How To Choose A Guitar Teacher
And How To Avoid Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Guitar Teacher
You made a great decision to read this guide and find out how to choose the right guitar teacher for you. Finding out how to choose the right guitar for your specific, unique needs and wants is the first step towards actually becoming the guitar player you want to be.
The problem with settling for an average guitar teacher is that you will likely face several challenges: It will take a lot more time to learn to play the guitar the way you want, and as a result, you will spend more money. You may also feel discouraged by the slow pace of your progress. This will lead you to question your abilities as a guitarist, which might ultimately cause you to quit learning altogether.
On the other hand, finding the right teacher will give you numerous benefits: You will save a lot of time and money, even if a teacher has higher rates (more on this below). The whole process will seem much easier. Seeing rapid progress will be a powerful motivator, and you’ll feel a deep sense of satisfaction as you master playing the guitar just the way you’ve always envisioned!
As you can see, picking the right teacher will deeply affect your guitar journey, not only in terms of your skills but also in relation to your bank account, your time, and your overall enjoyment of the process.
Now, let’s see what you have to take into account when you are looking for the right guitar teacher.
Before you start your lessons, it is very important to keep in mind below aspects:
The style(s) of music you want to learn
Your primary concern should be to choose a teacher that is great at teaching the music genre you wish to learn. For instance, if you want to become a great blues guitarist, choose a teacher who specializes in blues.
If you talk to a guitar instructor that claims that he/she can teach all styles of music, you should see this as a red flag. A teacher who says he/she can teach every style effectively is rarely telling the truth.
When you are in contact with a potential guitar teacher, and before sharing your musical preferences, ask him first about the music styles he teaches.
Teaching format: Private lessons vs. Group classes
Don’t assume that one-on-one lessons are the best format. Small to medium-sized group lessons do offer a range of direct and indirect benefits that individual lessons may lack. This may seem surprising, but it holds true. Private lessons have their perks, but group classes offer also great benefits, as long as the teacher is good at leading group sessions.
A significant advantage of group lessons is the sense of community they foster, which can help keep you motivated, engaged, and accountable. If the instructor you’re considering only offers private lessons, that’s fine, but integrating a group aspect will be valuable to you.
Prior to starting guitar lessons, a guitar teacher should have a deep understanding of your musical goals, your guitar playing level, your music theory knowledge, etc.
A good teacher will ask questions about you, and more importantly about your musical background, your goals, and playing level. Based on this information, the teacher will create a customized lesson strategy.
In other words, before starting the lessons, does the teacher talk about what he/she does or is he/she asking you questions to know more about you?
If the teacher is indeed asking you questions, it demonstrates that he/she values your individual needs and is committed to your growth as a musician.
Before I accept a new student, I usually ask a long list of questions to know more about that person’s music background, goals, etc. This is the only way I can truly understand how to teach this student.
Teaching vs. Training
There’s a big difference between teaching and training.
Teaching mainly involves sharing information, but knowledge alone is not enough. If you can’t apply the information, it is useless.
Training is fundamental, it helps students practice and use what they’ve learned. This distinction sets great teachers apart from average ones. Great teachers don’t just give you knowledge; they focus on guiding students to apply that knowledge, which leads to faster results.
A great guitar teacher should create a customized strategy to help you reach your guitar-playing goals.
Many teachers rely on a few predefined teaching methods that they will use for most of their students. However, the best teachers will customize their approach based on your personal goals. When you talk about this aspect to a guitar teacher before starting lessons, the teacher should respond confidently that he/she is able to create a customized strategy for you, based on all the information he/she gathered so far.
Watch out for signs of uncertainty, as they might show inexperience or reluctance to adjust their teaching methods. A good teacher should also be able to explain their long-term strategies and how they will adapt to your evolving needs as a guitarist.
Learning guitar: Linear learning approach vs. multi-dimensional learning approach.
Learning guitar differs from learning mathematics. In mathematics, we learn in a linear way. This means that we follow a logical sequence to learn. For example, we start with numbers, then move on to addition, followed by subtraction, multiplication, and so forth. In other words, learners advance through the material in a predefined order, beginning with basic concepts and gradually progressing to more advanced topics.
While a linear approach may seem appealing, the best teachers often use a multi-dimensional learning approach. To put it simply, you don’t need to master one technique, or one skill, to move to the next one. This strategy involves teaching concepts from various angles and perspectives, ensuring a deeper understanding of a music concept or a technique. If a teacher insists on a strictly linear approach, it may limit your learning potential. Look for someone who can explain why a multi-dimensional learning strategy can be more effective and beneficial in the long run.
Practice schedule
A good teacher understands that managing practice time is essential for progress. Average teachers may offer vague advice such as practicing regularly, but great teachers will provide detailed guidance on how to structure your practice sessions.
They should offer personalized practice schedules, broken down into categories, to make sure that you maximize your time and focus on areas that need improvement. A teacher who gives you the tools to get the most out of your practice time demonstrates his/her commitment to your success and growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Learning from a typical teacher
The problem here is that most guitar teachers do not have the skills to develop, and in most cases will not even think about it, a customized strategy for their students, which creates very slow results.
Learning guitar yourself
That’s a very difficult road to take, as it will lead to a lot of time wasted to find out what you should learn first, second, and so on. Plus, this often leads to the development of bad habits, and lack of knowledge.
Choosing a teacher based on price
Once, I worked with a teacher offering low rates. But after 9 months of poor results, I decided to work with another teacher with higher rates (actually 50% higher) and found out that I was progressing much faster. I estimate that I was progressing 3 times faster with my new teacher.
So, I did the math, and I was shocked by the result. Even by working with a teacher that was 50% more expensive, I was actually saving a lot of money because I was progressing 3 times faster.
Teacher 1: 600 TWD / lesson x 9 lessons to achieve my short-term goals = 5,400 TWD
Teacher 2: 900 TWD / lesson x 3 lessons to achieve my short-term goals = 2,700 TWD
Choosing a teacher only based on lower rates will most likely lead to mediocre results. You will progress much faster with a great teacher and therefore you will save a lot of time and money because you will reach your goals faster. If you can’t afford higher rates with a great teacher, you can consider options like lessons every other week or group classes.
Assuming the best player is the best teacher
Many students admire famous guitarists and assume that their skills make them good teachers. While being a good player can help a teacher’s credibility, it doesn’t mean they will teach well. Look for teachers who really care about teaching and want to help you succeed. A great teacher will focus on understanding your needs and helping you grow, rather than just showing off his/her own skills.
The most important point in this guide is to act on what you’ve learned. Finding a good guitar teacher will save you time, money, and effort. You will reach your musical goals faster and have fun in the process! Be ready to have meaningful talks with potential teachers and carefully consider their views on the key points mentioned here.
When you find a teacher who has the qualities we’ve discussed, you’ll know you’ve made a smart choice. Choosing the right teacher can really change your learning experience and help you reach your musical goals faster and more easily.