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Originally Posted by srmaximo
I specialize in teaching young kids--ages 3-10--and I can't emphasize how important it is to find a guitar that fits the body of the child. Just keeping the darn thing on their lap is a trial, not to mention the huge feat of actually fretting a string. Why make it impossible by giving them an instrument that doesn't fit them? I see intonation problems as minor inconveniences in comparison to issues of playability. Sure, that out-of-tune note may be grating on us teachers, but it's not going to damage the child. Your primary goal is not to make beautiful music right away--it's to give them a sense of accomplishment and confidence, and to have fun.
About finding a teacher for your six-year-old--it's hard. I think I'm the only guitar teacher in Seattle who works with kids that young.
I wrote an article about teaching young kids guitar on my blog--lemme know what you think!
Rob |
I liked your tutorial. You know kids!
Wow, you should be awarded sainthood or at least given a merit badge for taking on three year olds. The youngest I'll accept is five, and that's always 'iffy' at best. I'm associated with piano and violin teachers that take on extremely young children, but most guitar teachers that I know have a policy of working with kids eight years of age and older. I'm very up front with parents of seven year olds and younger as to potential pitfalls, but I like to give it a fair shake and let them decide for themselves if it's the right time or not - especially since very few of my associates are willing to take on the task. I've had some success with five and six year olds.