How to choose a teacher

[rquinones27]

Hi folks:
I have been playing for over a year and I can read standard notation. I practice every day for at least an hour and I have gotten to the point in which I need to better structure my practice and getting a teacher has become a necessity. How do you choose a good classical/flamenco guitar teacher? What are the things that one needs to look for on a teacher? What should I stay away from? Since we are all in different parts of the country (or the world) this question might get different answers but what should I expect to pay for lessons? I have called two different teachers and both of them charge $20 per half hour lessons ($80 a month) and the lessons are once a week. I don’t know but it seems to me that half hour is too short of a time for lessons, but I could be wrong. One of the teachers was telling me how bad all of the method books are (Pumping Nylon, Solo Guitar Playing by Frederick Noad, etc) and why he is the best teacher, etc, etc. I thought he was out of line especially since he was talking to me over the phone and I didn’t know him at all. What are your thoughts?
Roberto

[Jonny Hotnuts]

The “teacher” that said those method books are useless are exactly why I don’t believe in taking lessons. I personally do not like exercises believing that you can get the same benefit from learning and playing a song that deals with a players weaknesses. But I also know that what works for me is not necessarily what works for others. So if someone says that the much praised “pumping nylon” (or other) book/ systems are not good for you without even as much as knowing what your needs or learning style is, can not be worth a crap. They are simply ignorant.

Many people will disagree with me (usually the ones doing it) but I feel many teachers make you learn tons of crap that is useless (not really useless, but things you don’t really need to know) only to stretch lessons and your pocketbook.

Before you find a teacher, know what you are looking for, what your problems are, what you expect from lessons and what your goals are. Then ask them if and how long it will take to achieve these goals. Don’t let them fish around with an answer. If they do, they are full of it.

If you ask me (and you should not because I AM an a$$hole!)
Get Segovia’s “All Bach” (or anything that tickles your fancy) CD, the music and learn every song on it. Start with the easier ones and move on until they are all learned to tempo. Pretty soon they guy that said the Pumping Nylon books were not any good will be asking you for lessons. (I know this might sound crazy but this is how I learned to play classical.)

Just my 2 cents
Good luck finding a teach.
Wish I could be more of a help.

-JH

[classicalmark]

Hello Roberto,
I've never had a teacher, used a method or seen a player (both professional and armature) that didn’t have something of value to offer. The Noad series has been used and praised by many for years, some people can be very judgmental of things non traditional like "Pumping Nylon" but it does have some good points. As far as teachers go, this could be quite the endeavor...
At your stage in developing a "good" technique you'll definitely need someone with a structured method. You'll benefit more from a structured course then just practicing bits of a composition daily. That strategy would neglect various techniques necessary in becoming a complete guitarist. Most of us don't "enjoy" doing exercises or scales etc...but playing the guitar is a physical act as well as artistic expression and one cannot deny the benefits of repetitive practice. I agree about half an hour being too short a time to accomplish much. You’d be better off to combine two lessons back to back for an hour twice a month in my opinion (if your teacher is willing). Most should offer a lesson or two for free of charge to see how you’ll relate to their style of teaching, which is very important, as well as trust. You have to trust that your teacher knows what’s best and allow him/her to guide you. Most important, I think is that you have to know what you want to get out of lessons and apply yourself accordingly. Don’t just think you’ll improve because you’re studying with a great player you have to want to improve. Prices can vary; I’ve always believed that you usually get what you pay for, in any capacity.
With that being said I’ll let you continue your quest.
Happy playing,
Mark

[portlandgreg2]

Having a teacher, even if it's for a short period of time, can help a lot. A skilled teacher can pick out subtle things about technique that are easily overlooked. I strongly disagree with anyone who says they don't beleive in teachers. Mentors often provide quicker paths to your goals.

That said, I also think that there are times when it is better not to have a teacher. You will have to decide that for yourself. Your skill level will partially dictate that. Sometimes, your skill level dictates a need for weekly lessons; other times it might be better to be on your own for months so you can work on repertoire or perfecting an already learned technique.

Lastly, if I was looking for a new teacher, I'd look for skill, obviously. But I'd also look for a person that I felt I could build a relationship with. Music is intimate and personally, I like to learn from people I can consider a friend.

[rquinones27]

Point well taken portlandgreg2. I have talked to several people about the subject and have explained my situation and most people say that I am progressing pretty well. They have encouraged me to be patient with the instrument and to keep up my practice schedule. I think what I lack the most is someone who I can bounce questions to, although I am not discounting the need for a teacher who can point out the subtle things that I might be overlooking. Thanks for the input.