The current Coronavirus pandemic has presented us all with new challenges, including how we keep ourselves occupied throughout what could be a considerably long period. If you are one of those people who have always wished you had the time to learn to play the guitar or if you have a child who has shown interest in learning to play the guitar, I may have something for you to consider.
Using Skype
Online 1:1 teaching using a webcam in conjunction with apps such as Skype has made the teaching of music more and more attractive and a perfect medium for anyone who wants to learn from the comfort of their own home. It will never replace face-to-face tuition but there are many ways it can play an important part in enabling you to play the songs, riffs and magical musical passages that you've dreamed of playing on the guitar.
To get the most out of online lessons, you will need:
PC, Tablet or Notebook
Built-in or standalone webcam
Acoustic guitar or electric guitar with amplifier
Guitar tuner (your guitar should ideally be in tune before the lesson starts)
Pen and paper to make notes
Plectrum (if applicable)
Good quality broadband connection
A regular time slot
A desire to learn!
Free 1/2 Hour Trial Lesson
Making up your mind as to whether you want to commit to regular lessons can be a big decision for some which is why I offer a free 1/2 hour trial lesson so you can 'try before you buy'. You've got nothing to lose except for half an hour of your time which hopefully, will be the catalyst to progress something you've always wanted to do.
Starter, Stutterer or Seasoned Player?
It doesn't matter if you are a complete novice as we all have to start somewhere and with as a little as 15 mins practice as day, you should be able to play some of the most famous songs ever written in a matter of months and more importantly - in a competent manner. For those who have stuttered over the years, we can pick up where you left off and inject new direction and dynamism into your learning so you pick the enthusiasm back up with a renewed focus and a definite plan going forward. If you are someone who has some considerable experience but you don't have the knowledge to take you to the next step, then perhaps now is the time explore new avenues so you can squeeze every drop of talent out of you.
Couldn't I just Learn form Online Tutorials?
You could and there are some excellent informational websites out there but there's a very low percentage of people who stick with it as a source of long-term learning because without personal interaction, your skill level or learning speed cannot be monitored or technical failings spotted and rectified. It's really important that an experienced tutor constantly monitors your progress before you develop bad habits which can put you back years in terms of development.
Acoustic or Electric Guitar?
It doesn't make a difference what your preference is as the same basic tenets of technique apply to both types of instruments - the real difference comes when you start to look at particular technical nuances which may apply to ether instrument as in the case of speed-picking (electric) and finger-picking (acoustic). You can use both techniques on both types of guitar but you will find that more well-known exponents in their respective fields will concentrate on the techniques that best suit a particular type of guitar.
Do you Teach Using Grades?
Yes, I teach using the Rockschool syllabus which caters for both acoustic and electric guitars. It a great way of incrementally learning disciplines such as chords, single-string technique, reading, timing, improvising, ear-training etc as part of a structured syllabus and you will receive a certificate to prove you have passed at the required level.
What if I don't want to Learn by Using Grades?
No worries! Most students just want to play for fun, improve their standard, play in a band or take up a new hobby. We all have our favourite songs, bands and guitarists so it's important we are constantly learning the music that led us to learning how to play the guitar, you will be surprised that with the right level of tuition, dedication and practice, you will be churning out those classics quicker than you thought possible.
Want to know more, give me a call or send me an email and we'll chat about the possibilities of getting up and running!