Assuring Your Success in Guitar Lessons
I have one main policy which I instill right from the 6 year old beginner to advanced students. It is quite simply this. YOU MUST PLAY THE GUITAR EVERYDAY. ("everyday" is the operative word here !) There are no days off. Only if you are away, or terribly sick do I accept that you've had no opportunity to play the guitar.
This policy is presented as an agreement. I agree to teach you all I know, etc... and you must agree to play the guitar EVERY day. I will remind you of this agreement from time to time!
It is your responsibility to find the time to practice daily and that you are practicing what they are supposed to each day. Successful, satisfying guitar study is dependent upon correct and consistent practice habits. The following are my recommendations:
- Arrange a set time every day to practice.
- Create a practice setting free from distraction.
- Keep track of your practice progress during the week.
- Make sure you bring all of the correct music and materials to the lesson in a music case or tote bag.
- On a night before a lesson the play what is expected at your lesson.
- Make sure you finish all written assignments and are prepared for each lesson.
- Arrive on time for all lessons.
Keeping Your Instrument in Good Shape
Instruments are to be serviced by a reputable repairer at least once a year (more frequently for advanced students). Instruments are expected to be serviced during holidays. If a student chooses to have their instrument serviced during term, the lessons are not rescheduled or credited
I recommend Dave Tupper in West Menlo Park. 854-8920 He is so busy that he is hard to get a hold of but be patient, and keep trying. He does all my guitar repair work. He is a genius at what he does.
Practice Tapes
Students are allowed to record their lessons, with the agreement that the tapes will be for their private use only, and not given out.
If you want to record, then you will be expected to provide their own quality (please no real cheap tapes, they wear down the recording head) cassette tape for each lesson. (Five 60 minute tapes and one 90 min) The five tapes will cover the month, and you should be able to re-use them for the next month. The 90 min is for musical examples that we might want to record. TDK D60's are fine. No need for expensive high end tapes.
Your welcome to use my tape recorder and microphone. You are in charge of flipping the tape over etc. I won't be responsible if you forget to press record.
For classical students I have available taped exercises from the method book which are primarily in duet form. This helps the student to have experience playing with another guitar, develops a sure sense of rhythm, and give a feeling of accomplishment.
Instrument Loans
A limited number of instruments may be available for loan. A minimum of three months for 10% the cost of the guitar per month. You are responsible for any damages if the guitar is not returned in the same condition received.
Ensembles
Making music with others is an important part of the musical experience.
If I have enough interest, I will start an ensemble class.
Let me know if you have any questions, or need more clarification on anything. I'm open to suggestions and improvements.
Many thanks, and I look forward to a long musical association. :-)
Regards,
Ken Brown |
