Guitar Lessons
Guitar, statistics say, is the second most popular instrument in America. It is simply due to it's versatility, portability and cost. In addition to being a polyphonic instrument that can be played almost anywhere, it's a lot of fun! Much of the popular music you hear on radio and digital marketplaces is guitar-driven. This was the primary reason I was motivated to learn it.
Learning to play guitar can be more challenging than other instruments such as piano or percussion.
Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing the strings. The size of the instrument can vary widely. It's important to consider the right size for you. Too large of an instrument will tend to slip out of a child's lap. Also a neck that's too long will put the student's left hand into an awkward position.
I recommend a nylon string classical style acoustic for younger children. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers. These guitars are available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full sizes. If you already own a guitar it's best to let the instructor check to see that it not only fits you, but also can be tuned and that the general neck and string adjustment (the action) makes it playable. With older students, an acoustic is also the best to start on. However, if you are motivated to play the electric and just don't enjoy the acoustic, an electric will do just fine. 7 years old is the earliest I would recommend for guitar lessons.
If you choose to study guitar with me, this is where we will start:
Learning to play guitar can be more challenging than other instruments such as piano or percussion.
Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing the strings. The size of the instrument can vary widely. It's important to consider the right size for you. Too large of an instrument will tend to slip out of a child's lap. Also a neck that's too long will put the student's left hand into an awkward position.
I recommend a nylon string classical style acoustic for younger children. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers. These guitars are available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full sizes. If you already own a guitar it's best to let the instructor check to see that it not only fits you, but also can be tuned and that the general neck and string adjustment (the action) makes it playable. With older students, an acoustic is also the best to start on. However, if you are motivated to play the electric and just don't enjoy the acoustic, an electric will do just fine. 7 years old is the earliest I would recommend for guitar lessons.
If you choose to study guitar with me, this is where we will start:
- Discuss your goals. Why do you want to play? What should we aim your practice towards?
examples:
-playing in a church music team
-playing folk music
-learning to jam with chords and pop songs
-learning your favorite song
-etc, etc - Create a plan. Based on your goal(s), I will work to find the most effective method to help you move toward that goal.
Having worked with various students of all ages, I am not a believer in a one size fits all approach. There are certain fundamental skills common to any method that will need to be developed. Specifically how we develop those fundamental skills is where we can be flexible.
For the traditional style approach, I currently use "Everybody's Guitar Method" published by FJH and the "Hal Leonard Guitar Method" with most beginner students. I also use supplementary pedagogical resources such as Joseph Alexander's "Fundamental Changes" which focus on building finger strength and independence. I do enjoy mixing various supplemental repertoire with "core" method book material and will allow the student to choose supplemental songs at their appropriate level.
I am willing to work with transfer students coming from other methods. If the student has no prior experience reading notes, I will introduce the concept of guitar TAB. Tablature (TAB) makes it easy to see where notes are on the fretboard without having to learn all the rules of music notation first. Learning an instrument is just like learning to speak a new language. We imitate and learn sounds and words before we write them. Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) said it well, "A child speaks a language for years before they even learn the alphabet. Too many rules at the onset will actually slow them down." The approach to music should be the same.
If students are interested in a chord-based (folk-style approach), I will focus on teaching them "open chords", keys (starting with the 5 CAGED keys), the number system and chord theory. They will learn good strumming technique, how to read lead sheets and chord charts and be expected to practice along with audio tracks or online music videos of the music they are learning.