Professional Guitar Lessons in Your Own Home
Why take guitar lessons?
Any type of music lessons are a wonderful gift for a child’s future. Guitar is fun and probably the most practical musical instrument to play. It’s portable, can easily accompany a voice, and once learned it can be played into adulthood. Aside from the lure of becoming a rich and famous rock star, lessons have other benefits, such as teaching a child the importance of having a routine and the rewards of perseverance. A set practice routine will constructively occupy time and strengthen focus skills. This will help in doing homework, fighting Attention Deficit Disorder and boosting self-esteem.
At what age should lessons be started?
I’ve taught students from four years old to senior citizens. Remember though that very young children have difficulties playing. They don’t have enough strength in their fingers to press the strings down. Practicing, repetition and growth will remedy this. Basically anyone can play the guitar.
Why take lessons in your own home rather than at a music store?
I give lessons in your own home. This is convenient for parents and helps a student feel comfortable during the lesson. We don’t have the same distractions, customers walking in and out and noise like at a music store. Another positive aspect of in-home lessons is that the parents can easily listen in on their child’s progress.
Why choose a private teacher?
My biggest competitors are music stores. A storefront is hard to compete with because people have the misconception that you’ll find the most qualified teachers there. In reality you could find:
1. Young, under-paid, inexperienced instructors who conduct rap sessions with their students and might be replaced several times a year by similar instructors.
2. Jazzbos* who’s boring, highly theoretical lessons do not motivate children.
3. “ Jack of All Trades” type teachers who know only the basics of each instrument and are out of touch with the popular guitar styles that keep young students interested.
*Jazzbo – a jazz instructor who tries to talk students out of playing the kind of music that they enjoy (Usually Rock “n” Roll)
I specialize in only one instrument, guitar. I’ve played since 1968 but can still relate to younger students. I can teach the styles of music that will keep them having fun and playing guitar into adulthood.
What are the qualities of a successful student?
Here are the four main attributes you must have to play guitar well:
Mental quickness - The faster a person thinks the quicker they can understand and play music. In turn learning to read and play an instrument can build and sharpen a student’s mental agility.
Physical Dexterity - Fast fingers are best, but slow movement can be overcome with practice.
Desire - This is instilled in a young child by seeing someone they love playing or singing with a guitar. Having a toy guitar around will peak curiosity and desire in a child. Seeing and emulating famous musicians and bands inspire older children.
Practice time - All students must spend time playing their guitar. Sometimes priorities have to be rearranged.
How I teach guitar.
I tailor my lessons to the desires and goals of each student. Beginners are started off with a combination of traditional note reading and recognizable popular songs with an emphasis on making playing fun. The instruction books used reflect the level I believe a child can handle. As a student’s technical ability increases harder songs and solos are introduced. Music theory and improvisation are taught from my own book using jam CDs recorded especially for this purpose. Eventually students are encouraged to pick some of the popular Rock’n’Roll songs they wish to learn. My years as a professional transcriber help me in writing these songs out during the lesson. I’m very good at picking out guitar music by ear.
Each student learns at a different level. In my thirty years of experience, I’ve developed a very patient teaching style. I’m tough on students who don’t practice but I never belittle or discourage a slower student. Neither fast nor slower learning speeds pose any problem to me. I regularly take on non-beginners and dissatisfied students from other teachers.
Parents often ask me to give their children longer lessons. I can easily fit everything in one half hour because I’ve taken the time to write out my own lesson syllabus for the guitar. Some teachers spend most of the lesson writing out the same basic materials for each student. This wastes valuable playing time.
As students outgrow their acoustic guitars, I’ll suggest getting a nice electric guitar and amp. At this time song writing and performance in a band are encouraged. Bands regularly record at my studio and my rehearsal room is available for rent.
For more advanced players I try to open up the different guitar styles that younger students might not be initially interested in such as Blues, Jazz, or Classical.
What are the parental responsibilities?
Some students play their guitar each day without being reminded. The suggestion is at least one half-hour a day, four days a week. This gives the student two hours of playing time per week (students under 7 can do less). If a student does more than two hours per week it’s better, but less practice is unacceptable. Parents must be involved in making sure their child is playing regularly.
What can you expect from lessons?
It’s impossible to predict how successful a student will be. I try my best to keep each student interested and moving forward, but some students just don’t like to practice. For a child with potential, the earlier lessons are started, the better. I encourage songwriting and performance and if they play well enough by high school, this is the best time to be in band.
What type of students do I get?
There are four types of students that I come across.
1. Children who are forced to take lessons. They usually have no interest and refuse to practice.
2. Faddists who try to imitate the latest ‘cool’ bands but lose interest when they find out that it takes more then four weeks to learn how to play.
3. Recreational students who practice moderately, have fun, but don’t try to excel in music.
4. Students with a true musical calling who learn at a steady rate, love to play, and are a pleasure to teach.
When you’re child takes lessons they will fall somewhere into these four categories. Each student will take a slightly different journey with his or her instrument.
Should you buy or rent an instrument?
Most people have access to a guitar before they start lessons. For those who don’t I suggest renting first. This way you’re not stuck with an expensive instrument if your child looses interest. I have guitars and amps available for rent at a price of ten dollars each per month.
How are payments arranged?
Each lesson is one half hour long. You are charged a flat monthly rate and payment is due at the end of the month after the lessons are given. You will not be charged if a lesson is missed, but I do ask that cancellations be made up. I have convenient openings. Please call me at the number below and we’ll set up a time to meet. I have excellent references, if you like, and look forward to hearing from you… Thanks
Call 914-741-6321 and please leave your;
1. Name and age of student
2. Phone number
3. Town where you reside
Very Important: If sending an e-mail please put “Guitar lessons” in the subject line.
[Back to Home Page] [Contact Me]
jonnyguitar@optonline.net
Additional text
Guitar lessons at home.
Learn how to play your favorite songs on acoustic or electric guitar. Guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home.
Guitar Tablature and other resources for the advanced guitarist.
Learn how to play guitar.
I travel to your home for your private guitar lessons.
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Guitar Tablature and other resources for the beginning guitarist.
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Guitar lessons in your home reasonable rates.
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Learn how to play your favorite Rock & Roll songs on acoustic or electric guitar.
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