Teaching Guitar In Schools - Whats It Really Like?

We asked our Kent guitar teacher John Beckett for his experiences in teaching in schools. Here is what he said – “I have been with My Guitar Lessons now for a few years now. Having tried many advertising methods for my guitar teaching practice, some have been effective and some not so effective.

When I first came across the “My Guitar Lessons ” website, I was offered a good webpage in which to have a platform, plus the added benefits of a professional email account. There have been many referrals passed to me, and of particular interest “My Guitar Lessons” referred a request to me from a Community School in Ashford Kent. This was most welcome as I had not taught guitar in schools before and I would value the experience gained.

This was most welcome as I had not taught guitar in schools before and I would value the experience gained. The first meeting was arranged with the Headmaster as a taster session. It proved an interesting day. Not being a car owner I travelled by train down to Ashford International Station and immediately got lost on arrival (fine start). The Head master had to pick me up from the Station.

The first meeting was arranged with the Headmaster as a taster session. It proved an interesting day. Not being a car owner I travelled guitar in hand by Bus to Maidstone and then took the Train down to Ashford International Station and immediately got lost on arrival (fine start). The Head master had to pick me up from the Station. Hopefully I didn’t lose too much credibility. Once settled in to the School we did a trial lesson with two pupils.

I began explaining strumming patterns and numerous chords at which point it was requested of me not to worry too much about technicalities as longs as the

children could get some sound out of their instruments and only use three chords G. A and D and be happy enjoying the lessons. So my challenge in a sense has been to simplify many popular songs and nursery rhymes and make it sound convincing. Very interesting.

The Kids enjoy the lessons and more kids are wanting to sign up. It seems as though the School would like to have me on a regular basis as they had invited me to take the “Introduction for Safe Guarding Children V4 Course”. I would say that the lessons learned in regarding teaching the guitar in this instance is not always about teaching progressive techniques, but about keeping your pupils motivated and happy and in its own time you can progress to advanced playing. On a practical note (No pun intended) The travelling cost worked out more economical than Petrol as I was able to use my Bus Pass (Senior Citizen) and Senior Discount Rail Card: I have paid more for a piece of cake at a Costa Coffee.

Again I would like to thank My Guitar Lessons in making this referral.