If you’re an experienced guitarist and have decided to start teaching the following is for you. Firstly, it’s important to remember that teaching is a skill in itself, and requires some preparation and planning. In this beginner’s guide to teaching guitar, I’ll walk you through the basics of what you need to know to get started.
Setting goals
Before you start teaching, it’s important to set clear goals for yourself and your students. Ask yourself what you want your students to learn and achieve, and what kind of teacher you want to be. Do you want to teach all styles of music or specialize in a particular genre? Do you want to teach beginners or more advanced players? By setting clear goals, you’ll be able to create a curriculum that meets your students’ needs and helps them achieve their goals.
Creating a curriculum
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to create a curriculum. This can include everything from basic guitar techniques to music theory, songwriting, and performance skills. Keep in mind that every student is different, so you’ll need a program that works for all your students. This can be achieved in the following ways. 1. Focus on a particular type of student. E.g. Beginner or classic rock etc. 2. Focus on generic skills more so than songs. These are skills that most guitar players need to learn and improve. E.g. Picking, scales, chords, rhythm etc. 3. Teach what you know. Don’t try to please everyone. Do try to be open-minded and flexible to a degree but you and your students will be happier if you teach what you know.
Building your student base
Now that you have a curriculum in place, it’s time to start building your student base. There are a few different ways to do this, including advertising online, word of mouth, and offering promotions or special offers to new students. Remember that it may take some time to build up a steady stream of students, so be patient and persistent.
Developing your teaching skills
Teaching guitar is a skill in itself, and there are many resources available to help you improve your teaching skills. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops or conferences, or even finding a mentor who can offer guidance and support. Remember that teaching is a continuous learning process, and there’s always room for improvement.
In conclusion, teaching guitar can be a rewarding and fulfilling, but it does require some preparation and planning. By setting clear goals, creating a curriculum, building your student base, and developing your teaching skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful guitar teacher.
Click the link to learn more about the G4 GUITAR Teacher Network.
