Parents Of Youth Guitar Students

Why is finding a knowledgeable, nurturing, and qualified youth guitar teacher so difficult?

If you’re a typical parent that walks into the studio, then you’ve probably been searching for an effective way to begin your child’s musical development. You’ve possibly searched online but haven’t really seen any youth guitar programs worth trying. You may have even tried to teach them yourself. Perhaps you’ve tried lessons in the past but the teacher didn’t connect with you and/or your child. Even if you had to drive an extra 15 minutes, you would be knowing that your child is getting good caring instruction.

Is It Just More Homework?

The first barrier to getting the most out of music lessons is to help children and adults alleviate the idea that guitar lessons are “just more homework”. As if it’s just another task to check off the list along with school, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, MORE homework, chores, and family obligations. Yes, there is a type of work involved but developing joy in the music-making process is of utmost importance.

Only The Facts, No Creativity

The second barrier is a musical education diet rich in just the “facts” and not enough on the creative aspect of the music. If approached incorrectly, music becomes stale and “play by numbers.” There needs to be room for creativity in learning music. This is especially true when learning music from other composers and in students’ own compositions.

Lack Of A Structured Progression

The third barrier is that many guitar teachers lack a structured plan to develop the necessary skills to enjoy and make music at a competent level. Structure does not need to be strict but does need to be a framework that leads the student to each level of playing effectively.

For Youth Guitar Students, There Is Another Way

My approach to teaching is to tackle these barriers head-on. It is my mission to innovate and ignite creativity, exploration, and joy in each guitar lesson. It is always amazing to watch what can be accomplished when a child’s natural curiosity engages with music. Without knowing it, they begin to break through roadblocks that prevent them from reaching their full potential and even having fun making music!

If any of the above barriers sound familiar, you know you are not alone in finding the right teacher for your child. I can only attest to the joy and success I see in my own students as to whether I am succeeding in the above desires.

My students:

Learn to read music and rhythm from day one preparing for playing all types of music
Review and retain all their lessons through creativity and even writing their own music (even beginners!)
Get all the benefits that science has shown music instruction provides including increased academic performance, higher IQs, memory enhancement, etc. All of this done in an encouraging and positive environment
Move at a faster-than-average pace from beginner to intermediate playing
Receive clear direction for practice during their weekly guitar lessons feeling energized instead of lost and confused when they return home

Why should you consider youth guitar lessons with me?

Yes, I have the degrees to “prove” that I am trained to play and teach guitar at a high level (those degrees are Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Guitar Performance). Yes, I have studied and still study with some great teachers (David Skantar, Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and Christopher Berg). I am also a registered Suzuki Guitar Method teacher. But most of all, I have seen the development in my own students and their playing success. Some have gone on to study music in university settings and others are making a career in performing. The students are my true driving force in my teaching and playing.

Testimonies

It has been a delight to watch Nick’s playing skills and interest blossom during his time working with Chad.
L. Rinaman

My son is not the most motivated guitar student, but he is learning from Chad. Thank goodness for great teachers like him!
Olivia W.

Enthusiastic about teaching music. Knowledgeable but able to break it down into terms easily understandable for the beginner. Extremely friendly and made it fun. My daughter loved her first lesson and is excited for next week! Would highly recommend!
Kristi C.