I have a hands-on, student-centered approach; we choose songs and learn to play them. If the student wishes, I provide vocal coaching on lead and harmony singing. I encourage students to learn how to read music, but I do not require it.
I use songs as a means of teaching technique. For beginners, I teach basic chords and strums, then proceed to learn favorite songs. For intermediate and advanced students, I delve into the style they are most interested in, teaching rhythm patterns, scales, and picking techniques.