Hey everyone!
It's been too long, and I've been itching to get posting. I've recently had a very changing life event (and not a positive one), but one of the things that got me through this time was my wonderful guitar. During my playing, however, I found myself asking a question that I think most guitarists ask themselves. Is it better to learn through the use of virtual (free online lessons, online guitar tabs, etc) instruction, or is it better to have a physical teacher? I, until earlier this year had one of the most amazing teachers. He has moved out of the state, so we obviously do not get together to play anymore, so I have found myself utilizing virtual means much more often. Is this better than a teacher, or vice versa? Here's my take...I think a healthy combination of the two is crucial. I enjoyed my sessions with my teacher because we would usually end up just jamming together, and I think that is very important as a musician. As far as virtual instruction goes, there are many sites out there that offer some help. I have found a lot of use with a site I think most musicians are familiar with, which is Ultimate-Guitar. I have also found a very good online instructor who has his own site, which you can be come a member of. His name is Marty Schwartz, and he has a LOT of videos on YouTube, in which he gives free lessons to select songs. I, almost exclusively, use his YouTube videos, but the problem is he doesn't always have a song I'm looking for. In short, if you are just starting out, and are curious if you should practice and learn on your own, or with an instructor; my advice is to explore both avenues. There is a sense of accomplishment that just cannot be described when you learn a riff, chord, or song on your own. At the same time though, it is always good to have an expert handy to "re-calibrate" yourself, if you will. What do you guys think? If you play an instrument, I'm curious if you've found that both methods used together work for you, or if you've found doing one over the other has worked better. Stay tuned as I go on a hunt for my next collectible guitar!!
I really like your take on this. I've determined to learn to play the keyboard but I wasn't really sure which route to take. Using both methods makes perfect since though. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHope you get a steal of a deal.
I used to play the keyboard in the past as well as a traditional piano. The feeling of the two are quite different. But anyhow, I will say that what you may learn from a physical human body will be a completely different 'lesson' entirely from learning from a digital version of the class. Watching, coordinating, and reciting what the teacher is doing has a much stronger impact. You start to become more in connection with the teacher as you play. You just don't have that kind of experience through a virtual lesson. Even if you're watching a video of someone real, it will still feel like you're self teaching yourself; which isn't bad. There are a great deal of benefit from self-made lessons as well. So I agree, mixing both methods would be helpful.
ReplyDelete@ Eugene....I fully support you sir! I say go for the keyboard. To also further expand on what Matt said, I ran into a similar situation with the guitar. I first learned on an electric, due to my intense infatuation with the blues. My mind was blown when I started playing the acoustic guitar. I actually had to tweak my playing a little bit to get a clean sound, which I credit my teacher for helping me with. I would also piggyback what Matt said, by saying if you move forward with learning, definitely look for physical instruction first and foremost. I took lessons when first learning, and then once I was comfortable with the guitar; that's when I branched out and started working on my own. Definitely keep me posted on your progress, as I'm rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sean. My only problem is getting my head around these books. Don't ask me what I was thinking when I chose a computer science degree but keeping up with all my classes has become a full time job. Hopefully I'll get a chance to bang on the keyboard soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think that you are right. And it is not just for learning an instrument, but for most things. When I need to learn a new issue with an operating system or an issue with one of our servers at work, I research it online, and then also have one of our Senior NSA's go through it with me. I do not know how to play any instruments, but my wife knows how to play the Piano. She got lessons from a school in Argentina and ended up leaving the school because it was effecting her school work. She will see things online now and with what she learned in that school, and also through constant practice, she has been able to progress in her skill. I think you defiantly need a mix of both.
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