Building Rapport

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Why Your Guitar Teacher Rocks (Even More) When You Like Them

We all learn better from people we like. This is especially true when it comes to something as personal and potentially frustrating as learning an instrument. For a guitar instructor, building rapport is one of the most important aspects of teaching; it’s about creating an environment where you can thrive.

Why Building Rapport Outshines Everything

You are far more likely to put in the extra practice after lessons if you are genuinely enjoying what you’re learning. A good guitar teacher becomes more than an instructor. They become a mentor, someone who ignites your passion for music and keeps you motivated. Sure, a teacher might have all the technical knowledge in the world, but if there is no connection with the student, the magic of learning can fizzle out faster than a popped guitar string.

 

 

Building Rapport

Gaining so much confidence on the uke

This positive connection goes beyond just enjoying the teacher’s company. Here is why building rapport is key to unlocking your musical potential:

  • Motivation Matters: When you like your teacher, you’re more likely to be motivated to learn. Their enthusiasm becomes contagious. You start to see the guitar not just as an instrument, but as a gateway to a world of musical expression.
  • A Place for Mistakes: Learning guitar is full of stumbles and wrong notes. A good teacher sets up an environment where you can experiment and make mistakes without fear of judgment. This keeps things relaxed and allows you to learn from your errors and grow as a musician.
  • Turning Up the Fun Factor: If your guitar lessons turn into a dry, academic slog, you are going to lose interest fast. A great teacher understands the importance of keeping things fun and engaging. They will incorporate your favorite songs and tailor lessons to your interests. They may even throw in a little humor to keep things lively.

Here is the thing: while the technical aspects are crucial, a good teacher knows that music is about passion and enjoyment. They will strike a balance between building your skills and keeping the spark alive.

So, the next time you rock out with your guitar teacher, remember: it is not just about the notes you are learning, it’s about the connection you’re building. A teacher who gets you, motivates you, and keeps things fun is the perfect recipe for guitar greatness!

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

Google Drive + Sheets

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Google Drive and Sheets: A Student’s Guide to Organization and Practice

This blog post unveils a powerful weapon in your practice arsenal: Google Drive + Sheets. Sheet is such a helpful tool for our students to be able to keep track of where they are and what we’ve covered.

Why Google Drive?  

Google Drive, accessible from any device with an internet connection, makes it easy to stay organized. Gone are the days of lost worksheets or misplaced notes. The nice thing is that it’s completely free and doesn’t require a subscription.

Tracking You Lesson in Google Sheets

Google Sheets, a spreadsheet program within Drive, becomes your personalized practice companion. Here’s the magic:

  • One Simple Link: At the end of the first lesson, we will send a link in an email granting you access to your very own practice tracker sheet in your folder. It is easy to get to.
  • See Your Stuff Only: Google Drive keeps your practice data private. Only you can see your progress and what you are working on. Plus, you can leave notes and questions on the sheet as well.
  • Columns for Clarity:
    • Songs: Track which songs you’re tackling. You’ll also have a record of all of the other songs you have previously learned. You can keep it fun by reviewing those during your practice session.
    • Tabs or Theory: You will have a list the specific elements covered in each lesson (scales, chords, popular riff’s etc.).
    • Practice Hints and Ideas: At the top of the sheet, we put a list of helpful tips and ideas for mastering each song or concept. There are also ideas to make things a lot of fun while you practice.
  • Review at a Glance: Throughout the semester, your sheet becomes a running log of your progress. If you want to review a specific technique, a quick glance at your sheet can jog your memory.

 

Making the Most of Your Practice Tracker

  • Fill it Up: After each lesson, we will jot down the songs and theory covered. Feel free to add any notes or questions you have right on the sheet. There is even an additional column specifically for comments.
  • Specific: Each column records exactly what was covered in the lesson with the date to make it very easy to find. This is nice if you went on vacation or had to miss a lesson.
  • Own Your Practice: The Sheet can help structure your practice sessions, focusing on targeted elements.

With Google Drive and Sheets working together, you’ll be well on your way to organized, productive practice sessions. Remember, consistency is key!

If you are interested in lessons, feel free to contact us to set up your first free introductory lesson.

Chordify

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Chordify in the Studio

Getting your child interested in music is a fantastic way to foster creativity, develop coordination, and boost their confidence. One thing that has been a game changer for my students is incorporating an app called Chordify into their lessons. This innovative app is like a musical playground, turning learning guitar or ukulele into a fun and engaging experience.

Chordify

Chordify Layout

It is Inspiring

This awesome online tool is like a musical playground. Here’s why it gets students excited about learning guitar and ukulele:

Jam Along to Their Favorite Tunes: Chordify allows them to play along with almost any song and see the chords displayed in a clear, easy-to-understand way. It’s like having a personal sheet music maker! It uses measures to display the chords and that can help with strum patterns. Each measure has a square for the beat which is ideal when showing them strum patterns.

Makes Learning Feel Like Play: It’s an interactive player that can also animate the chords as the song plays. This helps with chord memorization and speeds up their ability to make chord changes faster. Playing along with the actual song exciting for the students and has made an enormous difference in their chord retention.

Builds a Strong Foundation: It helps develop important musical skills. When students switch between chords, they’re naturally honing their timing and coordination. Plus, seeing the chord progressions visually helps them understand how songs are built.

Boosts Confidence and Keeps Them Motivated: As the student progresses, they’ll be able to tackle more complex songs, building their confidence and keeping them motivated to learn more.

 

I send each student a link that will have a playlist of songs we’ve covered in the lessons. They can then review songs we’ve done from their first lesson. I have the premium version which unlocks everything, but there is free version allows up to 3 songs per day to use in its basic form.

If you are interested in lessons, please contact me to start your musical journey!