Feeling Nervous About Starting Lessons

I always look forward to meeting new students, especially if they are feeling nervous about starting lessons.  It is nice to see them relax after about 10 minutes-once they begin to realize how easy learning guitar is.

The guitar is simply and amazing instrument, and the speed in which we learn how to play it is completely up to the student. Private guitar lessons are so different from a college class. There is no fixed time line and a very flexible path of learning. Whatever the student’s goal is will determine the speed and direction.

Unfortunately, there have been several occasions where my students have aced the college jazz band audition only to quit after a year. This is sometimes caused by the rigid programs and endless commitment to practicing. I think there are occasions where certain students will excel at an intense program. However, most people seem to want to have an artistic approach to playing music rather than an academic approach with that type of intensity.

After years of teaching, I believe that if the focus is on the areas the student is interested in, they will stay inspired. When I demonstrate how to play something, they can see that it is something they can do and it drives them to pull out their guitar at home. Intrinsic motivation is by far a a more positive force, in my opinion, than extrinsic.

Everyone Has Different Interests

Some people do find enjoyment in the deep theory and how everything fits together. This is incredibly fun to teach and can open a lot of creative doors for song writers. But it seems that most students would simply like to learn how to strum their favorite songs for friends around a campfire. Pursuing what the students is interested in will keep them motivated while they learn other things along the way.

Final Thoughts

In the end, music is a place where you can lose yourself sometimes for hours. When students enjoy the lessons, they continue taking lessons and those relationships are very rewarding. Watching a student grow musically is amazing. Everyone has their own journey with their own time line, never let nerves stop you from learning a new instrument.

If you have any questions about lessons, feel free to contact me.