Teaching Kids and Teaching Adults
I teach both kids and adults, and the approach for each differs tremendously. A lot of the time, adults usually have a strong idea for what they want to learn and understand the process of practice and applying techniques - which in my experience, makes things a lot easier for the teacher. However, it's completely different with children. Children don't always understand the concept of technique and can sometimes struggle to find the motivation to practise. However, my approach is based around having fun whilst maintaining control of the content being taught. If you have to push a child to practise, eventually he/she will resent it. But if a child is having fun, you'll never need to ask him/her to practise. A big part is also played by the parent. I try to encourage parents to sit in with the lessons and to take on board what is being taught in the lessons - even better is when the parent decides to learn alongside their child.
The Approach
The approach to my teaching is to ensure a correct technique from the very first lesson. I believe that it's important that you're learning exactly what you want to learn, but in a constructive way - a way in which you gain an understanding for what you are actually learning, which in turn feeds your progression as a guitarist. I will teach you to play the guitar, but I will also teach how to teach yourself to play the guitar - after all, you're not going to want guitar lessons forever ;)
Muscle Memory
Internet lessons and books are a good way of learning to play the guitar. However, in my opinion, the most efficient and quickest way of learning is with a good, experienced teacher. When we first start playing the guitar, the way we hold a plectrum, pluck a string, strum a chord or fret a note can define our entire future as a guitarist. If we start off doing any of these things wrongly, then through "muscle memory" we develop bad technique, and the more we practise, the more this bad technique ingrains in to our playing. However, if we start by learning to do things correctly, the more we continue with this correct technique, the more we build this in to our playing. By being there and observing you play in person, I am able to identify and correct any wrong finger movements and bad habits before they become part of your playing technique.
A Regular Practise Routine
Whether it be in schools, day centers or privately, I have taught hundreds of students over the past 7 years and it is in my experience that students that follow a disciplined regular learning structure, learn far quicker than those that don't. Through the lessons, a regular practise routine will be set which the student will be expected to work through until the next lesson. No two people ever learn the same so a regular practise schedule will be set up specific for the individual.
Lesson Elements
Whether you're a complete beginner or have been playing for a few years, I never teach two people the same. Lessons are always specific to the individual and elements as shown below can be covered :
Songs - The most important part of playing the guitar, and song choice is generally up to the student. Before we start, I'll have you write down a list of ten songs that you'd like to learn, and we'll work towards learning each, one at a time.
Styles - Rather than teach one particular style up to a very advanced level, I teach many different styles up to a "high" standard. This is mainly due to the nature of teaching that I've been involved with over the past 7 years. Most styles are covered such as Rock, Blues, Funk, Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Soul, Fingerstyle, Rock and Roll etc...
Technique - How you hold the plectrum, fret a note or strum a chord etc. As a beginner, it is vital that your technique is correct from the moment you pick a guitar up. If you've already developed bad technique, then we can work on resolving this issue by working in a correct technique over time.
Music Understanding - Your knowledge of music and what you are playing. All the music theory I teach comes straight from the paper on to the fretboard, so that you can put it to good use in your playing.
Transcribing - The ability to work out songs by ear. One of the best, yet overlooked methods to improve yourself as a guitarist.
Improvising - The ability to make up solos on the spot, which also incorporates elements of Music Understanding.
Grades - I teach Grades 1 to 8 in Electric guitar, Acoustic guitar and Music Theory - I have a 100% pass rate to date. However, if you're looking for tuition beyond this level, I can pass you on to other teachers that will be able to fulfil your needs.
Music Technology - I use an element of music technology in lessons where I'm able to slow songs down, change key, remove guitar parts (from songs for you to play over), and record your playing all in a way that helps you learn quicker and more effectively.
Prices
Lessons cost £25 per hour lesson and £15 per half an hour lesson and take place at my home at Highbury Stadium Square, Islington (3 seconds from Arsenal Tube Station). I am also able to travel out to students living locally around the Highbury area. The first lesson is free and acts as a taster lesson to give you a feel for how the lessons are run, it also gives me the opportunity to access your playing, and for us to have a chat about what it is you'd like to learn.
Age Groups
I teach all age groups starting from 4 years and onwards - Children aged between 4 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancelations
All cancelations must be made 48 hours before the lesson or a full lesson fee will be charged. However, if a cancelation is made without the required notice and I'm able to fill the slot with another student, no fee will be charged.
Other Information
I also teach for a limited amount of time in Wales where conditions and prices are varied from those stated above.
To make a booking, or for any more information on lessons please contact me here.