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The single most important thing I have learned
from 35 years of teaching the guitar is about the space in
which learning actually occurs.
It occurs in the space between the STUDENT and
the INSTRUMENT. Or between the STUDENT and the SUBJECT OF
MUSIC.
New guitar tutors often suffer from the delusion
that learning happens in the space between the TUTOR and the
STUDENT.
If they operate on this basis they
will run into three problems:
- their students will not learn particularly quickly
- they will not find the process much fun
- the tutor will find the job of teaching quite exhausting!
The trick to good tutoring is to harness the students' own
energy and enthusiasm as much as possible.
Letting them do all the hard work not only makes the job
easier for you - it actually means they learn faster and learn
in a way that allows them independent ownership of the subject.
The key to operating in the correct space is simply one of
maintaining an appreciation of the students' view of the subject.
Never forget how much harder it is to play guitar in the first
few months. Never forget how complex many of the elements
of music theory appear to be when you first encounter them.
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The
Virtuous Circles of Confidence Building
