Greg X is a London based guitarist, composer and guitar instructor influenced by the old school hard rock and heavy metal of 70's and 80's as well as guitar heroes: Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker and Joe Stump. He is currently involved in a few international music project and will be releasing his solo album later this year.
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I have been teaching guitar for two years now.
Why do you teach guitar?
I do it because I enjoy helping people who love this cool instrument. It's great to meeting like-minded people who go through the same struggles in their playing. I make sure that they don't have to learn things the hard way as I did. On the top of that teaching helps not only my pupils but me as well- I constantly have to improve to keep up with some great players that come for the lessons. Plus even beginner student can inspire you to create something that you would never come up with.
Where is your teaching practice based?
I’m based in Wimbledon, South West part of London, UK and at present I teach from my home studio.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
I specialize in rock and metal (mainly shred and improvisation). I teach students of all ages and levels so if you want to shred do it regardless your age and current skill level. I also accept blues and folk guys and girls. Actually there is a lot of girls who wants to shred here.
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
I enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn, possibly teaching intermediate and advanced players it's easier as they usually know what they want, on the other hand beginner students don't have any bad habits which makes a big difference. Sometimes I envy my students that they were so clever to sign up for some lessons as learning from someone else is always easier than doing things on your own....
What makes a player a virtuoso?
To me a virtuoso is someone who has not only a great command of the instrument but also the ability to communicate well his or her emotions. Someone who will make me cry when they play. I think it is someone who has really great standards on the ground of performance and composition.So I don't really associate this term with technical side of things anymore.
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
I believe that music is for people and as long as there is an audience for some crazy fast players there will be always a demand for that type of stuff. Whatever fits into the context of the composition it is not too fast. If something doesn't work because it's too fast then it is time to slow that down. The speed can be as powerful as vibrato or bends once it's done in the right place and at the right time....
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better
player?
The lack of clear goals is probably number one in my opinion and that certainly leads to the lack of good strategies to achieve these goals Also students need to believe in themselves no matter what people from their circle say. Sometimes our friends and relatives are not too supportive. That is why they need to search for like-minded people as it happens here on Shred Academy. Obviously students don't usually know how to reach their goals faster so they struggle, but then there are guys like me to help.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
A good student is someone who has a clear vision of himself or herself doing all these things they dream about. Someone who is willing to give their trust to a teacher. Obviously it's good to check if your teacher really cares about your first. I can see right away which student is really on fire and will do really well. It's all about the mindset.. And for that type of people I am always willing to give my 200%
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
The vast majority of my students are adults who get really good results so I would say that it's not true that you have to be really young to become a great player. Adults maybe don't have as much time to practice as children but they usually have life experience that can be transferable to the guitar. There is also an issue of concentration that is better once you are older.
What is your teaching format?
At present I teach private lessons at my home studio but I will be starting group sessions as the demand for the guitar lessons in the local area is very high.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
If you want to improve your lead guitar skills start singing your solos-that is the way to test whether they are good or not. Start composing and recording your music as soon as possible no matter what level you are currently at. Find like-minded people to enjoy the music with.
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
They can contact me through my artist page which is www.gregxmusic.com or my local teaching website which is www.guitarlessonsinwimbledon.co.uk or email: baroquenroll1775@yahoo.co.uk
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Interview - Shred Teacher Chris Martins
Chris Martins is a shredder and shred teacher from France. He has appeared on the compilation album Sonic Bridges and is currently working on the very progressive Legacy of Gaia project as well as Retribution Archangel, both scheduled for release later this year. Chris has been teaching guitar for oven ten years and has played as a hired gun for bands both in the studio and on stage. Check out the great wisdom he has to share.
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I've been teaching for over ten years now. I used to teach in high school but that doesn't really count, does it ?
Why do you teach guitar?
I teach because it's great to see people succeed in their endeavors, and since guitar is an area where I can help them reach their goals, I'm happy to help. And I'd rather teach guitar than flip burgers for a living anyway...
Where is your teaching practice based?
I teach in France, near Paris.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
Taking people to the next level is what I do best, no matter what level they're at initially. Style wise, blues, rock, hard-rock and metal is what I do best. I also like to teach applied theory and harmony and get great results from my slightly odd approach to it.
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
All levels are great. With beginners, it's seeing their happiness from being able to play the first songs, chords or solos of their lives, wheras the intermediate player will be stoked to realize he can actually play that Malmsteen lick with the right approach, and the advanced and very advanced players are sometimes a challenge to keep up with, and they make practicing hard a necessity. So it's all good in my book.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
I'd say that short of mind blowing speed, the level of control over “the” note makes the player a virtuoso. You can shred all day, but if that last note, bend and vibrato are not in control, you ain't there yet, period. Virtuosity can be demonstrated on a single note too. And you have to be able to express something otherwise it's just a guitar wankfest and who cares for that ?
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
I do believe in “too fast”, but only in a specific context. There's really no point going all out shred in a slow acoustic ballad, or just for the sake of it. Every note has to fit the song, or moment. A lot of players, especially intermediate players forget about this, and start shredding away whenever they get a chance, but the more advanced players know when to hold back and when to let the beast out. As players we should always remember that we're playing for an audience that is not composed of guitar players only, so not only will you not impress the crowd by overplaying, but you'll ruin the song and bore everyone to death. The most famous players are not necessarily the fastest ones, but they're always the most expressive ones. Still if the moment is right, you should take the opportunity to shred... you only live once you know...
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
I'd have to say not focusing on the little things enough. Most players are content when they can play a lick decently, but they should focus on playing that lick perfectly, and it takes a very different level of dedication and precision to achieve that. A lot of prospective students come to me saying “I don't want to be Vai or Malmsteen, I only want to play For the love of God or Black Star”. What they don't realize is that in order to play those songs, they'll have to reach a level of mastery and control on the instrument that is pretty much equal to the level of those players when they recorded that song to sound any good. People are generally too easily satisfied with their own work, and don't push the enveloppe enough, and that makes the most difference in my opinion. Also having the right mindset is the mother of all improvement.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
A good student focuses on the details, practices more than what's required, and in the exact way the teacher tells him to. Also a good student asks questions, but doesn't challenge the teacher's methods. People who actually listen and pay attention improve faster.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
It's not a matter of age. It's a matter of dedication and desire. Age is only a mind thing. That being said, the younger people will get faster results in general but will get discouraged sooner when they start hitting a plateau. Older people have usually learned the value of patience and perseverance.
What is your teaching format?
I teach private lessons, triples ( three people at a time ), thematic monthly masterclasses are coming back soon, and larger groups ( no more than 8 people in a class though ). I teach in both English or French.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
I don't think there's a Holy Grail of all models. It really depends on many factors, such as what is being practiced, who is practicing, is it a group class or a private lesson and what the goal is.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Two actually : believe you can do it. Trust yourself : there's no going around that part. And your heroes were beginners once, too...
And pay attention to whatever you're not paying attention to usually. If you're focused on your left hand 99% of the time, I bet your right hand does things it shouldn't. Things that hold you back are more often than not those you don't focus on enough.
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
They can email me directly at shredchris@hotmail.com or visit my website www.chrismartins.com
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I've been teaching for over ten years now. I used to teach in high school but that doesn't really count, does it ?
Why do you teach guitar?
I teach because it's great to see people succeed in their endeavors, and since guitar is an area where I can help them reach their goals, I'm happy to help. And I'd rather teach guitar than flip burgers for a living anyway...
Where is your teaching practice based?
I teach in France, near Paris.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
Taking people to the next level is what I do best, no matter what level they're at initially. Style wise, blues, rock, hard-rock and metal is what I do best. I also like to teach applied theory and harmony and get great results from my slightly odd approach to it.
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
All levels are great. With beginners, it's seeing their happiness from being able to play the first songs, chords or solos of their lives, wheras the intermediate player will be stoked to realize he can actually play that Malmsteen lick with the right approach, and the advanced and very advanced players are sometimes a challenge to keep up with, and they make practicing hard a necessity. So it's all good in my book.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
I'd say that short of mind blowing speed, the level of control over “the” note makes the player a virtuoso. You can shred all day, but if that last note, bend and vibrato are not in control, you ain't there yet, period. Virtuosity can be demonstrated on a single note too. And you have to be able to express something otherwise it's just a guitar wankfest and who cares for that ?
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
I do believe in “too fast”, but only in a specific context. There's really no point going all out shred in a slow acoustic ballad, or just for the sake of it. Every note has to fit the song, or moment. A lot of players, especially intermediate players forget about this, and start shredding away whenever they get a chance, but the more advanced players know when to hold back and when to let the beast out. As players we should always remember that we're playing for an audience that is not composed of guitar players only, so not only will you not impress the crowd by overplaying, but you'll ruin the song and bore everyone to death. The most famous players are not necessarily the fastest ones, but they're always the most expressive ones. Still if the moment is right, you should take the opportunity to shred... you only live once you know...
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
I'd have to say not focusing on the little things enough. Most players are content when they can play a lick decently, but they should focus on playing that lick perfectly, and it takes a very different level of dedication and precision to achieve that. A lot of prospective students come to me saying “I don't want to be Vai or Malmsteen, I only want to play For the love of God or Black Star”. What they don't realize is that in order to play those songs, they'll have to reach a level of mastery and control on the instrument that is pretty much equal to the level of those players when they recorded that song to sound any good. People are generally too easily satisfied with their own work, and don't push the enveloppe enough, and that makes the most difference in my opinion. Also having the right mindset is the mother of all improvement.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
A good student focuses on the details, practices more than what's required, and in the exact way the teacher tells him to. Also a good student asks questions, but doesn't challenge the teacher's methods. People who actually listen and pay attention improve faster.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
It's not a matter of age. It's a matter of dedication and desire. Age is only a mind thing. That being said, the younger people will get faster results in general but will get discouraged sooner when they start hitting a plateau. Older people have usually learned the value of patience and perseverance.
What is your teaching format?
I teach private lessons, triples ( three people at a time ), thematic monthly masterclasses are coming back soon, and larger groups ( no more than 8 people in a class though ). I teach in both English or French.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
I don't think there's a Holy Grail of all models. It really depends on many factors, such as what is being practiced, who is practicing, is it a group class or a private lesson and what the goal is.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Two actually : believe you can do it. Trust yourself : there's no going around that part. And your heroes were beginners once, too...
And pay attention to whatever you're not paying attention to usually. If you're focused on your left hand 99% of the time, I bet your right hand does things it shouldn't. Things that hold you back are more often than not those you don't focus on enough.
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
They can email me directly at shredchris@hotmail.com or visit my website www.chrismartins.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Interview - Shred Teacher Jonathan Vipond
He's toured the UK many times and his teaching business commands a sizable chunk of West Yorkshire. Jonathan Vipond tells us about the joys he gets from teaching and gives some sage advise.
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I have been teaching guitar for almost 5 years.
Why do you teach guitar?
I do this because I love helping people to enjoy playing guitar. It’s also the most satisfying job I’ve ever done and has allowed me to spend more time with my family and of course spend time making my own music and practicing.
Where is your teaching practice based?
I’m based on the Leeds and Bradford border in West Yorkshire, UK and I teach from my home studio and from a local community centre.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
I specialize in most rock and metal based styles in lead and rhythm guitar to advanced levels. I’ve been playing in these sorts of bands for 10 years now and I love it though I do teach blues and acoustic fingerstyle to an intermediate level as well.
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
I enjoy teaching students of all levels. Each poses it’s own challenges but it’s always satisfying for me to teach all levels. As long as the student is dedicated, wants to learn and to put the time and effort in I will help them. I get as much out of helping beginners to take the first steps as I do helping more advanced players hone their skills.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
Virtuoso can mean many things but to me it means an exceedingly high level of skill on their instrument, the ability to communicate and play what they mean in a way that is not mindlessly self-indulgent, an uncanny dedication to their craft and a strong work ethic towards playing, practicing and creating.
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
When the playing ceases to be musically expressive in term of the music being played. Someone can play at death defying speeds and if they can still make the music mean something and communicate it to a listener then that’s still fine. The concept of ‘too fast’ only comes about if someone is considering speed over the thought or feel for the music.
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
A student must approach playing the guitar from the right mindset. Someone who expect success to just ‘happen’ tend not to do too well. You have to put the time into learning in the right way. I’ve had so many students who simply thought that by coming for lessons with me they would automatically improve without having to put the time in and develop a real love for the instrument and the music that they make. They tend not to last very long because they’re probably not playing guitar for the right reasons. Even more experienced players seem to forget this important fact as well. Success at something must be earned.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
A good student is someone who has a hunger to learn and develop. My best students are always the ones who take what I teach them and begin using it right away to create something or learn songs in the best way that they can at that stage. Fact of the matter is that you don’t need to know much to be able to make simple but great music on the guitar but it takes the drive and initiative to take what you know and make something from it. Obviously practice helps. As a said above music lessons in themselves don’t make you good, it’s how you use the knowledge you are given and by putting the time into learning, developing and eventually mastering something that gives the biggest payoff and ultimately the best and most satisfied students.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
I have students from all ages who learn at different speeds. My oldest student is 61 and has been playing for a year and a half but has had a strong desire to play since his teens when he saw Hendrix and Cream. Also, he wants to be great so badly and has wanted to for so long he now works very hard to get to where he needs to be. Similarly I have a younger student, just turned 14, who never fails to surprise me with what he can do. At a recent student event he got up on stage on a live jam and blew everyone else away. He’s only been playing a year.
Both of these people have the common traits of a good student described above. I don’t think that age really has anything to do with it except that younger people in their teens have a lot more time on their hands than they realize to practice and play. Anyone can play and be great at guitar though if you have a strong enough desire and the patience and dedication to learn.
What is your teaching format?
I teach private and group lessons. A lot of time I get students to use what they learn in a jam situation or in composing their own music through my home studio setup. Private lessons are good for helping people with individual problems but the group sessions really help people to come out of their shell and develop the confidence in their playing that they need. I also run more specific classes on composition, recording and improvisation for those that need it.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
I prefer to give peple mixed format of private and group is better so that I can give them the best of both worlds. However it really depends on what the student needs and enjoys doing. I have people who happily turn up each week just to jam with people and that suits them fine.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Get playing and making music with other people as soon as you can. It’s all very well being a bedroom player but when it comes to making music with and for other people do you really have what it takes? Playing with others helps you to apply what you have learnt and make all those hours of practice worthwhile. Get some experience of it. It’s unbelievably good fun as well!
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
They can contact me through my website - http://www.guitar-lessons-leeds-and-bradford.co.uk/ or by emailing me at jrvipond@gmail.com
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I have been teaching guitar for almost 5 years.
Why do you teach guitar?
I do this because I love helping people to enjoy playing guitar. It’s also the most satisfying job I’ve ever done and has allowed me to spend more time with my family and of course spend time making my own music and practicing.
Where is your teaching practice based?
I’m based on the Leeds and Bradford border in West Yorkshire, UK and I teach from my home studio and from a local community centre.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
I specialize in most rock and metal based styles in lead and rhythm guitar to advanced levels. I’ve been playing in these sorts of bands for 10 years now and I love it though I do teach blues and acoustic fingerstyle to an intermediate level as well.
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
I enjoy teaching students of all levels. Each poses it’s own challenges but it’s always satisfying for me to teach all levels. As long as the student is dedicated, wants to learn and to put the time and effort in I will help them. I get as much out of helping beginners to take the first steps as I do helping more advanced players hone their skills.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
Virtuoso can mean many things but to me it means an exceedingly high level of skill on their instrument, the ability to communicate and play what they mean in a way that is not mindlessly self-indulgent, an uncanny dedication to their craft and a strong work ethic towards playing, practicing and creating.
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
When the playing ceases to be musically expressive in term of the music being played. Someone can play at death defying speeds and if they can still make the music mean something and communicate it to a listener then that’s still fine. The concept of ‘too fast’ only comes about if someone is considering speed over the thought or feel for the music.
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
A student must approach playing the guitar from the right mindset. Someone who expect success to just ‘happen’ tend not to do too well. You have to put the time into learning in the right way. I’ve had so many students who simply thought that by coming for lessons with me they would automatically improve without having to put the time in and develop a real love for the instrument and the music that they make. They tend not to last very long because they’re probably not playing guitar for the right reasons. Even more experienced players seem to forget this important fact as well. Success at something must be earned.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
A good student is someone who has a hunger to learn and develop. My best students are always the ones who take what I teach them and begin using it right away to create something or learn songs in the best way that they can at that stage. Fact of the matter is that you don’t need to know much to be able to make simple but great music on the guitar but it takes the drive and initiative to take what you know and make something from it. Obviously practice helps. As a said above music lessons in themselves don’t make you good, it’s how you use the knowledge you are given and by putting the time into learning, developing and eventually mastering something that gives the biggest payoff and ultimately the best and most satisfied students.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
I have students from all ages who learn at different speeds. My oldest student is 61 and has been playing for a year and a half but has had a strong desire to play since his teens when he saw Hendrix and Cream. Also, he wants to be great so badly and has wanted to for so long he now works very hard to get to where he needs to be. Similarly I have a younger student, just turned 14, who never fails to surprise me with what he can do. At a recent student event he got up on stage on a live jam and blew everyone else away. He’s only been playing a year.
Both of these people have the common traits of a good student described above. I don’t think that age really has anything to do with it except that younger people in their teens have a lot more time on their hands than they realize to practice and play. Anyone can play and be great at guitar though if you have a strong enough desire and the patience and dedication to learn.
What is your teaching format?
I teach private and group lessons. A lot of time I get students to use what they learn in a jam situation or in composing their own music through my home studio setup. Private lessons are good for helping people with individual problems but the group sessions really help people to come out of their shell and develop the confidence in their playing that they need. I also run more specific classes on composition, recording and improvisation for those that need it.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
I prefer to give peple mixed format of private and group is better so that I can give them the best of both worlds. However it really depends on what the student needs and enjoys doing. I have people who happily turn up each week just to jam with people and that suits them fine.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Get playing and making music with other people as soon as you can. It’s all very well being a bedroom player but when it comes to making music with and for other people do you really have what it takes? Playing with others helps you to apply what you have learnt and make all those hours of practice worthwhile. Get some experience of it. It’s unbelievably good fun as well!
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
They can contact me through my website - http://www.guitar-lessons-leeds-and-bradford.co.uk/ or by emailing me at jrvipond@gmail.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Interview - Shred Teacher Zack Uidl
One of the nicest (and busiest) young shredders on the scene is back. This time Zack gives us some priceless insight from a shred teacher's point of view.
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I have been a guitar instructor professionally since 2005. Previously, I would teach occasionally, but in 2005 I decided that I wanted to dedicate time each week to helping others with their guitar playing, music, and to help them reach their goals in the shortest amount of time possible.
Why do you teach guitar?
I teach guitar to help my students reach their goals. I absolutely love to help people in any way that I can, so it is natural for me as a guitarist and musician to want to teach people. I want to help speed up the process of my students’ abilities to reach their short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals in the most efficient way possible.
Where is your teaching practice based?
For the most part, I instruct my various classes and programs out of my private studio in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. However, I also do a lot of guest instruction at universities, for things like Camp Jam, and other various clinics, classes, and events.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
My specialty is definitely progressive-metal, lead guitar, and music theory. I do teach elements of jazz, classical, and other styles, but it all falls into a progressive-metal context. For example, jazz uses some very cool chord and progressions, I teach the theory and concepts of it, but in a way that applies to my students (since my students are basically all within this genre to some extent).
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
For me, it is less about the level of the student and way more about their dedication and motivation levels. I do however mainly instruct intermediate to advanced metal guitarists. I only take on highly motivated students. I love to teach anyone who is dedicated, but mainly prefer intermediate to advanced metal guitarists if I had to choose.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
I view the term “virtuoso” in different ways. I think of the term virtuoso as another word for expert. I think someone could be a technical virtuoso on their instrument (playing 1,000 notes per minute or more) and a virtuoso with things like song-writing. In general the term virtuoso is used to describe the very best of artists and normally it is describing technical abilities. I tend to think that way the most however, I really only consider someone to be a virtuoso if they appropriately use the techniques and not use them in “mindless” kind of ways.
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
With speed, it must be used appropriately. If not, then I believe it is too fast, but I do not think you can really put a “notes-per-minute” calculation on something like this. Something could be 400npm and be too fast to fit the music in an appropriate way, or it could be 1,400npm and fit perfectly.
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
I think that the biggest “roadblock” for students is not having an effective practice schedule. Having a practice schedule massively improves the rate in which you learn. A good guitar instructor can easily help their students develop an incredible practice schedule that will allow the student to reach their goals in the most efficient and effective way. If anyone who reads this wants help with this, just shoot me an email.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
I good student is willing to work hard for the results that they want. They will realize and understand that there is a huge different between playing guitar and practicing guitar. They will invest their practice time into focused practice rather than abstract licks and songs. They are highly motivated and dedicated to reaching their personal goals. If a student has all of that, they will without a doubt succeed tremendously and within a much shorter time period.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
In general, I would say that younger students (kids through teenage years) will learn faster, however there are a ton of factors to this. Anyone can learn quickly with a great instructor and with an organized practice routine. Dedication, motivation, and organization are the important things. Age does have a slight affect on learning, but nothing major really.
What is your teaching format?
I teach in several formats including private one-on-one classes, classes with small groups (2 to 4 people), classes with large groups (10 to 20 people), and various other programs and specialty classes.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
This depends completely on each student and their goals. Some students will learn better with one-on-one lessons while others will learn way faster being in a small or large group. I interview potential students with their goals to see what will work best for them personally.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Get organized. Have a set practice schedule and stay focused within each practice session. Realize that there is a massive different between playing and practicing. You will see much higher results this way.
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
Prospective students, or anyone for that matter, can get in touch with me best via my website, zackuidl.com, or by simply emailing me at zack@zackuidl.com. I like to talk to my students prior to the first meeting, so often a phone call will be arranged before the first class or lesson. Email me for my phone number.
How long have you been teaching guitar?
I have been a guitar instructor professionally since 2005. Previously, I would teach occasionally, but in 2005 I decided that I wanted to dedicate time each week to helping others with their guitar playing, music, and to help them reach their goals in the shortest amount of time possible.
Why do you teach guitar?
I teach guitar to help my students reach their goals. I absolutely love to help people in any way that I can, so it is natural for me as a guitarist and musician to want to teach people. I want to help speed up the process of my students’ abilities to reach their short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals in the most efficient way possible.
Where is your teaching practice based?
For the most part, I instruct my various classes and programs out of my private studio in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. However, I also do a lot of guest instruction at universities, for things like Camp Jam, and other various clinics, classes, and events.
As far as teaching goes, what is your specialty?
My specialty is definitely progressive-metal, lead guitar, and music theory. I do teach elements of jazz, classical, and other styles, but it all falls into a progressive-metal context. For example, jazz uses some very cool chord and progressions, I teach the theory and concepts of it, but in a way that applies to my students (since my students are basically all within this genre to some extent).
What level of player do you prefer to teach?
For me, it is less about the level of the student and way more about their dedication and motivation levels. I do however mainly instruct intermediate to advanced metal guitarists. I only take on highly motivated students. I love to teach anyone who is dedicated, but mainly prefer intermediate to advanced metal guitarists if I had to choose.
What makes a player a virtuoso?
I view the term “virtuoso” in different ways. I think of the term virtuoso as another word for expert. I think someone could be a technical virtuoso on their instrument (playing 1,000 notes per minute or more) and a virtuoso with things like song-writing. In general the term virtuoso is used to describe the very best of artists and normally it is describing technical abilities. I tend to think that way the most however, I really only consider someone to be a virtuoso if they appropriately use the techniques and not use them in “mindless” kind of ways.
How fast is too fast, if such a concept exists?
With speed, it must be used appropriately. If not, then I believe it is too fast, but I do not think you can really put a “notes-per-minute” calculation on something like this. Something could be 400npm and be too fast to fit the music in an appropriate way, or it could be 1,400npm and fit perfectly.
From a Teacher’s point of view, what is the number one roadblock to becoming a better player?
I think that the biggest “roadblock” for students is not having an effective practice schedule. Having a practice schedule massively improves the rate in which you learn. A good guitar instructor can easily help their students develop an incredible practice schedule that will allow the student to reach their goals in the most efficient and effective way. If anyone who reads this wants help with this, just shoot me an email.
What makes a good student? Describe the student who progresses really quickly.
I good student is willing to work hard for the results that they want. They will realize and understand that there is a huge different between playing guitar and practicing guitar. They will invest their practice time into focused practice rather than abstract licks and songs. They are highly motivated and dedicated to reaching their personal goals. If a student has all of that, they will without a doubt succeed tremendously and within a much shorter time period.
Do you find that older or younger students progress faster/learn quicker?
In general, I would say that younger students (kids through teenage years) will learn faster, however there are a ton of factors to this. Anyone can learn quickly with a great instructor and with an organized practice routine. Dedication, motivation, and organization are the important things. Age does have a slight affect on learning, but nothing major really.
What is your teaching format?
I teach in several formats including private one-on-one classes, classes with small groups (2 to 4 people), classes with large groups (10 to 20 people), and various other programs and specialty classes.
What models of learning benefit the student the most?
This depends completely on each student and their goals. Some students will learn better with one-on-one lessons while others will learn way faster being in a small or large group. I interview potential students with their goals to see what will work best for them personally.
Is there one piece of advice that you can give the readers to improve their playing right now?
Get organized. Have a set practice schedule and stay focused within each practice session. Realize that there is a massive different between playing and practicing. You will see much higher results this way.
How can prospective students contact you for lessons?
Prospective students, or anyone for that matter, can get in touch with me best via my website, zackuidl.com, or by simply emailing me at zack@zackuidl.com. I like to talk to my students prior to the first meeting, so often a phone call will be arranged before the first class or lesson. Email me for my phone number.
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