Why?
Good question. The answer is pretty simple. For me, its about sharing the joy of making music. People often ask how I started playing, how long I've been playing, etc. My former guitar teacher, Kevin, showed up at a gig the other night. It got me thinking. I CAN teach...provided I can teach the way that I learned.
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| How NOT to play guitar. |
No discredit to Kevin. He tried to teach me the way that countless others were taught. It was already too late for me. I had been teaching myself for about 6 months at that point. While he did teach me many valuable things (forcing me to use a pick, various ways to tune, the rudiments of finger-picking, and harmonics all come to mind) the whole 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" crap just didn't move me. It's not what I was listening to or what I was feeling. After a few months, the lessons ended but we've stayed close friends for decades. This friendship is based on a mutual love of the guitar.
So, back to other people. People will say things like "Man! I wish I could play like that!" After I ask myself why they would ever want to play this sloppily, I tell them that they probably can. They just haven't done it yet.
That's really the first step. Deciding you really want to. Once you get that idea in your head, it becomes an addiction, of sorts. You're not going to be great at first. Hell, in all honesty, you'll suck at first. It will be difficult. It will physically hurt at times...but...like working out at a gym, no pain no gain.
So, I'm looking for a student. Here's what I need from the student:
- A true desire to actually play guitar. Not just a dreamer. Someone that wants to learn more than "just a few chords". (I can teach that person too...but for now, I want a serious student)
- A level of dedication. I'll need to set up a weekly lesson for no less than 6 weeks. Cancel once and we're done. (within reason)
- No piece of shit guitars. No. You don't need a $2000 Martin (I don't even have one of those!) but you will need something decent to learn on. A decent student guitar can be had relatively inexpensively. Beware the salesman. He/She will try to sell you any piece of shit just to make a sale. If ya want, I'll go with you and show you what to look for. The right First Guitar is one you may never want to ever let go of. But...if you get the right one, you'll never lose money on it. (the only reason I don't still have MY first is because it was stolen)
- You must LOVE music. All types of music. Keep that mind open!
That's pretty much it. I like to have a person actually playing a song the first day. Will the student play it well? Probably not at first...but they'll have the tools. Practical application, if you will. If the student puts in the time (and never call it 'practice'...that's too much like work!) and allows themselves to ENJOY it, they'll get pretty darned good pretty darned fast!
So, if you or someone you know REALLY wants to take that leap, get ahold of me. Let's make some noise!!!!!!
One last thing: Before you look for excuse why you CAN'T, take a look at this guy. He was one of the greatest guitarists EVER. He really only had use of 2 fingers and a thumb. If he could do it, YOU can.
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| Django! |
