What would you want from a guitar school?

[Paul Warren]

I have a couple of questions regarding going to a guitar school that I would love to get feedback on from anybody and everybody. Even if you would NEVER go to a guitar school, I'd still like to hear your thoughts.

I really enjoy the whole music instruction business because it's quite satisfying and fun to see the growth of students whether they be beginners or more advanced. It's a very personal business and I want to keep it that way. However, I have received inquiries from all over the world about our programs and how one can enroll etc. Well, we're a private instruction facility where locals come for their weekly private lessons. So we're not like Musicians Institute in that respect. We don't currently offer a "guitar program" where people can come to study guitar 24/7. But since there is some interest, I'm giving it some thought regarding adding a legitimate guitar program. Something along a one year program is what I'm thinking about. We already offer occassional workshops and clinics, so we do have experience and success with those type of events. This would certainly take it to the next level and since guitar is our number one instrument, we could certainly provide another alternative out there for aspiring guitiarists.

I have a couple of MI grads on staff so I can certainly get their thoughts on what they would deem valuable in a one year guitar program. I have my opinions on what would be most helpful, but I'm just one person . What are your thoughts? What would make you want to attend a guitar school? Which courses would be the most helpful to you?

There are many, many factors that would determine whether or not I ever pursue this. But since the internet provides an interesting chance at direct feedback, your thoughts and comments are most welcome.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[edensdad]

Paul,

I'm too far away for Raleigh, but I would like the ability to take courses tailored to my strengths and weaknesses.

I don't know about anyone else here, but every time I've tried to take lessons at a local music store (this is going to sound arrogant) I usually smoke the teacher in playing ability and songwriting, but the whole reason I'm there is because I lack severely in reading/writing. I play too well for beginners courses, where reading and writing music begins, but I can't read proficiently enough to take advanced courses. See the dillema?

I really want to learn Jazz like Joe Pass type stuff, but the sight reading limits me.

my 2 cents.

Dennis >^..^<

 

[SteveB]

Paul,

I concur that some sort of accelerated curriculum to teach veteran players how to sight read would be worth creating.

When I was a kid, I played trumpet and could sight read anything.. I only played the trumpet for 2 years.

I've been playing guitar for 20+ years and still haven't taken the time to learn to sight read for guitar. That's just about the only reason I'd take a guitar lesson (I've never had one).

 

[francric]

Hey Paul, Is this going to be a internet instruction school? I considered doing something like that but I didn't because it was expensive (Berkley) but I also wondered how can an instructor evaluate my playing without being there to see what I'm doing wrong. Just my take on it.

After speaking to you at the OH, I took your advise and found a instructor named Thomas at Duncan Music. Nice guy and good instructor. Very hard to start from the basics but I know I need to. Keep us posted with this idea of yours.

 

[Paul Warren]

Thanks so much for all of your thoughts so far. The feedback helps because logistically, it would be very tough for me to make the leap to a level like LAMA or MI, although I am considering that option. But perhaps I could do something on a smaller scale first whether it be a long summer course or simply adding additional workshops covering subjects that are in the highest demand. Our 4 day summer workshop is the longest event we hold right now and it's all out intense guitar every day. If people showed an interest in attending a 2 week or even 6 week course during the summer, I could probably do something like that.

Franric, I haven't really considered the internet based option, but I suppose that would be worth researching. Glad to hear you found a good teacher! It's so important to accelerate learning. Hope to see you at some of our upcoming clinics - I'm working on getting some scheduled right now.

Paul

 

[Enc3f4L0]

I'd think the goal of a music school like that would be to customize a program for each students need. Based on an interview or whatever.

Everyone has a different way to start playing... Some practice alot of technique and forget the rest... Others only theory... So on.

It is really frustrating when you are really good at one or two topics of playing and when you join a school you start at level one, right along with people who don't even know how to hold a pick and play twinkle twinkle little star on 1 note.

I for example, need to study improvisation badly. I've left it aside long enough. I also would like to study harmony, how chords interact with each other, modes, different scales, jazz. I'd attend some songwriting class as well. Not begginer though. It would have to be something more elaborate to add up to what I already know.

I think it would be awesome to have some COMPUTER classes as well. Technology is just so advanced these days and so helpful to musicians that I think it's essential for a music school to atleast start their students on. Things like, how to record your playing (even if it's direct), the world of midi, how to use sightreading to help you program better, VSTs, the various softwares available, critical hardware (ram, soundcards for example).

Those were a few things I could remember just right now. If I think of anything more I'll post.

Hope any of it helps.

 

[musicman10_1]

I'm new here, I hope you won't mind if I join the discussion. I have always wanted to enroll in a serious program for guitar. I've played for a long time and taught guitar lessons for several years as well (down to a few students per year now). It seems to me that there are distinct student types that exist - recreational player that wants to play his/her favorite songs and players that want the whole experience - reading, performing, variety of styles and so on. I think your idea is to create a program for the latter and so there basically needs to be a set structure in the beginning and then a more refined program that fits the players individual needs (sort of like undergraduate and graduate levels).

What I think would be great is if there were a way to progress through the more structured level in more manageable increments like say a few 2-4 week intervals over a period of time followed by a more individual program of study

Just my thoughts at this time . . .

John