In the first lessons we work to get the student comfortable holding and playing the guitar, hands doing two separate things, and reading music. It can be overwhelming and seem impossible if rushed too quickly. But with small steps developing each simultaneously, everything will make sense much faster. Our instructors have excellent lesson plans in making this easy to learn.

It’s also important in the early stages to acquire proper technique. Changing technique down the road is possible but a challenge. We can also help students avoid things like poor posture or odd clenching of muscles (even in the legs) while playing. Sometimes students don’t notice these odd habits forming that can be distracting during a performance years in the future. A good teacher knows how to take care of this type of issue before it becomes a problem.

Achieving dual-dexterity is also difficult. One hand strumming a rhythm is already a challenge to a student who doesn’t have rhythm. Adding shaped fingers on the other with no callus can seem impossible if not introduced at the right time. Sometimes a teacher will work one hand a time to proficiency. It might be a slightly boring practice, but it can make it faster to getting to play actual songs.

Reading music is also a challenge for some students. There are various ways to read guitar music – from traditional sheet music, to chord charts, to TAB. But all of them have a pattern. Traditional sheet music can be difficult to learn initially because of all the letters involved. We usually turn to books to help through the practicing process while the teacher isn’t there. Chord charts on the other hand can be looked at as a picture map. Eventually the label with the chord map becomes memorized as the chord itself (much like identifying a state on a map). Finally, TAB is learned the easiest – but is least musical. If your child can play Guitar Hero, they can read TAB.

Guitar Lessons

1. Our teachers aren’t babysitters. Do not leave your child at home to run an errand and risk getting stuck in traffic. Our teachers have other lessons after yours.

2. Can the child read? It doesn’t have to be fluent, just able.

3. Does the child want to be in lessons? Or do you want the child to be in lessons? Please make sure it’s the child’s interest and not your own.

Usually the child has to be about four years old with a true interest. Otherwise they might feel forced into music and have a distaste for it later on when they might otherwise adapt.

Are there exceptions? Sure! If you have a three year old that loves to strum and tries to figure out guitar on their own, give us a call. If they do try teaching themselves, get them a professional teacher to guide them immediately before any bad habits set in.

“But another teacher said they’ll grow into it.” Sure, sometimes that happens. But why risk making the child hate it later on? This isn’t about winning competitions. This isn’t about getting ahead. This is about having fun and becoming a well rounded musician.

We make sure that Charlotte has the best guitar lessons. Our teachers are skilled and can help young students understand and grow as they need. We make it fun and educational, which can be so difficult with a stringed instrument. Check us out as well as the competition, you’ll quickly see why we are the obvious choice for your child’s music teachers.

Guitar Lessons

Going down the path of the brain-muscle relationship, we have to discuss true genius. Genius is usually the 10,000 hour mark. We often hear that kids can learn languages faster than adults – but it’s more likely that they are closer to the 10,000 hours much sooner of exposure in multiple languages. When we see toddlers playing concertos, we have to look at the parents. Unfortunately more often than not, these toddlers aren’t prodigy or genius but just forced to play all day long. This ultimately leads to burnout.

A quick test to find out whether a young child is truly genius or not is to test for understanding structures rather than mechanical perfection. A question like “how could this chord be changed” which a normal musician would understand could be answered if it’s a genius. However if they can only play the song as written, they are likely forced to play all day.

Charlotte fortunately has quality music lessons right here on this site. We can help expand the brain in a safe way and avoid the burnout we often hear about. Teaching has to be well rounded, and we know this. It may be true that you can learn how to play a song in 5 lessons using another method, but what’s the point if you can’t explain what’s actually happening in the music. Being a robot isn’t fun and connecting with the music.

Guitar Lessons

We can work around vacation schedules or increase lesson time in the summer. Traveling doesn’t have to cost you extra money, just let us know and we will plan accordingly.

This is also perfect for kids wanting to return to school with new skills. If your child is already in a school band, they probably don’t understand chord structure like a guitar can teach. In band, they usually learn to follow along and play one melody at a time. Guitar is a little more complex than that, and can help them understand what is actually going around in the melodies outside of the one they’re used to playing.

If a parent wants to learn an instrument with a child (can be great for communicating and bringing you closer) we can arrange this as well by teaching both of you at the same time. Don’t worry if you can’t keep up with your child.

Charlotte Guitar Kids may be setting up group lessons if enough interest is shown by the Queen City. If you have any recommendations or ideas (even of a master class) just let us know and we will do our best to try and make it happen. We are serious about providing the best guitar instruction service.

Guitar Lessons

It’s usually better to go with an experience-based gift. A vacation or a trip is great but outside of many people’s budget, and fades into distant memories with only a picture to hold onto.

But what if you could combine a perfect tangible gift with an experience? Something that can change one’s life forever. What if it’s music? Not a CD or a vinyl (they are coming back) – but an instrument and lessons. Think about it, it’s the perfect way to help a kid grow. Even if they quit lessons, they still have a guitar. They won’t be old saying “I never had a guitar” or “I never took lessons” because you’re getting them started.

Contact us today about getting lessons as a gift. We make it easy. We can even help pick out a guitar that will fit the child. The parents don’t even have to drive in Charlotte traffic for the lessons.

Even if you only give a few lessons, it could be enough of a push to get a kid started in the right direction to actually stick with music for the long haul. We pride ourselves on getting students passionate about music and not burned out. We select teachers that can help avoid this burn-out scenario. We know what kids hate (scales and pointless songs) – and we know how to bring out the best while slowly working in the technical mechanics of great musicianship.

Give it a try. Even you could take lessons too and maybe play a song together one day. How’s that for a present to not forget?

Guitar Lessons