Kids music lessons - (merged)

looby75

hobo28 wrote:

Which sort of guitar does she want to learn? There's accoustic, classical and of course electric. I went to a tutor and he could only teach classical but not accoustic. I didnt even know the difference until then!

Good question LOL

So what is the difference? I know she doesn't want to learn electric (or more to the point I don't want her to lol) She just wants to learn to play a guitar.

I think we will be calling in at the music shop in Durham sometime soon lol

Thanks for the suggestions everyone

Anastasia

I play the guitar and taught myself many years ago. Most of what you need to do to learn how to play is repetition of chords and fingering. You have to leave the guitar handy and keep picking it up and practising. Some basic music lessons to teach your daughter to read music would help to start her off and then she should be able to teach herself with books at her own pace.

My teenage son had a guitar for a birthday, didn't want formal lessons, so I just gave him the books and told him to get on with it - he is brilliant!

Whits

I first bought a guitar when I was 16, I'm 32 now:eek:

I started taking lessons from a bloke who advertised in the local paper and he was awesome, he taught me exactly the style I wanted to play.

Unfortunately, I had to rely on my dad to take me to the lessons and when he changed his job, I couldn't go anymore. After years of leaving the guitar in it's case, I took it out and started to realise that with the advent of the internet, I could practise the stuff I needed to know in order to improve.

Whilst the internet is great for practising, I would definitely take formal lessons in the first place as you can never learn if you are doing something wrong.

I'd agree with going to a local music shop, preferably one that is highly recommended to you as they can give much more advice than Argos.

Also, it is harder to be a good acoustic player than a good electric player, but it is also much more rewarding when there's a party on and an acoustic guitar handy. Just think of sitting round a campfire singing beatles tunes, it's such a good laugh:D

cats_whiskers

Hi
I've just got back from the shops and a visit to the local charity shop. They had an acoustic guitar on sale (sorry didn't look at the price). Once you know what she wants if may be worth a scout around, could save on initial outlay especially if she decides not to pursue it after a few lessons. If she does continue with lessons and is serious about playing then perhaps you could look at buying her a new guitar next christmas when she may be more aware of exactly what she wants.

I know many years ago our local community centre had group guitar tuition that many of the neighbourhood kids attended.

Cheers
Cats.

looby75

Thanks everyone, some really good advice here (as always )

I think I'll definitely visit the local music shop, there is one that's been around since year dot and is still going strong, even though it's not on the main high street so I think it must be doing something right. I'll take my dd there to get some advice about lessons etc.

Thanks again

looby75

Thanks for that, something else to consider! I had no idea there would be so much to think about, I thought I could just go to argos buy her the pack and find someone to give her a few lessons!

I'm really really pleased I asked now

tifnstav

I have bought my fiance the Argos starter guitar set for Christmas, with some plectrums that I'm going to put in a little ring box and give him as his first gift on Christmas morning...oh and a Guitar for DUmmies book from WHS!
Might get myself some earplugs too as a treat.

looby75

aw that's a nice idea Tifnstav.

dd has mentioned the guitar for dummies book too... Have you had a look at it, does it look like it could be any good?

doogle_chick

My DS aged 7 started lessons this term. He does his lessons through school and I paid £82 for the term. They recommended a guitar at a cost of £95 but OH was reluctant to pay this for something he might drop within a few weeks.

We bought the basic acoustic guitar from Argos - think it was about £30.

He really enjoys the lessons and is good at practising at home so I think we will invest in the more expensive guitar next Easter provided he is still dedicated!

alba37

Annabee wrote:

For my daughter's piano lessons (not through the school) we have been paying £10 for a half hour lesson. Presume guitar lessons would be similar price?

In Glasgow lessons seem to be £12 for half /£20 an hour, upwards. My son has been learning on & off over the last year. But is now again without a teacher, and I am finding it very difficult to find one a a good price.

He found the electric much easier as it was smaller. He's 13.

Our school only have limited places and he couldn't get one, it would have been perfect if he could learn there.