Music Lessons

What instruments do you teach?
I specialize in classical guitar lessons and bluegrass banjo lessons; but I certainly do not restrict my guitar teaching (or playing) to classical guitar. Fingerstyle, worship music, folk guitar styles, and jazz standards are incorporated as a regular part of my teaching.

How do I get started?
The first step is to call or email me, and set up a time for your first lesson. Once that first time and place is chosen, we can move from there to getting something on the calendar that is regular. At the first lesson, we discuss how we are going to move forward.

Do you teach group lessons?
I am open to giving lessons for up to four people at a time. (Brothers and sisters will frequently combine lessons.) It should be understood that each person progresses at a different rate, and it is often difficult to accommodate the varying levels of ability that frequently crop up in that situation. Usually this doesn't show up initially, however, and we can get through the first semester or two before the necessity of dividing is apparent. I will teach two people in the space of a half hour, 3 or 4 in an hour.

What ages do you teach?
I have students from 6 to 60. I get along really well with teenagers, and young adults, but am quite experienced in teaching younger ages. And, for those who want to pick up the guitar as an adult, I have a great program that will have you playing very soon.

What if we miss a lesson?
If you miss a lesson without giving me advance notice (at least a day ahead), you forfeit that lesson, and will be charged accordingly. In order to get credit for any lessons you miss, you must let me know that you will not be there at least a day ahead of time. Then the cost of that lesson will be credited toward the next month.

Likewise, I hold myself to the same standard: if I miss a lesson without letting you know at least a day ahead, you will get that lesson made up, plus you will get credited. In other words, you will get a free lesson.

When is payment due?
Payment is due at the beginning of each month, for that month. At the first lesson of each month, we will determine how many lessons we will have that month, and you can make payment accordingly. At the last lesson of each month, we will confirm when your next lesson will be. So long as you continue taking lessons without interruption, I will not raise the price. The only time you would be subject to a rate increase would be if you stop taking lessons for a semester or more, and then start up again. In that case, you would be subject to whatever the rate is at that time.

How much do I need to practice?
Part of my philosophy of teaching (and of life, for that matter), is "there are no shortcuts." Without being too hard, I must say that in order to gain ground on the guitar, you need to commit to playing every day, at least 6 days per week. That is the first step. Now, having made that commitment, how much to play per day is the next question. I require, of the average beginner, about 30 mins/day. But some younger students can't concentrate that much - at least not on their own. So we want to move them in that direction, without breaking their spirit. Some older students find they can't accomplish that much in 30 mins, and need more. I expect that you will practice as much as is necessary in order to get the work done that I have given you each week. But, sometimes, if you stop there, you won't progress as quickly as you want to. Don't tie yourself down - be free to do more, after you have done the requirement.

May I sit in on my child's lesson?
Absolutely! Not only am I in favor of that, I encourage it - especially for younger students. In fact, if you take the lesson right along with your child (so that each of you have a guitar), and practice right along with them, you will find that your child progresses two or more times as fast as s/he would without your input. It is like giving them a lesson every day. And, it can be a great bonding experience between you and your child, as well (depending on how you handle it, of course).

What material do you cover in each lesson?
Guitar playing/learning consists of Technique, Theory, and Repertoire. Technique is further divided into Scales, Technical Studies, and Exercises; Theory consists of Music Reading (Music, Tablature, and Chord Charts), Scale Construction, Chord Construction, and Chord Progressions. Repertoire is divided by style: Classical, Fingerstyle, Folk, Worship, Jazz, etc. In addition, guitar playing can be separated into Solo Playing and Accompaniment; and each of the above areas has its emphasis in each of these two categories - so it doubles the amount of material in each case.
Do I cover each of these areas in every lesson? Obviously not. Over time, though, you will work into, and understand, some of all of these, and have a thorough understanding of several of these. Each lesson will build on the last, and move through a sequential set of steps as we move through each area.

When do you do student recitals?
Student Recitals are held once per year, always on the third Thursday of May. The recital is a chance for each student to demonstrate his achievements of the year to the public. The recital is a necessary component of your development as a guitar student. So much of what you learn as a guitarist cannot be learned any other way than by simply performing.

Do I have to perform in the recital?
I do not require any of my adult students to perform. I highly encourage it, but I understand everyone has a different reason for taking lessons. I do require it of all students who are yet dependents.

What about the Guitar Ensemble?
I'm glad you asked that question. I direct the guitar ensemble through the Academy of Music at Northwestern College, and it is a great, and fun experience that everyone enjoys. We have a great time playing music of all types and all levels - because if your student can't play the music as written, we adjust the part to fit his ability. So everyone gets a chance to play.
For more information, go to the Academy of Music website: www.nwc.edu/web/music/academy-of-music , and click on "ensembles."

Guitar Class is also offered through the Academy of Music at Northwestern College. If you think you would like to learn at a set pace, and feel that you do better in a setting in which you have other students to relate to, or simply feel that you would like to take advantage of group pricing structure, go to the Academy of Music website: www.nwc.edu/web/music/academy-of-music, and click on "group lessons."

Call 651-253-8088 to contact me about setting up lessons; or click here. When you join the Glen Larson Guitar Studio, you are signing up for more than just guitar lessons: you are joining a club; gaining a whole new set of friends; entering a group of like-minded people. Because many of my students get to know each other, and become good friends in other venues, as well, your lessons give you more than just guitar knowledge.