As a guitar instructor, I am always pitching my services to prospective students, as well as to the parents of prospective students. And as a parent, I am also aware that for many people and families, music lessons can represent a major investment of time, money, and commitment.
Many times I hear from budding musicians that "they will just learn to play off of the Internet." Which is all well and good--except that while there is a lot of good training to be had on the Internet, there is also a lot of bad technique and incorrect music teaching charts out there.
Other students buy a guitar book, and attempt to teach themselves--which is also good, but can take a LONG time because there is no accountability and time structure in place to motivate a student to set goals and to rehearse (and progress!!).
Taking private lessons with a qualified teacher, however, can help you in so many ways. For example, a good teacher who meets with you in person can:
**Watch your technique for signs of problems--and correct those issues early on!
**Help you pick songs to play that fit your level of expertise
**Give you exercises for the specific challenges you’re facing
**Help you make appropriate adaptations, such as key changes, to music you want to learn
**Give you an opportunity to play with an experienced musician every week
**Hold you to a high standard and put a little positive pressure on you
**Work with you to achieve YOUR musical goals.
**Guide you in writing and performing your own original material.
**Watch your technique for signs of problems--and correct those issues early on!
**Help you pick songs to play that fit your level of expertise
**Give you exercises for the specific challenges you’re facing
**Help you make appropriate adaptations, such as key changes, to music you want to learn
**Give you an opportunity to play with an experienced musician every week
**Hold you to a high standard and put a little positive pressure on you
**Work with you to achieve YOUR musical goals.
**Guide you in writing and performing your own original material.