Many students are excited to be learning a new instrument, many find the first day a bit awkward, some already learnt something their friend showed them, and many quickly realise “This is Harder than I thought…”
Having taught over 100 students through one on one guitar lessons, many students come and grow, and few come and grow beyond what people were expecting. Each student has different reasons for their beginning, see where you fall under:
1. It Looks Cool
When students see all the different instruments their friends play, they look at the one who has to carry his Grade 4 Piano Book, set it up on the music desk and begin playing music that his parents insists he listens too as he studies. “Having to read a bunch of symbols in order to play music I don’t like might be cool to my Grandparents, but I’d rather watch what’s happening on YouTube.”
Guitar is unlike most instruments. Sheet music is an abominable element as Garlic is to a Vampire. The songs that guitarists play are often fresh and with a ‘Vibe’ that has your friends asking you to ‘play it one more time’ as they google the lyrics so they can sing along better the 2nd time round.
2. My Friend plays it and is pretty good
Many times it’s the student who quietly watches as his friend plays the song we ‘all know the lyrics too’, but still need to Google it to get it right. He’s seen this happen multiple times and is inspired to do the same, not because it looks cool, but because of how cool it sounds. They believe that they can get that good and have a quiet determination that drives them to get a guitar and find a teacher that appreciates their style of music.
3. I’m bored of the instrument I currently play
“I’ve been playing the piano since I was 5 years old, and It’s no longer fun. I’ve always liked the way the guitar sounded, so I just wanted to try it out.”
With all the pieces this student has been able to play, their musical tastes have developed and they haven’t been able to branch outside the routine Baroque and classical pieces in their ABRSM book – It has become a bit dry.
The Guitar is not only entirely different from the piano but man, “It’s got that vibe !” This student is looking for the ‘life’ they know exists within music and they think the guitar is where it’s at.
4. There’s a song I like and the guitar part is fire
Constantly listening to music whether it’s on Spotify, YouTube, or while playing video games, there’s this one song that get’s them in ‘The Zone’ or to ‘Pause’, and when the guitar comes in, ‘It just get’s it right…’
It’s done now, they need to learn how to play that guitar part and so they sign up for Guitar lessons as soon as possible.
5. Their parents have signed them up
It’s one of two things here, their parents see the benefits of music on brain development and want their child to learn an instrument, or an uncle/ grandparent went for a trip abroad, saw a guitar and decided to buy it for a specific someone in the family. Once the guitar is given as a gift, the parent and child are both incentivised to sign up for beginner guitar lessons and wam-bam there we are, learning our first riff in the beginning of our guitar journey.
Each motivation is a fuel and some fuels are better than others and will last longer than others, and eventually discipline and consistency will be needed to make exponential, meaningful progress to become an excellent, professional worthy guitarist.
If you have someone who is interested in learning guitar (Acoustic, Bass, Electric or Ukulele), I run one on one Guitar Lessons in Nairobi/Kenya. Whether you want ‘Guitar Lessons for Beginners’, a ‘Best Beginner Guitar’ to get you started, or you simply want to advance your guitar capability and become more proficient and move towards intermediate or advanced levels, give me a call and let’s begin this guitar journey together.
“To become one of the best guitar players out there, it is important to remember that what you do after the lesson counts more than the lesson itself.”
Magnus