MY APPROACH
I feel like my approach is a little different from other guitar instructors and much more
effective, as I have personally witnessed firsthand. Having said that, my feeling about
progress as a guitarist is inspiration.
How does this occur? Through influences. Every great musician all through history had
them, copied their
styles, and then did their own thing. So why try and re-invent the wheel? We will copy the pros and we will get the same results! However, this must be specific. Once someone has influences, they are on their way.
I base my approach around that. Learning songs is next, and through the tunes, we will
discover various techniques and apply the theory of music to the artist. Weaknesses are also
revealed, which is good, sort of like pulling out the weeds in a garden, or eliminating what
doesn't belong.
Rhythm is very important as well as having a good ear. It’s all a balance. One without the
other
and the whole thing crashes. Both are equally important. Therefore, a tuner and a metronome
are two things that no musician should be without. Note: A metronome is the thing that goes tick tock, tick tock.
Recording yourself is another important factor in the development of one's musical abilities,
since it provides a "mirror" of your overall sound and style. So, during our sessions together, we will do some recording!
This will allow you to make leaps and bounds in a very short time span. Of course, playing live is the best thing that you could ever do
to improve your playing.
I also feel that it is important to note that there is a BIG difference between a guitar instructor who teaches on the side in his or her
spare time and one who is a PROFESSIONAL guitar instructor. Your average run-of-the-mill guitar instructor would be someone
who spends most of the lesson time writing down tab while the student just sits there looking at the wall or worst, lets the student beat around on the
guitar while he or she jots down tab. This instructor only uses method books with a one-size fits all mentality, and excuses
themselves from the lessons to schedule gigs at the local sports
bar, which is, of course, his or her main priority. This type of instructor is not interested in improving their approach as an instructor, nor are
they interested in the student's progress. Worst of all, this guitar instructor
will give advice to the student that he or she did not use themselves. Also, being able to play well does not mean that one is automatically
a great teacher, no matter how many music degrees they have or how many students they can acquire. This type of instructor is the "norm", and therefore, no wonder
there are "few" really good guitarists who take lessons walking the street. Most people do not want the "most qualified" instructor,
but the one that they know will not have them work. Deep down, they really do not want to improve. They just want the instructor to "jot
down tab" to their favorite song, (which is usually out of the their scope), and or play scales up and down for the session. But, I tell you, nothing is more rewarding
than for the student to be able to play not only with confidence, but to become a musician, rather than just a tab reader. Also, to be able to
see yourself making progress, and to look back over a year and say, "Wow. I have come a long way."
And to be competent enough to play along with ANY guitarist at ANY level, and stop traffic while doing so is really cool as well. This is extremely rewarding to the player,
and I feel that most other guitar instructors out there are cheating their students of this wonderful part of their musical journey.
Not here. As for myself, I use a totally different approach.
1) I will not ask the student to play or do something that I have not done or will not do myself.
2) I will not leave the room to schedule gigs during our session.
3) I will focus on YOUR playing ability, not mine.
4) I will customize the lesson for you!
5) When I do jot down tab to your favorite song, I will also include other pertinent information, such as the key that it is played in as
well as other aspects involved in playing the song correctly. Then it will be performed, reviewed, and understood until mastered.
6) You will receive quality lessons from a professional guitar instructor who cares about your progress.
Lastly, I can only do so much. The student has to be already inspired
to some degree to benefit from my advice. I am the coach on the sidelines, but it is up to
student to score the winning
goal. However, when the student and myself can play together in harmony, competency will be accomplished.
John Ezell
Guitar Instructor
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