Greg Hyslop's Guitar Teaching Philosophy
MY GUITAR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I have been teaching guitar privately for forty years. Most of my ideas about teaching are the result of many years as a student as well as a performer.
I have learned over the years to assess each student’s needs and to tailor my teaching to accommodate those needs. Since I have students who play different styles of music, I must be somewhat flexible. Regardless of these differences, I try to convey the importance of having a playable instrument, being comfortable holding the instrument, maintaining good posture and using one’s hands in an efficient, injury-free manner.
I have found it extremely important to keep the students engaged in their lessons.
This involves finding musical pieces or books that suit each student. Even if their tastes are different from my own, I try to focus on the techniques that are appropriate to them. Since all styles of guitar involve the same components of rhythm, melody and harmony, I try to teach the student technical skills which incorporate these concepts. All guitarists need to have an understanding of chord construction and chord symbols so I try to include a healthy dose of music theory in their private lessons. Basic concepts such as counting and keeping a steady beat are helpful in giving the student greater confidence and control of the instrument.
Lastly, I have found it to be quite effective to play with and for students during their lessons. Besides being more fun, playing together engages the students more actively than merely discussing concepts.