Robert McClung Musician

The first step is just learning proper technique. Being able to hold the instrument correctly and making notes that sound good. That alone can take several weeks.

Then the student must learn the basic rudiments of reading music. Understanding the staff and rhythm.

Once these abilities are established, students start playing songs. Very simple ones at first. Gradually the songs get more intricate and introduce new techniques.

I have been a working professional musician since my mid teens. Touring and recording with numerous well known musicians accross many genres.

I have been a professional educator for over thirty years. Working in many different public and private school settings.

I have a degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University. But when it comes to music, life experience and getting out there and doing it count for far more than a piece of paper hung on the wall. 

The establishment I work at, Exeter Music, sets the price of lessons. They currently charge $27 for guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin. And $29 for violin, viola.

Lessons are paid for in advance at the beginning of each calender month.

Luck!!

I was working in a newly opened music store. People came in asking if the store offered lessons. The owner of the store asked me if I wanted to teach. I figured "sure, why not?". So I did. I have good communication skills and I'm very well organized, which helped me develop a solid curriculum.

Within a few months I had amassed an impressive student base. Eventually I started getting offers from other stores and schools wanting me to teach at their establishments as well.

Teaching was never my career goal. But it has become an incredible blessing. It has allowed me to have a career doing what I love and it has allowed me enrich the lives of many people young and old.

All ages. All levels. Including people with disabilities and special needs

Seeing a long time student write and record their first album.

Don't look for the easy way out. The "fun" teacher might not be giving you the skills and knowledge you need to achieve the greatest goals on your instrument.

If you want to get good, it won't be easy, and it won't as always be fun. Any potential teacher who tries to give you that impression is either a lier, or simply a bad teacher.

Does the teacher have a background in playing the styles they wish to pursue?

Will the teacher have standards, set goals, and hold them accountable of they don't put in the work to achieve those goals? A teacher that doesn't is not helping you. They are holding you back.