subject: Internet Guitar Lessons - An Assessment [print this page] Copyright (c) 2010 Robert HinchliffeIt is now possible to get all kinds of information and advice online. Even music lessons of one kind or another are available. So just how effective are internet guitar lessons? Are they truly a realistic alternative to regular face-to-face lessons with a professional teacher?There is no question that a 'live teacher' is able to demonstrate and explain things in a way which is appropriate to each individual pupil. A teacher can also answer questions and make constructive criticism of a pupils work. So, the argument for a teacher rather than an internet course is a fairly strong one.However, given the complications of life today, for many people the regular commitment required in attending lessons is one which is difficult to maintain. Internet guitar lessons can be used at times which are convenient to the pupil and require no fixed weekly lesson time. A great deal of the information which a teacher imparts can be done effectively online and the use of video can demonstrate both technical and musical issues. So long as the pupils are committed to learning, they can work in their own time and at their own pace.Here is an itemised list of the ways in which the two options compare.TEACHER1) A teacher can demonstrate and explain to a student in a way which internet guitar lessons cannot.2) A teacher can spot specific problems in a pupils playing and correct them.3) A teacher will build a good working relationship with a pupil over time which will greatly enhance the learning process.INTERNET GUITAR LESSONS1) Learning using an internet course is much freer and more flexible than lessons with a teacher. If you want to study a new lesson you can do it at any time which suits you. You can do it in the early hours of the morning if you really want to!2) The cost you will pay for lessons in real terms will be significantly less with an online course. Private lessons will usually cost 30 an hour or more. In comparison, most online courses will require a much smaller outlay over time.3) The use of video can demonstrate many aspects of both technical and musical issues. Although the video can't answer questions, it can be played over and over again until you can copy it exactly.There is a case to be made for both approaches to learning the guitar. So, the issues which really make one approach preferable to another are personal and individual. What is best suited to one person may not be ideal for another. Whether the issue is cost, convenience or some other criteria it all comes down to personal preference. Thus, internet guitar lessons will be the ideal choice of many people.
