Choosing a Teacher

1. How old is the child? While there are no formal guidelines I generally use seven as the age to begin. Every child should be evaluated individually based on many factors including maturity, overall body size, ability and desire to learn and (perhaps the most important factor) willingness to practice.

Playing the guitar, especially the acoustic guitar, takes a fair amount of hand strength. If a finger isn't strong enough to push the string all the way down the child will not be successful. There are ways to strengthen the fingers but in order to begin playing the guitar the child needs to be able to push a string to the fingerboard with 3 different fingers.

The size of the hand is also a consideration. An adult with small hands can do things to compensate for the short fingers. A child will have more difficulty.

2. Why does the child want to learn? It's a fair question. The teacher needs to know the child's motivation and what they hope to get out of this. I try to determine if this decision is coming from the child or if it's a parent's desire for their child.

3. What does the child want to learn? What kind of music do they want to be able to play? Folk, classical, country, bluegrass and blues all have their own nuances. With the exception of classical the basics are the same. If someone wishes to learn classical guitar it is probably better to find a teacher who teaches only classical. It's helpful to the teacher to know what types of music the child and their parents listen to.

4. Electric or Acoustic? Sometimes this choice has been made before the potential teacher has been contacted. A parent, grandparent or older sibling may have a guitar that is available. Often someone who is well meaning will go out and buy the child a guitar as the first step.

Given a choice between the two my answer is that an acoustic guitar is a better choice to learn on. The only argument against this is that it is easier to push the strings down on an electric guitar. That's true but it's the only advantage and a minor one. As stated above, hand strength is necessary to play the guitar. Learning on an electric guitar may never develop sufficient hand strength to play an acoustic guitar. Electric guitars use pedals and effects processors to create special sounds. An acoustic player learns how to create sounds with his hands.
From a more practical standpoint an unplugged electric guitar can't be heard and a plugged in is usually too loud. The acoustic is more versatile and doesn't need electricity.

An electric guitar player who switches to acoustic will have some problems but an acoustic guitarist can pick up an electric with ease.

5. What should I look for in a guitar for my child? Size is the most important consideration. Too often a parent will let the child use a guitar they own or that they borrowed from someone. It's discouraging to see a child attempting to learn on an instrument that is so large that they can't reach around it. Many music stores carry ˝ and ž size guitars. These instruments are the right size but they usually lack in quality. Most are poorly made, difficult to play and don't sound very good. The child may become discouraged and give up.

Several guitar builders have added "travel" guitars to their product line. These instruments were intended for the traveler who wanted an instrument that was small enough to carry on trips but maintained playability and sounded good. The result is guitars that are the right size for most kids. These instruments can be purchased for around $300.00 and will provide years of enjoyment. Most of these guitars maintain a resale value. If the child gives up the guitar or moves on to a bigger instrument much of the original investment can be recovered.

Cheap is usually not good when it comes to guitars

6. What should I ask the teacher? Just as the teacher will have questions for the parents, you should be prepared to quiz the teacher and reflect on the answers before making a decision. Perhaps the biggest choice is whether you should seek out a private teacher or use one in the local music store. As a general rule music stores provide lessons as a supplement to their main business, which is selling instruments and supplies. In some areas very capable players and teachers work out of a store as a convenience to both them and the store. If you can find one of these they usually work pretty well. When evaluating music store lessons you should ask if the teachers get a commission on any instruments or materials they sell as a result of their teaching.

Be wary of the store that tries to lock you into lessons while purchasing an instrument. You may be offered a special deal to sign up for a series of lessons. Some stores will offer to discount the instrument purchase if you agree to buy their program. The choice to participate is yours, but be aware that most music stores will discount instruments off the posted price without lessons.

Some stores offer group lessons. This scenario puts several students in a room at one time with one teacher. Group lessons offer the advantage of price. They split the cost over the number of students. The teacher's attention is divided and the group will progress at the pace of the slowest learner. If your child is not the slowest learner, group lessons are probably not a good idea.

Ask what method or materials are used to teach. This is appropriate for both stores and private teachers. There are several series of lessons that are published in book form. You will start with Book 1 and move into Book 2 and so on. Plan on buying a lot of books that may or may not teach what the child wants to learn. Find out if the teacher will deviate from the printed course. Some will tailor the lessons to the students and others go right by the book.

You might find someone who teaches just about any instrument. Be careful here and be sure the teacher can actually play the instrument. Music theory is the same for any instrument but each one has it's own techniques and subtleties. The teacher needs to be familiar with the practical part of the instrument as well as the theory.

Just because someone is a good player, it does not mean they are a good teacher and vice versa. They are 2 different skills and aren't necessarily found in all musicians. Some world-class players don't teach very well and many great teachers are good players but at a different level.

Try to find a teacher who teaches and plays the style(s) your child wants to learn. The local hotshot electric guitar player may not be the right person to teach bluegrass.

Find out in advance what the teacher's policies are about missed lessons and makeup lessons. Many teachers have a cancellation policy that may be 24 or 48 hours in advance or you must pay for the lesson. Some will allow a missed lesson to be made up on another date. Others have a full schedule and make up lessons are not possible. Ask about payment policies. Is it pay as you go, payment a week in advance, payment a month at a time, or something else?

Remember that the teacher makes a commitment to you and that teaching becomes a part of his or her income. In most cases they are entitled to be paid for the time that you book, if you use it or not.

How do I find the right teacher?

Finding the right teacher for your child is not something to be taken lightly. A good teacher will inspire the child and bring out all they are capable of achieving. A poor one may turn the child off from music. You may go through a couple of teacher before you find the right one but there are a few things you can, and should do, to get started.

Talk to other parents. In many communities parents will know about music teachers and the strengths and weaknesses of each. They may have older children or could be taking lessons themselves.

Ask the music teachers in the school system. They usually know the styles and abilities of the local market. If you have multiple schools in your area call several. Not every schoolteacher will supply the same information, but some names will come up often. The reoccurring names are the place to start.

Know a good piano teacher but you're looking for a good guitar teacher? Ask the piano teacher. The teachers know who's who in the area and should be able to either recommend someone or assist in the search.

Once you have a list of potential teachers get some paper and a pencil and start calling. As outlined above you should "interview" the teacher. Find their strengths and weaknesses and what their teaching philosophy is. Ask for references and be specific. You want references that have similar interests to your child's. Remember that this is a job interview and you are the employer. Take the time to do it right.

If you've read this far and have questions feel free to follow the contact links and email them to me.