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Teacher advice needed.
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I originally posted this in response to Marshall's last message about
his weekly lessons. I think my post might have gotten lost in the mix. I'm reposting as a new thread because I really could use some advice. Like Marshall, I too have recently began jazz guitar lessons as an adult and following a long hiatus. I have a teacher whom I love, but I'm concerned that serious gaps are developing in my musicianship and that I may be focusing on the wrong things. I've been with my teacher for almost two years now. To give some indication of my "level" (whatever that means) I'm playing through Wes Montgomery's "I've grown accustomed to Her Face" and "Angel Eyes," but I can't really make it through a ii-V-I. My teacher spends little if any times on scales, arpeggios or technique. I almost feel like I'm learning tunes, but not learning enough about the instrument itself. Don't get me wrong, I love my teacher and he's is one of the best musicians I have ever met. But I feel like we've glossed over some of the basics I need in order to improve my playing and musicianship. I'm considering taking a sabbatical from my current teacher. And here's is where I could use the group's help: 1) Am I being too quick to judge? Should I spend more time with my current teacher before I considering making a change? 2) If I do decide to make a change, can anyone recommend a teacher in the LI or NYC area who has successfully taught students to improvise and who has a progressive and methodological approach to this elusive topic? Many thanks in advance...mlm [Moderator: Moved from Google Message Queue ] |
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joseph kiernan
After reading your post it soounds like your teacher is teachng the things he wants to develope himself. This happens from time to time, teachers get trapped in their own deficiencies.
I do have an important question, have expressed this to your teacher? Also, have youjust played these pieces without analysis? Before you try another teacher write down the things you want to learn with him and give it to him. If he's a good teacher he'll drop what ever you are studying currently and start from there. You sound as though you respesct your teacher as a mentor which is great but it also sounds like it has gotten in the way of your path to understanding jazz gtr. I have taken lessons with a few jazz guitarists, I have gone through the same thing. I highly recommend Sheryl Bailey, NYC. Of all the teachers and great players I have studied with she is by far the best. She can clearly analyze what you have and what you lack and take you from there. A good teacher and student relationaship is really important but remember your paying for a service. Joe Kiernan |
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John Amato
--- ml@... wrote:
1) Am I being too quick to judge? Should I spendFirst -- stay with your present teacher and give a chance to assess your level and to guage his lessons ... this could take some time ... if you find after a few months that he is not successfully gauging his lessons to your improvement (or lack of improvement -- which may also be a result of your not pratgicing...) It would be wise then to seek another teacher .. ...but, not too soon before your teacher has a chance to know you and where your playing is at now ... if you sense that he is unaware of how to take your present level and gauge his lessons to build upon what you already know ... seek another teacher .. I know good teachers in the NY Metropolitan area ... Many thanks in advance...mlm John Amato Music blows the dust off your soul... Isa.55:11 __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 |
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Well, what DO you do in a typical lesson? Have you asked him about the things you want to learn? Tal Farlow was one of the most natural people I'd ever met and his methods consisted of your being able to stop him as he was playing and saying "THAT!! What was THAT?" but he was perfect for some, not the most effective for those that wanted exhaustive scale theory method. Mick Goodrick could/would tell you everything you wanted to know about chord scales but you had to ask, otherwise you could wind up talking about things of little musical value if you wanted.
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A teacher doesn't teach you; you teach yourself. Everytime you pick up the guitar and practice, you move closer to what you want to be. If your teacher isn't showing you a recognizable path, it's not a good match. It may even be a case where you'll be able to better appreciate your teacher's offerings/approach after someone else has answered your more immediate questions. Voice your reservations to your teacher. Find out, for instance, how he approaches a turnaround and see if his ways might be truer than chord scales, or if you have to find your truth somewhere else. David -----Original Message-----
From: <ml@...> Subject: [jazz_guitar] Teacher advice needed. I've been with my teacher for almost two years now. To give some indication of my "level" (whatever that means) I'm playing through Wes Montgomery's "I've grown accustomed to Her Face" and "Angel Eyes," but I can't really make it through a ii-V-I. My teacher spends little if any times on scales, arpeggios or technique. |
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Pancho Bravo
I think David's approach is right: you should tell
your teacher how you are feeling about your "learning path". Two years is enough time to know something isn't working, and you don't have the attitude to say that is his fault, so I think you have good habits of practice and study. But you should be able to know: 1.- what you want 2.- what are you getting 3.- how to ask for what you want. So just go, and tell your teacher... Pancho |
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ml,
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two years is more than long enough to evaluate the effectiveness of an instructor. very often, as an adult student, most of what will be learned, at least intellectually, will be learned in a relatively short period of time. it is your responsibility to find an instructor that meets your needs. you have done the hard part, at least for me, that is, you have distanced yourself from your current instructor by taking a sabbatical. btw, when i find a new instructor, i like to inform them upfront of my intentions as regards the length of our potential relationship. i think a year is more than enough time. if things are working great after a year, i can always reenlist! regards, huey --- In jazz_guitar@..., <ml@m...> wrote:
I originally posted this in response to Marshall's last message about |
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rayray
ml@... wrote:
I've been with my teacher for almost two years now. To give someThose are two great Wes solos, I used to play them over and over! But more to the point, if your teacher isn't focusing on improv then you need to point this out. Can he improvise well himself? Either he's avoiding the point because he can't, or perhaps he just doesn't know how to approach teaching it, or there is just a miscommunication of goals. Get to the bottom of the issue before you waste anymore time! NYC is filled with great jazz educators. In some respects you don't necessarily need to take from a guitarist to learn improv. I've taken lessons with trombone, trumpet and piano players at different points. Find someone who impresses you as being a really good improvisor/teacher to study with if this guy doesn't work out. Ray |
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None Nope
Hello all,
I have been with my instructor for about 2 years as well. I have also learned a few Wes tunes also which I really like, but my instructor has me learning jazz standards from the Real book. He told me that he wants me to be able to jam with other musicians. Wes is my personal favorite and I have all of his Riverside stuff as well as some Verve releases, like Smok'n at the Half note. I have just recently learned "While were Young" from the "So Much Guitar" release. I also know Mi Cosa, from his last Riverside CD. I still have to learn "I've grown accustomed to here face", but that one is next. My instructor knows that I want to learn Wes tunes but points out that Wes does change alot of these arrangements and is very stylized. Learning tunes from players you like is fun and good for your playing but being able to jam with other is important too. I also know 4 on 6 and West Coast Blues....there are so many I want to learn. Canadian Sunset is another great one that I just started. That one should help my octive playing the entire head is all octives. Hope I spelled that right. Oh well. Take care, Don |
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