Questions your teacher should be able to answer without hesitation.

 What style of guitar do you teach?

The styles I teach are all closely related.  I teach country, blues, classic rock, 80’s shredding rock, new rock, alternative rock and pop. Although I can play some heavy metal, jazz and other styles but I don’t teach them as they are not my speciality. Notice that I don’t teach all styles?

You should beware of any music teacher that says he or she teaches “all styles”. It’s very hard to teach all styles and almost impossible to be great at teaching all of them.

How much experience do you have?

I started teaching when I was 18 or 19. I admit I wasn’t a very good teacher back then compared to now.  Remember all the bad points I made about an average teacher?  That was me and I learned from experience a long time ago. Now in my 40’s I have learned quite a bit over the years about different teaching methods and how I can get students to excel quicker by training them how to practice efficiently and what to practice.

Teachers that don’t give you details about how they will train you or how they will show you how to practice properly probably don’t have much experience at all.

How will you teach me guitar lessons?

I treat every student differently.  Your first session with me is a FREE session (in my studio) so I can learn more about you.  I want to first assess your playing ability, your music theory knowledge, what bands and artists your like and your short and long-term goals.

Once I have all the information it will be much easier for me to create your own personal lesson plan for learning the guitar.

Teachers that don’t take the time to know more about you as a student and don’t setup a progress plan are probably not your best choice.

What teaching strategies will you use so I can achieve my musical goals?

Everything I have learned from our initial consultation is reviewed.  I will prepare exercises and lesson plans accordingly. For example; If you want to play campfire music, then I will prepare lessons with chord sheets and strumming patterns. If you want to play 80’s shredding rock I will prepare some essential scales and techniques.

Your guitar teacher should have exercises according to your current playing ability in order for you to progress quicker.  

How can you help me practice so It’s effective?

I will teach you how to use your practice time effectively by creating a workbook schedule. When followed properly it will help you learn quicker because it will be focused practice.  You can accomplish much more in less time with this method than you would just picking up the guitar and aimlessly practicing whatever comes to mind. Focused practice is a key to learning.

If all a teacher tells you is to practice more and is not showing you how to practice more effectively they are probably not the right instructor for you.

Billy says, "To learn and grow yourself accompanied by musical instruments gives us the energy to attain true peace of mind".

If you ever wish to learn guitar and to explore the essence music keeps just let the Guitar Instructor Edmonton know and we will discuss on how to begin and customize your guitar lessons according to your aim in life.