FAQs

You must find your teacher first, as my own story suggests. 

Teachers will vary greatly as they are not all generic.

Prices will vary also, like most services in life, but so will the quality.

Try your best to make an informed decision. There are so many myths and misconceptions out there in regards to learning the guitar, mainly from those who know nothing or very little about it.

Always ask any prospective teacher ‘what they have actually done in music’ such as number of performances, types of performances, venue/audience sizes, who they have performed/played with, what styles, what recordings, what tours and at what levels etc.

You must also enquire into their teaching history, achievements, volume of knowledge/repertoire, different styles/artists/genre’s musical era’s etc. This will tell you everything you need to know about them.

You may also wish to enquire about their original material as creativity is often an indicator of overall musicianship. Remember that without original music we have nothing to play in the first place.

* Someone can gain a Certificate/Qualification in guitar/music and still be a relatively poor player/guitarist/musician. It is an unfortunate fact that people are often only too ready to put their hands in their pockets when they hear the words ‘Certificate & Qualification’.  Especially the Parents of ‘Future Rock-Stars’ Lol…

The listener/audience will decide if a player meets the grade or not.

Music is totally unique in this way, particularly the guitar.

Well, I guess you already have something in common with a large number of our contemporary heroes then, you don’t read music.

* Because you can’t read, or choose not to, then this is why you have failed so far?  Nonsense!!

Playing the guitar requires one hand in an over-position whilst the other is in an under-position. It is not like the pressing of buttons, keys or the hitting of something. Therefore you need to get in control of this concept first; you have to learn to physically play first!

We have a specific written language for guitar – it’s called ‘Guitar-tab’.

* Please keep in mind that this was a form of written communication devised and used by those who could already play. Therefore it is not necessarily the best or the only way to learn the guitar.

Being able to read music or guitar-tab does not mean you are now a guitar player.

Once you can physically play, then you may choose to go down the path of the music books and Guitar-tab should you wish to.

Only at this point can you even begin to look at bringing the music to life from the page.

You must also remember that what is written is only someone’s interpretation of the original artist’s song; it is not the original artist. Your ears are your biggest asset.

Guitar-tab is only one of many different learning tools available to you. You also have the added advantage of the internet and videos posted online etc.

My lessons are easy to understand, interesting and most importantly they are fun!

Music is meant to be fun!!

You will learn at your own pace in a calm, friendly and supportive atmosphere.

No need to be nervous lol….

You will be taught in such a way that you will also be able to teach yourself.

Whatever level of competency you wish to attain with the guitar it must be this way.

This will be a vital skill that you will need to take with you into the future.

Everyone learns at different rates and in different ways.

Music should not be seen as a race or a competition, like everything else in life these days.

You need to have time to develop and apply your own logic to it, at the end of the day it is you who is playing your guitar, no one else.

You will be taught how you (the individual) needs to be taught.

No two people are the same, hence all of the different music that is out there for us to enjoy!

* In a number of other educational & training areas in life we have often seen how a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to learning has let so many down over the years. This type of method works in the favour of the teachers & institutions as it makes their job easier. I am not a lazy teacher.

I have successfully taught people of all ages and from all walks of life to play the guitar.

I often receive enquiries from those aged in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and even 70’s who are often concerned about not being the right age to learn. Another myth and misconception.

* These age groups would have experienced first-hand arguably some of the greatest era’s in popular music.

I have also taught a number of very frustrated players, who in some instances have been playing for longer than I have. Some had given up completely and some had been willing to give it just one more try.

The traditional methods of learning guitar, as previously mentioned, have done nothing but frustrate and confuse them, often for decades. It is great to eventually be able to sit there and play a various repertoire of songs together. This has been one of the most satisfying parts of teaching for me.

From my experience I would suggest 8 years of age, along with the use of an appropriate guitar.

Unfortunately you are already setting yourself up to fail, beware the myths and misconceptions again.

Buying a guitar is not like buying a TV or a set of furniture that looks nice for the money. It is cheaper to make a guitar look good than it is to make one properly.

Your guitar is the most important factor when learning.

A cheap guitar, new or old, will have poor playability, tuning stability, intonation and sound.

Even though you may be doing the tasks correctly, the sound of the instrument says that you are not. Hand and fingers will also be in pain when trying to play.

Should this make you want to quit, unfortunately your guitar will also have a very poor resale value.

Some of my student’s first guitars have even been unplayable for me, so what chance do they have? You need to make sure that you are getting value for money when paying for a series of lessons. It starts with your guitar.

* I have owned and played over 200 guitars of all types and prices. Before purchasing a guitar please talk to me first. You don’t have to break the bank $$ to get a good one.

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My contact details are listed on this site.