However, let's not underestimate the great value of a good teacher. A teacher can help the student in many ways. The teacher can accomplish the following if the student is willing.

1. Help the student develop good technique.

2. Help the student learn how to read music.

3. Help the student learn to listen (ear training)

4. Help the student prepare for contests, auditions and work situations.

5 Provide encouragement and support.

6.Offer criticism and re-evaluation when the student begins to over-estimate their accomplishments.

7. Suggest players for the student to listen to that otherwise might be overlooked.

8. Help the student develop an awareness and understanding of different styles.

9. Discuss the students problems in confidence. Some of the best lessons are this type.

10. Help the student learn the fundamentals of music as well as guitar.

Now, here's a few guidelines on choosing a teacher which might be helpful:

1. Try to set up an interview with the teacher or talk with some of his/her students. This will give you some idea of what the teacher specializes in and what you can expect to learn. Not every teacher can offer what you are most interested in. it will depend to some degree on the teacher's experience in music and what he or she feels is important to emphasize with students.

2. Avoid teachers who spend a lot of time criticizing name guitarists or other teachers.

3. Avoid any teacher who constantly plays more during the lesson than the student. There may be times when this is necessary to make a point, but it should be the exception and not a regular occurence.

The best teachers stress the fundamentals of music and guitar playing. They strive to help the student develop the tools and knowledge he or she will need to develop their own style. By sharing their experience they can save a young guitarist lots of time by avoiding obvious pitfalls and bad habits.

The most important person in the learning process is the student. In the final analysis, each one of us determines to a great degree how much we will learn. Attitude, desire, willingness to work coupled with natural ability are the key ingredients for learning. Your most important tools are your mind, your ears, and the drive to succeed.

Copyright 2006 Mike Hayes