Learning Guitar and preparing for the journey

The well known saying 'An hour of planning is worth 3 hours of execution' most definitely applies to learning guitar. Think of it like climbing Mt Everest (assuming you have never climbed Mt Everest of course) its hard to know what to expect and how to prepare for it. Having prior knowledge of the climb ahead as well as information on required clothing, essential supplies such as food, water, a first aid kit, a map, a guide book etc. will make all the difference when you are half way up the mountain. The same can be said of guitar. Many students embark on their journey to the summit of guitar mountain only to get lost and confused along the way. The excitement soon wears off and the students begins to lose interest. 
 
As with mountain climbing the best plan is usually to find an experienced guide. A guitar teacher will help you in several ways.


Your teacher has many roles but in my opinion the key roles are to;

1. Set clear goals. (Which mountain)
2. Set clear expectations by giving you an idea of what to expect. How long it will take, required practice etc. (How long will it take to climb)
3. Explain the technical aspects of playing guitar with exercises to ensure development. (The theory of mountain climbing) 
4. Show you the best approach to your practice. (How to actually climb)
5. Motivate and inspire you to become an accomplished guitarist. (Staying positive during the tough climb)

If you have any question marks concerning your lessons please feel free to email me at david@g4guitar.com.au


Hope that helps.


David Hart - Program Director


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Why children do not want to practice guitar and what to do about it

One of the big deciding factors between children who succeed on guitar and those who give up is parent involvement. It is the emotional support from parents that makes this critical difference. This is especially true in the early phase. Statistically children of musical parents have a higher chance of success. A great example is Mozart whose father Leopold was himself a music teacher. But the reason is not so much because the parents are musical (which helps of course) but it is because they understand what is expected of their child at home. They understand that almost any child will not want to practice on a daily basis but that practice is necessary for their success. So how do you get your child to practice?


Firstly you don't have to be a musical parent. You just need to ensure your child practices on a daily basis. We typically get parents saying 'She doesn't practice so we have decided to stop the lessons for now'. That is like saying 'She doesn't want to eat vegetables so we just let her eat ice cream'. Children will not want to practice because it requires concentration and effort. Their appreciation for practice will not come until 6 to 12 months of regular daily practice when they see the rewards. Until that time it is critical that parents help their child through the early phase. The teacher will map out what needs to be done and your child will know what is required so what to practice is covered.

Children are not able to see the long term benefits of practice like adults do. Working together with your child will show them that you hard with them and that you will work through it together. Try to sit down with them and help them with their practice. Especially in the early months. Over time they will need less support as they begin to reap the rewards of practice. They will eventually look forward to their practice time.

I hope this information has been helpful but please feel free to email me your questions at david@g4guitar.com.au

David Hart - Program Director

Become a G4 GUITAR FAN on FACEBOOK.
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Visit the G4GUITAR METHOD Website
www.g4guitarmethod.com.au
Ph:0405-274456

Inspirational drummers

I think anyone who plays electric guitar appreciates a good drummer. Here are some of my favourites.