Teacher Feature
Guitar Tutor Magazine August 2009
So that guitar teachers can learn about other teacher’s experiences, each issue we focus on the work of one teacher. This issue its Craig Went from Sheffield. . .
GT: How would you summaries your approach to teaching guitar?
CW: I think it’s important to understand why the student wants to learn the instrument and what they want to achieve.
Keeping a structured plan to lessons is essential and setting goals will help keep the students motivated and give them a sense of achievement. I try to get a balance in lessons of technical concepts, aural skills and creativity.
The most important element though is making learning an enjoyable experience and inspiring the student.
GT: What do you enjoy most about teaching guitar?
CW: Seeing my students progress and achieve their personal aims. Many of my students play in bands and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you’ve taught performing with confidence.
GT: Do you find the RGT exams useful? If so, in which ways?
CW: Yes, very much so. I think the material in the exams is very well organized and essential building blocks to learning the instrument. The Lead and Rhythm sections help develop vital skills and prepares the candidate for a future in music.
GT: What styles of music do most students want to learn?
CW: The main bulk of my students are interested in rock and pop music. However, I try to encourage all my students to listen to a range of different styles. I think it’s important for musicians to have a broad knowledge of music and influences.
GT: How do new students find out about you?
CW: A lot from personal recommendations. Having a presence on the internet through the RGT website and my own site has also proven very fruitful.
GT: How do you balance your teaching commitments with other aspects of your life?
CW: I play in a number of different bands and gig on average about three times a week. I think it’s the balance of performing and teaching that helps keep me focused and inspired.
GT: Do you have any tips to pass on to new guitar teachers?
CW: The key factor is to be passionate and structured about what you do. You need to be able to inspire and motivate your students and pass on your love for music. Making a video or audio recording is a great way to analysis your teaching style, as you can discover aspects of your teaching that you might have otherwise not realized.
In the current climate it’s also getting more important to be qualified as a teacher to find work.
GT: What are the downsides of the job?
CW: I feel extremely lucky to be doing a job that is so rewarding. If I had to comment on a downside it would be the issues around the self-employed status. I’ve never been that keen on doing my accounts and can’t expect holiday or sick pay.
GT: How do you encourage students to practice?
CW: I believe that the best way to motivate students is through enjoyment. If a student is enjoying learning then practice becomes fun and not a hardship. Incorporating aims and goals will help give them a sense of achievement and progression. I think it’s important that students can see were there heading, setting aims and check points along the way will help them stay motivated and lets them know how fast there progressing.
