Guitar teacher

[Gary]

I don't usually bother with new year resolutions but this year I decided that, once I finish work on my loft conversion (sadly to be a bedroom rather than a studio), I'm going to get some guitar lessons.

The reason is that my band has been going down hill recently and I suspect it will split fairly soon so I'll be looking for a new one. Which means auditions. I think my playing's fairly ok but I would like to improve my technique and build up a bit more confidence before embarking on this course of action. Perhaps some counselling on how to deal with rejection as well  

So I have two questions:

How should I go about locating a good teacher and how will I know if they're right for me?

Can anyone recommend someone in the Croydon/ South London area?

[Dakine]

I just started guitar lessons myself. Albeit in Houston Texas, so location no good LOL.
Anyway, I asked at nearest Music College and asked around Music Stores. Then after got some input I talked to some of the teacher's pupils. Then I went and spoke to teacher.
Best to take your time and do your homework I think.
Also, I was advised to make sure they teach the style of music you are into.
Common sense stuff really.

[Searcher]

How should I go about locating a good teacher and how will I know if they're right for me?

Call a few. Ask them a bunch of questions, like:

1. What experience do you have?
2. Why should I go to you?
3. What can you teach me?
4. What styles do you teach?
5. What do you offer that other teachers might not?
6. Will you be able to show me how to harmonise synthetic modes in a baroque context? (Or whatever floats your boat).  ;)

Rephrase these questions however you like, but I'd be asking something along those lines. Pay attention not just to the answers given, but also to how s/he answers, since the way they answer will reflect how they teach. So, if they don't seem to listen to you, or they ramble, or they seem like someone you wouldn't get along with, then you need to ask yourself if that's the kind of teacher you want (obviously, you don't, right?).

[Johnny Mac]

Check out John Mizarolli. He is in Willesdon but it's not that far from croyden. I had some lessons with him last year and it wonders for me. Don't be put off by his 'a bit out there' website! This guy can play so well and in any style!

www.guitarguru.co.uk

[Sekhmet]

If only you lived down near exeter, you could have got some lessons from a teacher called James Shipway, his fretboard knowledge is huge and he can play/teach just about anything.

But yeah everything you need to look for has been answered really, see if you get along with the teacher, if you don't then maybe try a few others, i find that it's alot easier to learn if you get along with the person teaching you.

[Gary]

Don't be put off by his 'a bit out there' website!

Just checked out this website - I'ts not the trip to Willesden that would put me off - it's the lessons in astral projection  :lol: .

[Johnny Mac]

Don't be put off by his 'a bit out there' website!

Just checked out this website - I'ts not the trip to Willesden that would put me off - it's the lessons in astral projection  :lol: .

i know what you mean!! But there is a method to all that. If you don't want to do the spirit mind body approach you you can do the conventional stuff but it sure is interesting!

[Bird]

You might ask about taking one 'free' lesson to see if it's someone you think you'll get along with. Some teachers will make it seem like rocket science and if you don't know what the hell they're talking about, or their lesson format isn't for you move onto the next one.