How to pick a Classical Guitar teacher
You should be sceptical that someone who teaches ‘all styles’ (e.g. rock, blues, jazz, classical) will be a good classical guitar teacher. The techniques of classical guitar are very specific. Care is needed with developing students to ensure that good technique is established as a foundation. Classical guitar students who are badly-taught invariably develop bad habits and technical problems that are hard to 'unlearn' and fix later. I know this only too well - after having been largely self-taught, I had to deconstruct and rebuild my technique once I got top-class instruction.
I would therefore recommend asking the following 7 questions before selecting a classical guitar teacher:
1. Do they have a classical guitar? (If not, then stop right there).
2. Do they use correct classical posture with a footstool or support?
3. Do they appeared relaxed when playing and make it look 'easy' and fluid?
4. Do they themselves perform classical guitar recitals? Knowing this and, even better, going to see them play will assist in validating their credentials.
5. Did they study classical guitar in a formal setting (as opposed to learning some ‘classical’ along the way)? Ask where and from whom they learned.
6. What materials do they teach from? A good teacher will have materials that provide a comprehensive and systematic pathway for students. Beware of vague answers.
7. Ask if you can visit their teaching premises and look at their materials before committing to lessons.
You should be sceptical that someone who teaches ‘all styles’ (e.g. rock, blues, jazz, classical) will be a good classical guitar teacher. The techniques of classical guitar are very specific. Care is needed with developing students to ensure that good technique is established as a foundation. Classical guitar students who are badly-taught invariably develop bad habits and technical problems that are hard to 'unlearn' and fix later. I know this only too well - after having been largely self-taught, I had to deconstruct and rebuild my technique once I got top-class instruction.
I would therefore recommend asking the following 7 questions before selecting a classical guitar teacher:
1. Do they have a classical guitar? (If not, then stop right there).
2. Do they use correct classical posture with a footstool or support?
3. Do they appeared relaxed when playing and make it look 'easy' and fluid?
4. Do they themselves perform classical guitar recitals? Knowing this and, even better, going to see them play will assist in validating their credentials.
5. Did they study classical guitar in a formal setting (as opposed to learning some ‘classical’ along the way)? Ask where and from whom they learned.
6. What materials do they teach from? A good teacher will have materials that provide a comprehensive and systematic pathway for students. Beware of vague answers.
7. Ask if you can visit their teaching premises and look at their materials before committing to lessons.
