How to Become a Guitar Teacher

How to Become a Guitar Teacher

If you love playing the guitar and have a natural way with children, then you might want to consider seeking a career teaching guitar. It is a great opportunity for those that would prefer to spend all day with their instrument instead of sitting behind a desk, and it will give you the freedom to create your own schedule. This guide will give you the information you need to become a guitar teacher.

Become a Successful Guitar Teacher

Are you considering a career as a guitar teacher, but are concerned about whether or not you can earn a successful income? If so, you are not alone. This video tutorial offers a non-traditional approach to achieving success as a guitar teacher, emphasizing teaching students in groups rather than individually. Although individual lessons are not completely discouraged, the benefits of group teaching, especially for students that are aspiring to become professional musicians, are discussed. The video also discusses how you can begin to develop effective skills that will help your students reach their own set of goals. This video is the first of two parts – the second half can be viewed free on Tom Hess’s website.

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Introduction
- Do you love strumming your six string, spending the afternoon jamming out with friends? Are you a patient person that enjoys spending time with children? Have you ever been told you would make a great teacher? If so, you might want to consider becoming a guitar teacher. It is a great way to combine your love for the guitar and children with your ability to teach. This guide will provide you with information on how to become a guitar teacher.
Step 1: Know the Guitar
- You should learn as much as you can about the guitar before you become a teacher. Although you do not need to be an expert in music theory, it is a good idea to have a broad knowledge of it. You should also understand the basics of rhythm, and learn how to read rhythms and music so you are able to teach beginners. Knowing how to read intervals, triads and key signatures will also benefit you if you are working with intermediate level students. You should also consider:
1. Taking guitar lessons yourself. This is an excellent way to touch up on your skills, especially if you are just starting out as a teacher.
2. Attending workshops. This is a great way to gain new knowledge and tips that will help you improve your teaching skills.
3. Read about the guitar
- Also, remember to play as often as you can. This will help you hone your own skills and help mold you into a better teacher.
Step 2: Develop Your Skills
- All aspiring and established guitar teachers should constantly work at strengthening both their guitar skills and their teaching skills. You can do this by not only playing the guitar each day, but also getting involved in other guitar related activities such as playing in an original or covers band, helping others to producer their own music and just spending time talking and jamming with other musicians and guitar teachers. Teaching skills you will want to work on honing include:
1. Communication skills. You should be able to communicate with your students by speaking clearly and slowly.
2. Patience
3. Motivation. Being able to encourage students is an excellent asset for any aspiring guitar teacher. Help boost their confidence!
4. Understanding.
Step 3: Educational Requirements
- Although there are no specific educational requirements for guitar teachers, having a background in music is always beneficial. If you wish to teach guitar at an established music school or college, you will need a music degree, but for most guitar teachers, all you need is a love for the guitar and the ability to play it well. Many parents or other prospective students may want to know your music background, however, so the more guitar related experience you have, the more qualified you will seem to people seeking out your services.
Step 4: Preparation
- Before you seek out guitar students, you should establish your business. Most teachers will offer their services from their home, eliminating the cost of extra overhead. If you do this, you should set apart an area to set up as your studio, making it look as professional as possible. You should then acquire the necessary equipment to teach a variety of students with varying skill levels. You might want to consider having:
1. Guitar
2. Music stand
3. Music duplicates on paper and also blank tab paper
4. Computer
5. Guitar pro with the necessary files
6. At least 2 amps
7. Guitar tuner
8. Guitar picks
Step 5: Market Yourself
- Finally, you will want to market your guitar teaching skills. Word of mouth is usually the best way to gain new students, but in order to find initial students you should:
1. Create a website that lays out your skills and services
2. Advertise your teaching services on the internet via sites like Craigslist. You may also want to go on music and guitar related message boards and visit chat rooms, telling people about your guitar services.
3. Place ads in local publications
4. Place ads on bulletin boards at local music stores
5. Advertise by putting signs up in your town or neighborhood
Conclusion
If you love playing guitar, why not get paid to do it all day? There are many people out there with an interest in learning how to play the guitar, so there is always a market for skilled and qualified teachers. The above guide offers you a great place to start, offering tips on how to become a guitar teacher.
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