MY STYLE OF TEACHING

I get quite a few calls from prospective students asking about my style of teaching. My goal is to make sure the student is having fun while learning something new each week. No matter what I teach, if they are not into it and end up getting bored or frustrated, then chances are they will eventually stop playing.

There are so many ways to go about instructing, but two seem to work the best. One is to teach the student new chords, riffs, and techniques using their favorite songs. And the second is through a series of lesson plans that focus on the area’s most students ask about. The lesson plans move the guitarist from a beginner into intermediate and then onto advanced.

STYLE OF TEACHING WITH STUDENTS’ FAVORITE SONGS

Using songs that the students really like is a lot of fun. I have not run across a song yet that does not have something new I could show a student. Even if it is simply an amazing riff or a unique time signature, it gives them something new. While practicing it, they will be inspired while improving their skills. This way works well especially for the younger students. To do this, I have them create a play list to share with me so I can pick songs at their level and prepare a lesson with it.

STYLE OF TEACHING USING LESSON PLANS

The lesson plans cover the main areas of guitar which build on the previous lesson. Each lesson adds a new chord, strumming pattern, popular riff, scale to solo while I play rhythm on the second guitar, note(s), and a finger exercise. Any section can be left out, but most people want to complete it all so they can receive the intermediate guitar certificate. This has been very successful but requires a lot of dedication.

PRACTICING

Adults

With the adult students, sometimes the only time they get to practice is during the lesson. Life can truly be too busy at times with family and other obligations to be able to practice on a regular basis. The bottom line is that adults and parents are able to continue to learn music even if it is only for 30 minutes per week.

Younger Students

When it comes to younger students, I am a little more concerned if they are not practicing. This is where we must find out why the student is not wanting to practice. In which case I need to come up with a new way to inspire them.

If it is just forgetting, then the first thing I recommend is to purchase a guitar/ukulele/bass stand to keep the instrument out and easily accessible. Then it is important to have a consistent practice time free of distractions. Generally, once they start to play, they can lose themselves in the song and end up rocking out for an hour or two.

Jam Sessions

One thing that helps with practice is to give the student a goal where they are going to play for an audience. Jam sessions are totally optional, but can be a great motivator. Each student can be a part of a band and perform in front of parents and friends. This is where the magic really happens. Once the adrenaline rush subsides, the student usually wants to do it again. I try to match performers up with their same age groups hoping they will find a band member to jam with outside of lessons.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

My hope is to give each student a positive feel for music. I want them to gain confidence knowing they have a skill that not everyone has. I hope they all look back in 20 or 30 years and smile when they think about their lessons and want to get their children started in them as well.

If you are interested in taking lessons, please contact me. Online or one on one lessons are available.