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Selecting an instructor
Selecting an instructor
I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
instructor.
For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
“crunch” fit, than a natural one.
Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
“right” questions to ask and “buzz” words to use??
Thanks,
EJ in NJ
I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
instructor.
For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
“crunch” fit, than a natural one.
Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
“right” questions to ask and “buzz” words to use??
Thanks,
EJ in NJ
Re: Selecting an instructor
On Apr 15, 4:53 pm, Ernie Willson <ewill...@patmedia . net > wrote:
> I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
> capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
> through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
> duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
> me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
> instructor.
>
> For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
> and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
> how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
> playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
> accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
> rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
>
> I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
> current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
> it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
> "crunch" fit, than a natural one.
>
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> "right" questions to ask and "buzz" words to use??
>
> Thanks,
> EJ in NJ
Why dont you just ask the instructor that you have right now if he
could just give you a crashcourse to playing folk. Most people just
teach themselves.......
learn to read tabs and you are set.
~MU
On Apr 15, 4:53 pm, Ernie Willson <ewill...@patmedia . net > wrote:
> I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
> capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
> through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
> duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
> me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
> instructor.
>
> For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
> and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
> how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
> playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
> accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
> rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
>
> I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
> current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
> it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
> "crunch" fit, than a natural one.
>
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> "right" questions to ask and "buzz" words to use??
>
> Thanks,
> EJ in NJ
Why dont you just ask the instructor that you have right now if he
could just give you a crashcourse to playing folk. Most people just
teach themselves.......
learn to read tabs and you are set.
~MU
Re: Selecting an instructor
I would agree that you should ask your current instructor.
There is a getting familar stage with a new instructor that you won't
have to go thru with this one. You should be fine unless he refuses
your request.
As a part time teacher, I can tell you it is very helpful when a
student comes in with specific goals like that.
I just finished up a 6 lesson block with an adult woman who wants to
be able to play and lead singing with the kids at her church.
She had taken a year of some classical guitar a number of years
back.
I taught her major, minor and dominant open chords, 6th & 5th string
root major and minor barre chords, circle of 4ths, some basic reading
and theory.
She is now able to play her tunes all over the neck and can transpose
simple songs into other keys if needed.
She was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish with just 6
lessons,
My response was that she was very clear about her stated goals, and
put in the practice time between lessons.
She was talking about coming back for another round after summer. Win-
Win
I would agree that you should ask your current instructor.
There is a getting familar stage with a new instructor that you won't
have to go thru with this one. You should be fine unless he refuses
your request.
As a part time teacher, I can tell you it is very helpful when a
student comes in with specific goals like that.
I just finished up a 6 lesson block with an adult woman who wants to
be able to play and lead singing with the kids at her church.
She had taken a year of some classical guitar a number of years
back.
I taught her major, minor and dominant open chords, 6th & 5th string
root major and minor barre chords, circle of 4ths, some basic reading
and theory.
She is now able to play her tunes all over the neck and can transpose
simple songs into other keys if needed.
She was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish with just 6
lessons,
My response was that she was very clear about her stated goals, and
put in the practice time between lessons.
She was talking about coming back for another round after summer. Win-
Win
Re: Selecting an instructor
Derek wrote:
> I just finished up a 6 lesson block with an adult woman who wants to
> be able to play and lead singing with the kids at her church.
>
> She had taken a year of some classical guitar a number of years
> back.
>
> I taught her major, minor and dominant open chords, 6th & 5th string
> root major and minor barre chords, circle of 4ths, some basic reading
> and theory.
>
> She is now able to play her tunes all over the neck and can transpose
> simple songs into other keys if needed.
> She was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish with just 6
> lessons...
I am too! Good job.
Lumpy
In Your Ears for 40 Years
w w w .LumpyMusic . com
Derek wrote:
> I just finished up a 6 lesson block with an adult woman who wants to
> be able to play and lead singing with the kids at her church.
>
> She had taken a year of some classical guitar a number of years
> back.
>
> I taught her major, minor and dominant open chords, 6th & 5th string
> root major and minor barre chords, circle of 4ths, some basic reading
> and theory.
>
> She is now able to play her tunes all over the neck and can transpose
> simple songs into other keys if needed.
> She was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish with just 6
> lessons...
I am too! Good job.
Lumpy
In Your Ears for 40 Years
w w w .LumpyMusic . com
Re: Selecting an instructor
Lumpy wrote:
> I am too! Good job.
Thanks man, but you know how it is. Motivated students who put in the
time make us look like geniuses!
I was not trying to toot my own horn, but give a recent example where
someone had clearly stated goals like Ernie is describing, and how
that can make all the difference.
There are more students I have worked with that I couldn't help them
find the motivation enough to get the work done, and the lessons
bogged down at some point.
That is okay too, because generally they either a) lost interest due
to life circumstances, b) see how much work it is, and don't want to
invest the time, or c) need a break to assimilate what has already
been covered before they dive back in for more lessons.
Lumpy wrote:
> I am too! Good job.
Thanks man, but you know how it is. Motivated students who put in the
time make us look like geniuses!
I was not trying to toot my own horn, but give a recent example where
someone had clearly stated goals like Ernie is describing, and how
that can make all the difference.
There are more students I have worked with that I couldn't help them
find the motivation enough to get the work done, and the lessons
bogged down at some point.
That is okay too, because generally they either a) lost interest due
to life circumstances, b) see how much work it is, and don't want to
invest the time, or c) need a break to assimilate what has already
been covered before they dive back in for more lessons.
Re: Selecting an instructor
Derek expounded in news:5dbd7aa3-c9e6-409c-82d0-7c9187d45db3
@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups . com :
> That is okay too, because generally they either a) lost interest due
> to life circumstances,
Bad bad bad..
> b) see how much work it is, and don't want to
> invest the time, or
Worse than bad..
> c) need a break to assimilate what has already
> been covered before they dive back in for more lessons.
As a classical student myself, I do find that you need small breaks from
time to time (especially after working 6+ months for an exam). So I ask
my teach for some "more Les Paul" instruction, and then switch back to
the regularly scheduled classical training in a few weeks.
As to the OP, I agree: work with the current teacher if possible. A
classically trained teach should be able to show you what you want to
know. Its your time, and your dime. Just ask.
Snark.
** Posted from * w w w .teranews . com **
Derek expounded in news:5dbd7aa3-c9e6-409c-82d0-7c9187d45db3
@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups . com :
> That is okay too, because generally they either a) lost interest due
> to life circumstances,
Bad bad bad..
> b) see how much work it is, and don't want to
> invest the time, or
Worse than bad..
> c) need a break to assimilate what has already
> been covered before they dive back in for more lessons.
As a classical student myself, I do find that you need small breaks from
time to time (especially after working 6+ months for an exam). So I ask
my teach for some "more Les Paul" instruction, and then switch back to
the regularly scheduled classical training in a few weeks.
As to the OP, I agree: work with the current teacher if possible. A
classically trained teach should be able to show you what you want to
know. Its your time, and your dime. Just ask.
Snark.
** Posted from * w w w .teranews . com **
Re: Selecting an instructor
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> =93right=94 questions to ask and =93buzz=94 words to use??
I think its good to try out a few different instructors, instead of
getting committed right off the bat. Just tell that you want to take a
couple of lessions to check him/her out, and then try a couple others.
Of course nothing beats a recomendation from and accomplished
musician.
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> =93right=94 questions to ask and =93buzz=94 words to use??
I think its good to try out a few different instructors, instead of
getting committed right off the bat. Just tell that you want to take a
couple of lessions to check him/her out, and then try a couple others.
Of course nothing beats a recomendation from and accomplished
musician.
Re: Selecting an instructor
RobertH wrote:
> I think its good to try out a few different instructors, instead of
> getting committed right off the bat. Just tell that you want to take a
> couple of lessions to check him/her out, and then try a couple others.
> Of course nothing beats a recomendation from and accomplished
> musician.
Trying them out for yourself certainly beats a
recommendation from an "accomplished musician"
in my book.
Actually, I consider a recommendation to be lowest
on the list of things I'd consider.
Who knows if the recommendER has the same musical
taste, learning style, background as you.
Lumpy
In Your Ears for 40 Years
w w w .LumpyMusic . com
RobertH wrote:
> I think its good to try out a few different instructors, instead of
> getting committed right off the bat. Just tell that you want to take a
> couple of lessions to check him/her out, and then try a couple others.
> Of course nothing beats a recomendation from and accomplished
> musician.
Trying them out for yourself certainly beats a
recommendation from an "accomplished musician"
in my book.
Actually, I consider a recommendation to be lowest
on the list of things I'd consider.
Who knows if the recommendER has the same musical
taste, learning style, background as you.
Lumpy
In Your Ears for 40 Years
w w w .LumpyMusic . com
Re: Selecting an instructor
On Apr 15, 4:53 pm, Ernie Willson <ewill...@patmedia . net > wrote:
> I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
> capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
> through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
> duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
> me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
> instructor.
>
> For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
> and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
> how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
> playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
> accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
> rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
>
> I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
> current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
> it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
> =93crunch=94 fit, than a natural one.
>
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> =93right=94 questions to ask and =93buzz=94 words to use??
>
> Thanks,
> EJ in NJ
I think its time for YOU to Do It ! You now know the basics - so put
in the time and get what you want... use tabs / scores / recordings /
what-ever AND YOUR EARS. If you just want to do the cords and sing
along get some charts & a cord book - find what combination of cord
changes work for you and the song of choice and repeat - repeat -
repeat (& correct any mistakes as you get better and more
accomplished!!)-- You know how to drive now so tell mom and dad to
get out of the car and go explore !! If you wait for some one to show
you where to put your fingers every time you'll never get anywhere -
dedication and drive is required.., and some experimentation ( it gets
easier as you go - don't give up !)-ed s. ..
On Apr 15, 4:53 pm, Ernie Willson <ewill...@patmedia . net > wrote:
> I have been taking acoustic guitar (not electric) lessons from a very
> capable instructor for about a year and a half. He has brought me
> through workbook items, playing small studies, scales, chords, short
> duets and most importantly timing. He would like to continue teaching
> me this material in this fashion. I guess I would call him a classical
> instructor.
>
> For my part however, I am now more interested in learning various folk
> and contemporary tunes. In particular I want to find someone to teach me
> how to accompany my own (and group) singing. I am less interested in
> playing all the notes in the tune than in the chords etc. that would
> accompany the vocal efforts. This would include various chords and
> rhythms as they might apply to folk tunes, hymns, gospel and blues.
>
> I intend to talk to several instructors and select a new one since my
> current one does not really feature this type of instruction. As I see
> it my current instructor can teach this stuff, but it is more of a
> =93crunch=94 fit, than a natural one.
>
> Any suggestions on what to ask potential instructors would be
> appreciated. I want to ensure that the new guy/gal teaches what I want
> as his/her stock and trade, not as an afterthought. Are there any
> =93right=94 questions to ask and =93buzz=94 words to use??
>
> Thanks,
> EJ in NJ
I think its time for YOU to Do It ! You now know the basics - so put
in the time and get what you want... use tabs / scores / recordings /
what-ever AND YOUR EARS. If you just want to do the cords and sing
along get some charts & a cord book - find what combination of cord
changes work for you and the song of choice and repeat - repeat -
repeat (& correct any mistakes as you get better and more
accomplished!!)-- You know how to drive now so tell mom and dad to
get out of the car and go explore !! If you wait for some one to show
you where to put your fingers every time you'll never get anywhere -
dedication and drive is required.., and some experimentation ( it gets
easier as you go - don't give up !)-ed s. ..
