The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Guitar Tutor for You

Introduction

I have been working as a guitar tutor since 2014 now and I have taught in homes, in schools, in my own home, in music schools, and now in my own teaching space.

You may be in need of a tutor who visits your home, or perhaps you have other children that are interested in other musical instruments which makes a music school a great choice. Perhaps you are in need of a tutor who has had SEN training, or perhaps you or your child would feel safer if their tutor was the same gender as them or if they were vocally an LGBTQ+ Ally.

This blog post is here to help you vet your tutor tutor by knowing what to ask, what to look out for, and how pricing of lessons can really say a lot about the tutor themselves. It's also here to introduce my own approach to teaching guitar, bass and ukulele.

One thing that has become very apparent to me is that not all tutors are created equally and we all have strengths and weaknesses. I think that it's important to learn about your tutor before you pick, and take advantage of any free trial promotions to really get a feel for whether the tutor is the right one for you.

Understanding Your/Your Childs Own Learning Goals

• Identify Your Musical Interests

Define the genres or styles you want to learn (e.g., rock, classical, folk). This can really help when speaking to any potential tutors to help them figure out if they can cater to your taste, because who wants to learn music they hate?

• Set Clear Objectives

Decide whether you want casual playing, performance skills, or exam preparation. Not all tutors can cater to exam prep, and some will only work up to a specific grade.

• Consider Your Practice Commitment

Assess how much time you can realistically dedicate to practice. If you are not able to put a lot of practice time, you should expect to be looking for a tutor with a relaxed, gentle approach. No one likes being told off for not practicing!

Your Guitar Tutor’s Experience and Teaching Style

• Evaluate Tutor’s Background

Look for teaching experience with your demographic. See if they have completed any grading, or whether they have music degree(s), or how long they have been teaching. Its always a good look when tutors are actively gigging in a band of their own as it means that they absolutely cannot get enough of music and are doing it for the love.

• Personalized vs. Standardized Teaching

Consider if the tutor customizes lessons or uses rigid curricula. This is obviously a very personal thing and ties into whether you're looking to follow a grading syllabus, or if you're looking for a fun hobby.

• Teaching Methods and Tools

Find out if the tutor uses modern technology, sheet music, or ear training. Think about whether you're comfortable with tutors that use resources like youtube to teach from.

Compatibility and Communication

• Teaching Personality Fit

Importance of a tutor whose personality and communication style match your learning preference. Are they kind? Are they positive in a non-toxic way? Do you feel safe and respected by them?

• Patience and Encouragement

A good tutor should motivate and support you through challenges, and carefully chosen words are so important.

• Feedback Style

Understand how the tutor provides corrections and positive reinforcement. Your tutor should know exactly what to say to cheer you on, not bring you down.

You will only really discover whether the tutor communicates in a way that works for you from a trial lesson, so if they offer this, I highly recommend taking them up on the offer.

Location and Accessibility

• Proximity of Tutor

  If you are looking for face-to-face lessons, have a look at how long it would take you to reach their space. Think carefully about traffic on certain times of the day.

• Music School Accessibility

  Ensure that if you have any mobility needs, that the location of your tutor's teaching space is accessible for you.

• Availability of Online Lessons

Consider if online sessions are an option to offer flexibility.

• Scheduling and Flexibility

Check the tutor’s availability to match your schedule, and see if they have any make-up credit policies for anyone who might need the odd week off and would like to move lessons around.

My teaching space

Cost and Commitment

• Lesson Fees and Packages

Compare hourly rates and whether discounts apply for longer packages or if Siblings are enrolled.

• Trial Lessons and Policies

Check if a first trial lesson is offered and what the cancellation policy is - a place that offers make-up credits is likely to be quite fair and considerate in their policies.

• Long-Term Commitment Expectations

Understand if the tutor requires a monthly minimum, if lessons are paid for each week or if a contract is needed.

Resources and Materials Provided

• Access to Learning Materials

Does the tutor provide books, backing tracks, or online resources? Some tutors will have a little shop shelf so that you can buy books, guitar strings, capos and more.

• Progress Tracking

How does the tutor monitor and communicate your improvement? Some tutors use a lesson note feedback system, some use paper journals.

• Supplementary Support

Availability for questions outside lessons or additional practice tips. If your tutor isn't making an effort to say hello and goodbye at the door, then they're not giving you the time that you need.

Flexibility to Varying Student Needs

• Adapting to Skill Levels

How well can the tutor adjust lesson difficulty according to your progress?

• Addressing Different Learning Styles

Recognition that some students learn better visually, others by ear or tactile methods.

• Handling Performance Anxiety or Motivation Issues

Tutor’s approach for non-musical barriers. You might be able to to suss this out in a phone call if you bring up the topic of anxiety or motivation. How do they react?

Testimonials and Recommendations

• Seek Reviews from Other Beginners

Find feedback from students with similar goals and backgrounds. Google places is a good place to find reviews, as well as facebook pages.

• Ask for credentials

I cannot stress enough that you need to make sure that the tutor you use for childrens lessons is DBS checked, insured and trained in safeguarding. Everyone who works with children are required to have these things by law, and you should ask to see them before you attend a trial.

• Local Community Engagement

Tutors active in local music events or communities may offer additional support and opportunities for those wishing to perform, form bands and more.

In conclusion, my insights are deeply rooted in my own experiences as a tutor, working alongside other tutors, and serving as an administrator at a music school. This diverse background has given me a comprehensive understanding of what parents and learners are looking for in a music tutor, which can vary greatly from person to person. It’s essential to reflect on what matters most to you personally—whether that’s teaching style, accessibility, or specific qualifications—and seek out a tutor who aligns with those needs. Every musical journey is unique, and finding the right tutor is a pivotal step in ensuring that journey is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and remember that the perfect tutor for someone else might not be the perfect tutor for you.