T eachers. Every single one of us, musician or not, has had them. Some of inspired us, some have bored us, some have twisted us, but all ...
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, you need to seek out instruction. There is no way to get to the next level without it. As teachers, we have an immense responsibility to a student's growth as a player and as a person. It's a responsibility I take very seriously, and I hope you do too. We are entrusted with the authority to shape a student's musical future.
This is not to be taken lightly. The rewards are incredible. To watch students walk into a first lesson not having any clue about how to even hold a guitar and to watch them progress into fine players and fine young men and women is a joy to behold. I've seen firsthand how learning an instrument can change a students' lives by helping with their self-esteem, helping them overcome shyness and using the discipline it takes to get better at an instrument to take other areas of their academic life to the next level.
But just how do we, as educators, maximize every student's potential? Here are some steps:
Accept Uniqueness: Not very student is the same. Each lesson and approach has to be tailored to meet the student's individual needs and personality. Some of my students are far more sensitive than others, so corrections and criticism have to be handled with kid gloves. Other students aren't so sensitive. I used to find this out the hard way. Now I try and gauge them through conversation, aside from the lesson. I follow my instinct and I am usually correct. Encourage the student to have his or her own unique personality, and let it shine through in whatever they are playing and learning.
Be Educated: Know as much as you possibly can about music and your instrument or instruments. I cannot stress this enough. The more knowledge you have, the better teacher you will be. That's the bottom line. Get degrees from universities. They are credibility and proof that you put in the time to be better at your craft, the same thing you are asking your students to do. Learn how to read music. Again, this is a no-brainer for me. It amazes me how many guitar teachers I have met who teach students without having the basic reading skills necessary for a musician. Are they effective teachers? More than likely they are. Are they limiting the student's potential? Yes, because they themselves are limited. Show me a brilliant guitar player who cannot read music and I will show you 20 who can.
Be Flexible: I always negotiate a compromise: Learn this and we can learn whatever you want, given the appropriate ability level, of course. This approach always works. It gives the students that extra incentive to get through the important lesson I have for them to move.
Always honor your promise. You never want to say, "That's not on page 35 of the printed material that i have provided, so we can't do it." . Flexibility will keep you and your students more interested in the lessons.
Be Authentic: If my students know one thing about me, it is this: There is nothing I wouldn't ask them to do that I haven't done already.
One more thing: Teaching will help your own playing. Teaching a student a lead part or a chord progression will invariably help your ear. Breaking a guitar lead down to its basic phrases will definitely help you see how to construct an effective lead break. and that can only further your own playing. When a student asks me how to play a certain phrase, it forces me to think about the notes I played and why I played them. Deconstructing your own playing will reinforce what you already know.
"To teach is to learn twice." Remember, you are here to give your students a more effective and beautiful musical experience. The more tools you have at your disposal, the more likely you will do so.
My School Of Rock
Guitar Classes and Lessons Koramangala Bangalore
#1 3rd Cross 5th A Block Koramangala Bangalore, Karnataka 560034
9483506398
