What to expect if you take up guitar lessons.

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Whether you or your child have always had a passion for music and want to improve or if you have never picked up a guitar in your life, guitar lessons are a great way to enthuse and motivate you to keep playing and improving.  Lots of people say that they want to play guitar but find it hard to keep up the level of practice and commitment on their own.  By taking lessons, you have a constant ally in motivating you to practice, advise you on how to get the most of your playing time, and fully support you on your musical journey.  Watching someone else demonstrating guitar techniques in person is a really helpful way to learn as you get instant feedback and bespoke advice on where to put your hands, which fingers to use and how to generally sound better.

The whole thing will start with a conversation about what you or your child wants to achieve from guitar lessons.  

Here are some typical examples of what people say:

• Always wanted to play but never had time, now I do.
• Really want to do guitar grades, possibly for school or UCAS points.
• Want to be able to play in a band.
• Want to be able to play and sing to myself.
• Want to learn to play for an event, i.e. a wedding or someone's birthday.
• Already play an instrument and now want to play guitar as well.

We will then go into a conversation about your or your child's experience.  Again this could be any of the following and more:

• Have never held a guitar before!
• Can play a few notes and chords.
• Played years ago but have forgotten most of it.
• Play some chords and a bit of lead guitar but want to improve.
• Play well but need more discipline and support to complete grades.  i.e. note reading, rhythm reading etc.
• Already play to a high standard but need help on a specific technique or want something to give me some new ideas.  

We will then discuss what kind of guitar you have or wish to play.

Electric guitars have metal strings and you need to use an amplifier to hear them properly.  They are great for lots of different styles of music from rock and metal to jazz and funk.  Typically, you would start electric guitar on chords.  

Acoustic guitars are usually hollow and have metal strings.  They can be used for lots of different styles and can be played with fingers or a plectrum. (A triangle-shaped piece of plastic)  Traditionally you learn chords first on acoustic guitar.

The classical guitar comes in different sizes.  These include full size, 3/4 size and 1/2 size.  This is usually chosen based upon age and/or size of player.  The classical guitar has nylon strings.  You will normally learn notes and traditional note reading for this type of guitar.

I would then plan a series of lessons and workshops to help support you or your child in developing skills, creativity and confidence in the instrument.  I am very open to changing things and always discuss current goals based upon the student.  I will also find out the types of music and artists that you like and try to find examples of these to work with.  I will give you as much pressure as you ask for!  Some clients want more of a chilled approach, some like to be pushed and held accountable for how much they practice!

We will then discuss times, dates and location etc.  I usually go to the clients house for the sessions.  Times can be negotiated and changed when needed.  Sessions are usually 1 hour but sometimes 30 minutes is better for younger children.  Lessons can be weekly or fortnightly but again, this can all be discussed.

Payment can be via bank transfer or cash.  

If you or your child is keen on pursuing grades we can discuss the appropriate type and level of grade.  I mainly use RSL, Trinity, RGT and ABRSM.  Grades are a good way to get formal recognition for your hard work but they are not essential to progress and to be a great guitarist.