Don't Reinvent the Wheel, Take Guitar Lessons!

I have lost track of how many times I have heard someone say, “I have always wanted to play guitar…” I immediately think to myself, “What are you waiting for??” Guitars are affordable, fun, and most of all… they are cool!!!

Most often someone buys a guitar and attempts to teach themselves how to play.  However, many self-taught guitar players fall to the wayside and eventually give it up.  To prevent yourself from being one of the many guitar casualties you need to get hooked up with a good guitar teacher.  

Why is it so hard to learn guitar on my own?
The guitar is a very complex instrument and learning it on your own can be overwhelming.  It would take many years to master this instrument on your own, and you certainly would pick up a lot of bad habits along the way.  This is why many people turn to books, videos, computer programs, and mobile apps.

A lot can be learned from these resources, but they often fall short because they lack important one thing… Two-way communication. I myself, have tried to learn various skills from videos and I have found that the immediate and personalized feedback of a mentor is far more valuable.   Without the guidance from an experienced guitar player many aspiring musicians give up.

How can I benefit from taking guitar lessons?
The number one reason to take private guitar lessons is that you will visit a master of the instrument every week who will hold you accountable and assist you in achieving all of your goals.

You will have specific questions about your journey on the guitar that can only be answered by someone who has gone on that path before you.  Every student is unique and it is the responsibility of the teacher to guide you as you grow and learn your craft.

When taking guitar lessons you will find music a much more rewarding experience.  Here are some examples of how you will benefit from taking private guitar lessons:

• Have fun playing the songs YOU want to play

• Unlock endless performance possibilities

• Overcome challenges

• Gain confidence and consistency

How do I find a teacher?
The first thing I recommend is to head down to your local music store and ask who they recommend.  If the store doesn’t already have an established lesson program, they will be able to recommend some teachers in your area.  You can also find teachers on private music lesson search sites such as Looking4lessons.com.  Facebook and Craigslist are also options for seeking out private guitar teachers.

What to look for in a teacher?
You want someone who is professional, knowledgeable, and flexible.  Most guitar teachers have a printed list of their attendance and payment polices.  This holds both the teacher and the student accountable, and is a good sign that the teacher is serious about their profession.

While a teacher with a degree in music isn’t a necessity, it is definitely something to look for if your interests lie in learning to read music or study guitar at the advanced level.  If not, and your heart is set on rockin’ out then here is a lot to learn from the seasoned professionals who “paid their dues” on the stage.  I suggest seeking out a versatile instructor that can do both.  The best guitar players are as much at home in the concert hall as they are on the club stage.

Whatever your goals are, seek out a guitar teacher that is capable of helping you realize these goals!
 
Final Thoughts
Before deciding on one teacher I recommend asking for a trial lesson from several teachers.  This gives you a chance to see if your learning style is compatible with the teacher’s methods.  Every student learns in their own way and you want to find a guitar teacher that understands your need and goals.

The ability to play guitar is a wonderful gift, something that will provide you with many years of enjoyment and opportunity for exploration.  Your journey will be more rewarding and go much further when you have the right person to guide you.

To learn more about my guitar lesson program or to schedule your trial lesson visit www.arnoldmusiccompany.com . You can also reach me by phone at 319-551-9643.  I look forward to hearing from you soon!

About David Arnold
A graduate of Luther College, David Arnold has been providing high quality private music lessons to students of all ages for over 15 years. His specialties include saxophone, guitar, and bass guitar.  Drawing upon his diverse musical background, David provides a unique education that merges his formal training in music with his professional performance experiences.  Students will learn to be confident, well rounded musicians that are capable of performing in a wide array of musical settings.  You can reach David by email at arnoldds@fmtcswb.com or by phone at 319-551-9643.