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Post by CAFeathers on Jul 21, 2005 15:21:52 GMT -5
Although I have been playing at guitar for a few years now I have been taking some lessons lately to improve my playing, however today I had a phone conversation with my teacher that kind of upset me.
The lessons so far have been basically learning a few songs of his choice. It has all been acoustically and based on him taking the student to do duets at a local Coffee House. The songs aren't bad but not the direction I want to go. We have also been working on my sloppy picking and strumming technigue which is fine.
However I brought up that I would like to change direction slightly, and without hesitation he says "Remember I am the teacher", to which I immediately thought "If you are not going to teach me something I want to learn then you are fired". I thought better of saying that and went on to explain that I want to work on theory, scales, modes, phrasing, and improvisation. He did agree to move in that direction, but it really got me to thinking.
Any advice/thoughts?
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Post by Ol Geezer on Jul 21, 2005 18:15:20 GMT -5
Sounds to me like you could find a teacher who's more interested in developing you, rather than them having such a superior regard for themselves that they want to mold you in their own image or make you their Mini-Me....
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Post by ZacAttack on Jul 21, 2005 18:52:29 GMT -5
Growing up I was blessed with music all around me. So I have never paid for a standard lesson or teacher. I have taken many lessons from many teachers in many other ways. Some teachers think they know what it best for you. And maybe they do. It all depends on how much faith you have in them being the one you want to further your ability. If you are happy and content that they are the guru you want to follow, then that kind of little shot to the pride is acceptable. On the other hand, if you are not looking for a guru, but rather a professional teacher that will (to an extent) teach you what you want when you want it, then you may need to take him down a peg, or seek lessons elsewhere.
If it were me, I would have to really like the guy or really want him as a teacher to take that kind of crap, even in jest. Just my 2 cents worth.
Zac
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Post by CAFeathers on Jul 21, 2005 19:05:16 GMT -5
I'm going to see what develops over the next week or so, and if I don't feel he is in it to teach me what I want to learn or the direction I need to go for myself then I will be finding a new teacher.
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Post by CAFeathers on Jul 22, 2005 11:18:39 GMT -5
Thanks for your input. I have been seriously thinking about this since yesterday and have just got off the phone with my now ex-guitar teacher.
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Post by Ol Geezer on Jul 22, 2005 16:50:55 GMT -5
Thanks for your input. I have been seriously thinking about this since yesterday and have just got off the phone with my now ex-guitar teacher. Good to hear you "slept on it" and made a considered, rational decision. We're not kids starting out needing total step-by-step instruction from someone, we just want some hints in the right direction at times. Here's hoping you find that dedicated, open-minded musical mentor.... |
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Post by CAFeathers on Jul 22, 2005 17:40:46 GMT -5
Thanks
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Post by mandough on Jul 22, 2005 22:18:15 GMT -5
I have one question...was this dude getting paid for these coffee house gigs? If so, then he should have split down.
I think the best thing i could say is maybe look around for a jazz teacher, even if you don't necessarily want to play jazz. The stuff you mentioned that you'd like to brush up on is their bread and butter.
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Post by CAFeathers on Jul 22, 2005 23:37:05 GMT -5
I have no idea, the subject of money never came up. Still not my cup of coffee so to speak.
A Jazz Guitar Teacher would be cool.
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Post by hcoll on Jul 23, 2005 18:07:47 GMT -5
...I would second what Old Geezer said...........
...you might want to develop a written resume about your playing...what you've done in the past...what you think are your strong points...what you think are your weak points.....maybe list some goals that you have.....have this ready for your interview.....
...in addition to the written resume...what about a tape of yourself playing something................
...you should interview a potential teacher like you would any other potential employee....what are his credentials...does he have a degree...how many years of experience teaching....is he able to bring himself down to your level of playing...don't laugh...you don't need someone who's going to sit there and show off his playing abilities....you need someone with patience to coach/teach you............
...my own personal experience...my teacher has been playing sice he was five....he holds an undergraduate degree in music composition....I've seen him play...he likes improv jazz...music made up on the spot...music for its own purpose...he's also capable of playing what he calls "other people's compositions"................
...this is important....for my lessons he asks me what I want to learn.....I bring in a cd or tape of something I want to do....he listens to it and then transcribes it into my note book....this becomes my practice for the next lesson....he's not familiar with some of the stuff I bring in...but by the second lesson...he can playright along with the recording....but he can slow his playing down to help me with the parts I'm struggling with............
...besides the songs that I bring in...we also have a book that we use....it's pretty serious...he breaks up the monotony with the songs that he asks me to bring in..............
...just my two cents...sorry for rambling.............
...hope that helps....just realized how lucky I am..........
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