2 unit guitar classes?

Zelda_Fitzgerald
Wed, 04 May 2011 15:49:42 +0000

I would take the group classes if you’re a beginner.

I took private piano and bass lessons and it was my impression that the private lessons were for people with a more solid background in their instrument who were majoring in something other than performance – but I could be wrong. I just remember being drilled by the prospective teachers before enrolling about my knowledge in music theory and how long I had been playing. (15+ years)

I took the beginning group harp class for 3 semesters and I loved it! Again, not sure about guitar (and maybe someone can weigh in) but harp was an hour or so of a class where we learned theory and technique – which was more for the real beginners; the other hour was a private lesson with one of the TAs, who were all DM candidates in Harp through Thornton. I thought the group setting was a great way to learn a completely brand-new instrument and had a really positive experience in the class.

Since you already pay for up to 18 units with full-time tuition, I would recommend starting in the group classes. I do remember there’s a beginner’s guitar class focused on the Beatles, too; you should look for that as I heard good things about it.

If you do the group class for two or three semesters and keep up with it, I think private lessons would be a good investment. I just think, speaking as someone with a long history of music lessons and experience, that you should figure out if you’re ready for the commitment, have the skill and the dedication to learn an instrument before you start the private lessons. I know way too many people who, although they were really interested in learning an instrument, just didn’t have the chops for music. It’s something – like any skill or hobby – that isn’t cut out for everyone.

(Keep in mind, too, that the private lessons require performing in front of a jury for a grade at the end of the semester…)