Thinking of hiring a professional guitar teacher? As an adult learner, there are several questions you should ask to make sure you find the right instructor. Different instructors have different teaching styles, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your abilities.
Before hiring a private guitar teacher or taking a class, be sure to ask about their lesson plans, teaching methods, lesson materials, and learning goals.
At Northville Guitar Lessons, our guitar experts near Novi, MI, offer guitar lessons for both adults and kids. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free trial lesson.
5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Guitar Teacher for Adults
For adult learners, there are many doubts about taking guitar lessons. Many students think it’s too late to learn or worry they don’t have the time. Because of these doubts, it’s important to find a teacher who understands the adult mindset and ideal learning process.
Before hiring a guitar teacher, consider asking several key questions:
How Do You Tailor Lessons for Working Adults?
Compared to kids or teens, adults often have less free time to practice. A good instructor should tailor their lesson plans accordingly, with the understanding that week-to-week progress may be slower.
To make up for less practice time, the best guitar instructors for adults should build a highly efficient lesson plan. Ideally, the material should be enough for you to practice in 15 to 20 minutes each day.
A great instructor should also make sure lessons align with your musical tastes. That way, you can learn material that is engaging and keeps you motivated.
How Do You Teach Music Theory for Beginners?
Music theory tends to be easier for adults compared to kids. However, too much abstract theory can be overwhelming. For this reason, consider asking about the teacher’s philosophy when it comes to teaching theory to make sure it aligns with your learning style.
The best teachers usually incorporate theory alongside hands-on learning. This makes it easier to see how the theory lessons apply to your instrument’s fretboard and the songs you’re learning.
How Do You Teach Rhythm and Strumming Patterns?
Rhythm is often a struggle for beginner adult guitar players. It’s common to struggle with coordinating their hands while keeping time.
Expert teachers will show you how to play alongside a metronome or backing track from the beginning. They’ll also help you with counting beats and learning how to feel the music, rather than just the technical aspects.
Can I See Examples of Your Lesson Materials?
A generic, one-size-fits-all lesson plan rarely works for adult learners, especially when it comes to different musical tastes. Even in group lessons, it’s important for instructors to meet students on their individual levels.
Look for guitar teachers that use lesson materials based on your goals. They should also be happy to work on the songs you want to learn, rather than just assigning certain ones.
What is Your Goal for Me in the First Three Months?
As an adult learner, it can help to have measurable milestones. Reaching these goals keeps you motivated and makes it easier to track your progress. Expert guitar instructors can help you set specific, realistic goals, such as:
- Playing five open chords
- Changing between three chords in time
- Playing two complete songs
Contact Us Today to Work With an Expert Guitar Teacher
At Northville Guitar Lessons, our guitar teachers serve students in Novi, MI, and the surrounding areas.
We provide personalized coaching that meets your needs and maximizes your progress. With our lessons, you’ll start playing real music from day one. We provide a fun learning environment, and our goal is to help you be confident in your own abilities.
Our teachers also use proven teaching methods, gained from hundreds of hours of educator training.
Ready to try our adult guitar lessons for yourself? Schedule a free trial lesson today by calling (248) 308-3799, or signing up online.