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Extra-curricular activities

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What to look for in a guitar teacher

4 replies

littlecabbage · 07/01/2020 16:19

My 8yo DS has been asking to start guitar lessons. I think he has seen people playing electric guitar in bands rather than seen anyone play acoustic guitar. There is a local “rock school” which teaches keyboard, electric guitar, drums, etc, and seems to be generally well-regarded.

On their website, they say they put kids in for grades, and there is a photo of a grade certificate for Electric Guitar, issued by RSL. Can anyone advise if this seems like the right sort of direction to head in, or should I be looking for a teacher who teaches various styles of guitar, for a more rounded tuition?

And would RSL be a good examination board to attain grades with? I only learnt classical instruments, and did grades with ABRSM. I see that they offer guitar grades also - would these be considered better?

It’s not all about the accreditation, obviously. Most importantly, I want him to enjoy it enough to work hard at it and have the satisfaction of progression. But I wonder if just doing electric guitar may be a bit limiting in the future?

Thanks.

OP posts:
littlecabbage · 07/01/2020 21:44

Hopeful bump for evening crowd....

OP posts:
unbaffled · 08/01/2020 15:05

DH teaches, he uses Trinity for classical and Rock School for those who want to do exams in that style. He also teaches quite a few who don't want to do exams at all. I'd say that if your ds is keen to learn electric guitar, then let him. Chances are if he gets keen, in a few years time he will have about 12 different guitars of all shapes and sizes in the house like we do!

Comefromaway · 09/01/2020 12:22

My son used to play guitar and he was working towards RSL but he changed to piano.

One thing ds regrets was learning tab rather than to read music. He can read piano music but finds it hard to translate to guitar having got tab into his brain!

The reason he regrets this is because there are not many guitarsts (especially bass guitarists) who can read notation and local theatre groups struggle to find people who can play for their shows. The pay is pretty decent and you don't have to be such a high standard as you do in some other instruments.

unbaffled · 09/01/2020 18:19

I agree, whichever type of guitar, he needs to learn sheet music, not guitar tab.

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