| Author |
Message |
    
cwalk
Citizen
Username: Cwalk
Post Number: 82
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 12:23 pm: | 
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We are in West Orange and our 8yr old is interested in learning to play the guitar. I have no idea how to go about finding lessons for him since its a little less common than say, "piano lessons". Anyone know? |
Tom Morris
Citizen
Username: Tommorris
Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 10:33 pm: |
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I give guitar instruction at the Baird Center in South Orange on Saturday mornings.
Classes for children will resume in September.
Adult class is continuing on Wednesdays(7:30pm) during the summer.
Contact SO Rec dept for further info. |
Wilkanoid
Citizen
Username: Cseleosida
Post Number: 596
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 10:00 am: |
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My 6-year old thinks she is interested in learning to play the guitar. Is that too young? How many kids to a class? |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6701
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 11:03 am: |
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6 is not too young. My son took to the guitar at 3 and still is trying to learn. Easier for my son (though harder on his fingers) was the mandolin. The neck is thinner and some of the chords are easier to manage.
If she is moved by the music...let her find out. Don't break the bank in case she doesn't stick with it. But I say let her try. Even now at my age 40+ I still play every day. I call it my six (or 12) string valium.
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Wilkanoid
Citizen
Username: Cseleosida
Post Number: 598
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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Any suggestions on a place for her to take lessons? I'll check out the Baird Center in the Fall but I'm not sure of the age range there. |
Chasm
Citizen
Username: Chasm
Post Number: 342
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 4:03 pm: |
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8 is a good age - I started when I was 7 - as long as the child can hold the guitar comfortably, they are good to go. Best bet is to get (either rent or purchase) a 3/4 or 1/2 size guitar, a standard size guitar will be way too big.
Even though I've been playing a long time - and have taught guitar before - my daughter felt weird taking lessons from daddy, so she took Tom's class at the Baird. She learned the basics, played a bunch of songs, and had a good time.
Another option that I've been exploring lately is a new guitar method called "Smart Start Guitar". It starts beginners off playing in an open tuning so they can concentrate more on rhythm and singing along while they play, which is the most fun part of playing guitar IMHO. I recently purchased a copy for $12, and I think it's a great method - less boring than the traditional approach.
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Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6705
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 4:21 pm: |
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I definately had chasm's problem. My son who loves to play along with me, won't let me sit him down and teach him. I have a couple of DVD's that I play along to sometimes for scales and theory and stuff and he pays attention to that, but I think a live person who can not only teach but "talk about the passion" will be more inspirational than a DVD. Now if I could only be of some real help here. sorry.
And what ever you do, if you buy, don't buy a Carlo Robelli at sam ash. They are canoe paddles. |
ceceliac
Citizen
Username: Ceceliac
Post Number: 97
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 4:32 pm: |
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Mark Murphy School of Music on Scotland Ave. in South Orange is wonderful. My daughter takes piano there but she has a few friends who take guitar and they love it. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4706
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 4:40 pm: |
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My kids took Tom's class this year (Fall & Winter) and really enjoyed it. It was a good intro to guitar. |
Tom Morris
Citizen
Username: Tommorris
Post Number: 6
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 11:49 pm: |
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AT the Baird I try to have three classes on Saturday mornings.
9:00pm 6th grade to 8th grade
10:00pm 4th grade to 5th grade
11:00pm 2nd grade to 3rd grade
Kids can repeat as often as they need or want to.
This past year I have encorporated the viewing of DVD's of rock groups performing to play along with and also some DVD guitar instruction.
Some students have stayed a couple of years and then took private lessons.
One of my earliest student(1995) now dates one of my High school age daughters.
He always tells me I was a good guitar teacher but I don't believe he is totally sincere. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4710
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 8, 2006 - 7:35 am: |
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Tom, my girls loved the DVDs and have an appreciation for Queen & Pink Floyd because of it. If we can fit it in their schedules we'll see you in Sept. |
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