A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Best Guitar Lessons for Their Child

Two learning approaches (academic or applied), style of music (classical, popular, rock, jazz, etc) and type of guitar (classical, acoustic, electric) are all elements that need consideration. Each element has an interdependent relationship with the others, providing multiple avenues for learning guitar. We’ll start with the two main learning approaches.

Academic Learning Approach

The academic approach is perfect for students who prefer to learn with a structured curriculum that has measurable goals for practical and theoretical exams.

For example, a child who prefers an academic learning approach may enjoy playing classical music on a classical guitar, preparing for guitar and music theory examinations administered by the Royal Conservatory of Music, and have explicit instructions on standards and requirements for each level.

There are two main academic approaches for guitar

1 – The Royal Conservatory of Music

First, you don’t have to take lessons with the Royal Conservatory to take part in their programs and examinations. Many music schools and private guitar instructors use the Royal Conservatory System and will prepare your child for their examinations.

The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Classical Guitar program offers twelve levels of instruction, starting with the preparatory level, followed by levels 1-10. Students who successfully complete both the practical and theoretical exams at each level are awarded a certificate. After the successful completion of the tenth level, the Associate Diploma (ARCT) and is the highest academic standings awarded.

On average, it takes about nine months to a year to finish each level; however, with additional effort, grades can be skipped or completed sooner than that.

Ontario high school students who pass the seventh level practical and theory examinations will be awarded one grade eleven music credit applied towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

Ontario students who pass the eight practical and the requisite theory examinations will be awarded one grade twelve university/college preparation music credit applied towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

2 – Suzuki Guitar Method

The Suzuki Method is a comprehensive guitar program, similar to the program offered by the Royal Conservatory of Music. Unlike the Royal Conservatory curriculum, the Suzuki program does not include examinations.

The Suzuki Method starts with the premise that every child can learn through a nurturing environment. The method was developed by Shūkichi Suzuki, who oversaw its implementation in Japan during the mid-20th century.

The most noteworthy distinction between the two methods is that Suzuki requires a high degree of parental involvement. I’m talking about 100% participation every time, allowing kids to learn at an earlier age than conventional lessons taken without parental supervision.

A certified instructor can start a student in Suzuki classes as early as four years old. To find a local certified Suzuki guitar instructor, you need to look up your local Suzuki Association. Click here for the Oakville Suzuki Association.

Applied Learning Approach

If your child is self-motivated and excited by anything related to popular styles of music, learning the guitar through the applied approach is a great way to go.

Guitar lessons that are focused on instrumental abilities and repertoire are referred to as applied guitar lessons. The aim is for pupils to play their favourite music. Applied learning is often linked with popular music genres, but it may also be the basis for playing more serious styles of music, such as classical or jazz.

Your child will focus on playing popular material and on personal music exploration and enjoyment. Instructions are implicit without providing direct attention to the theory of music in hopes that music theory is learned intuitively. In a musical context, this would be playing music without understanding the theory. Theory can also be learned anytime during their course of study.

The key distinction is that guitar lessons are taught to the students with enjoyable, applicable music. Students have a say in the songs they will study.

Rote: Learning By Ear

Often taught using rote learning, in which songs are memorized by ear without being fully understood in theory. In rote learning, the learner focuses on recreating a certain pattern or sound rather than comprehending the underlying meaning.

A good instructor will take into account the student’s musical tastes, ability, and dedication to design a curriculum that will be enjoyable and work towards the student’s goals.

Mixing Learning Approaches

It’s safe to say that both academic and applied are an important. Academic approach standardizes music which helps to communicate amongst other musicians. The applied approach is where the music comes to life. 

It’s possible to work on both the academic and the applied concurrently when learning popular guitar styles. A student learning the applied approach could add academics by incorporating into their practice a method such as the Berklee Guitar Method and learning theory.

The key distinction for this approach is that guitar lessons are taught with enjoyable, applicable music for students who also want to benefit from the challenge of improving their musicianship skills and understanding of music.

Typically, this approach to learning the guitar involves both rote learning and various academic resources such as the Berklee Guitar Method book.

Berklee Guitar Method

For those keen kids who are exceptionally driven and thrive off a study-based curriculum, the Berklee guitar method is a good option. It is not necessarily a book for children; however, it’s workable for highly motivated kids 11 and older who enjoy learning in an academic atmosphere but are not interested in classical repertoire.

The Berklee guitar method is perfect for students who like to be challenged and who continually want to improve their skills. It rewards students who are willing to work hard and take the time to learn what it takes to be a successful musician.