6/12/2013

Learn The Right Way: Classical Guitar

By Peter Terrence


I have been teaching upwards of 30 years now, in both public and state schools and in my home practice. I've found no two individuals study the same manner or pace. It is for the best if you be trained with a professional Classical Guitar Tutor, as they determine what are realistic goals for your learning, and will set realistic targets in line with that. These modest goals will keep you determined and make sure you continue to learn the Classical Guitar in the long-term.

If you are a complete starter, then a regular half hour lesson will be a good start. You will soon know the fundamentals and the more you learn, the more enjoyable it becomes. Learning the Classical Guitar is just like learning how to do anything else in life, the more time you spend doing it and the more hardwork you put into it, the more it will reward you. I used to spend hours a day rehearsing whilst I was learning. Of course, not everybody may want to follow the Classical Guitar as a occupation, and instead as a leisure activity or as a talent. Learning by yourself will be tough, and you may find yourself becoming frustrated with your progress or not being able to see an improvement. The Classical Guitar is technically intricate, so having a Classical Guitar trainer there will give you the confidence that you are learning the correct way.

Ok, so you've decided to learn the Classical Guitar with a professional teacher. What do you have to get? Make sure you have the correct Classical Guitar. This is obviously the most important thing! Most good online and offline shops will have a specialist section on Classical Guitars, however your teacher may encourage a particular one. Make sure that you get the correct size, as if it is too small your playing posture will develop improperly and if it's too big you will find it hard to reach across the fretboard. These requirements will depend upon your physical size etc, so talk to the shop assistants or your Guitar Tutor.

Go to your initial session with the right guitar and any music books (if your teacher has recommended one for you). If it is your first session, it is likely that your Classical Guitar Teacher will already have some music books and helpful information for you to work from. Whilst picking your teacher, check they are a member of the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians) or Musicians Union, and that they have an up to date CRB check. It is always a good sign if the music tutor has a music room or studio if lessons are to be held at their residence. Obviously, for a guitar instructor to be in a school, they will have been CRB checked and are usually a member of one of the organizations I have just pointed out. But it would be a good thing to check to be sure.

As a parent or guardian, don't feel afraid to speak to the instructor direct, and ask to see the CRB or Membership number if you want to.

Some people who don't want to decide to individual lessons right away, could do a shared session with a friend but be warned, one of the friends may learn faster than the other one, so you run the risk of the quicker one being bored and the other friend being disheartened. This can be avoided by having split lessons straight away.

Duet lessons and ensemble groups are the best way of playing together in a non comparative environment.

The Classical Guitar is a fulfilling instrument, and can help you to connect with your inner guitarist! I hope you enjoy your voyage in learning to play the Classical Guitar.




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