Buddy is retired government worker who relocated from the DC/ Maryland area in 2012. He is now using his free time to hone his guitar playing skills. He also enjoys woodworking, has attended luthier school and has built a couple acoustic guitars (shown in picture).
When Buddy started lessons at Littleton Guitar School, he was looking to smooth out his chord changes, improve his finger independence, as well as his ability to stay in rhythm while playing. Here is an interview with Buddy and his feelings about his learning experience at Littleton Guitar School.
LGS: How did you view guitar lessons before you started taking lessons with Littleton Guitar School?
BA: My 1st experience with individual guitar lessons was with the Bach to Rock school in Maryland. I had never had a music lesson in my life nor played any kind of instrument. My instructor was an accomplished player and very knowledgeable in music theory, however he was much younger than me (40 year difference) and it was difficult for me to explain what I wanted and it was difficult for him to relate to someone who had absolutely no experience and was trying to learn so late in life. I became very frustrated that I would never learn even the most basic skills or knowledge of the guitar.
LGS: How has that perception about guitar lessons changed?
BA: Since starting with Ken I find I have a renewed hope of becoming a “respectable” player in the future. Ken has a natural ability to see what you are doing, what you need and then to lead you to where you should be. His straightforward approach teaches skills and at the same time gives you just enough music theory necessary to understand why you are doing that skill. Ken is extremely encouraging and never makes you feel like you don’t belong. He allows you to learn at your own pace while at the same time introducing new skills to keep you moving forward.
LGS: Name 3 things you understand or can do now, that you didn’t understand or couldn’t do before you began guitar lessons with Littleton Guitar School:
BA:
- Prior to starting with Ken I could not strum in rhythm and do chord changes within a rhythm. Now I am able to strum several different strum patterns and do several chord changes while maintaining the rhythm.
- I have learned to play a 12 bar blues beat using 3 different patterns, am learning moveable power chords and barre chords. I am also learning how to improvise lead guitar using pentatonic scales.
- Although it is difficult to explain, I am beginning to learn how the different aspects of music relate to each other to form “music”… how scales are used in lead runs, the notes in a chord, what makes a major vs a minor chord, and the chords within a major scale and the chord progressions used within a song.
LGS: What is your favorite thing about the guitar lessons?
BA: Of course learning something new is always a kick, but the interaction between Ken, me and the other students in the class is just plain fun. We have a good time while learning something new. Ken keeps us on track, but he always make it an easy, fun experience.
LGS: If you were to recommend me to a friend who wanted to learn to play the guitar, what would you tell them?
BA: Go for it. Commit to the practice, let Ken lead you and you will be successful. It’s hard work, but when you hit that new skill and it sounds like it is supposed to, it really feels good!
LGS: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
BA: Learning the guitar is both hard and rewarding. Music is something you can both enjoy and participate in your entire life. Take advantage of it and take advantage of someone like Ken who is willing to share his knowledge, talent and commitment to teaching to anyone willing to learn. Learning to play the guitar is probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but I know in the end it will be one of the most rewarding things I will ever do.