Consistency is King: Short, regular sessions build skill faster.
• Focus is Key: Prioritize assigned exercises and songs.
• Use Your Tools: Log practice in the portal.
• Warm-Up: Always start with simple finger exercises.
• Listen Carefully: Are notes clear? Is timing steady?

Find more detailed practice strategies in the Practice Article Hub.

Your Immediate Next Steps

Now that you're logged in and familiar with the portal, let's get the ball rolling on your learning:

1. Set Your Goals on the 'Overview' tab. (This is your next most important step!)
2. Book Your First Lesson/Class! Head to the 'Classes' tab.

After booking, explore the "Beginner Chords" video in the Resource Library.

Need Help? We're Here!

Learning guitar takes time – be patient with yourself and celebrate every bit of progress! If you hit a snag or have a question, check out these helpful articles:

• How to Overcome Sensitive Hands
• Essential Gear for Guitarists
• Maximizing Practice Time

If you can't find an answer in the articles above, or for any other questions, please contact us at osterlohguitaracademy@gmail.com or call us at 419-584-8636.

Our Academy Information & Policies document has details on scheduling, payments, and cancellations.