"There is nothing more notable in
Socrates than that he found time, when he was an old
man, to learn music and dancing, and thought it time well spent"
Michel de Montaigne
Use the drop down list below to
purchase lessons in single, one month, or three and six month
increments. And if you are purchasing a gift certificate just let
us know in the description and we will send you a nice certificate too!
The Musik Planet offers seasoned guitar
teachers who provide instruction in acoustic and electric guitar and
bass guitar. Give us a call at 951.329.2264 and get started today!
What to Expect with Private Lessons
* One-teacher to one-student lessons
tailored to the student’s learning pace and needs.
Sessions are available in 30 minute, 45 minute, and
1 hour durations. Call us for session rates.
* Special
lessons available for accomplished musicians who
need to work on specific techniques.
* These
teachers teach for a living, not as a hobby.
* Low
pressure, optional performance and recitals are
offered each month.
*Weekly
written lesson plans are kept so parents can see
assignments.
* More
than one instructor is usually available for most
instruments allowing for best fit.
* Open to
8 p.m. weekdays for adult schedules or kids in
sports.
* Sound
buffered rooms minimizing distraction during
lessons.
Here's a few guitar lessons in session at The Musik
Planet:
Guitar Lessons
Beginning Acoustic Guitar
So you have decided the acoustic guitar is the instrument for you. What
are the first steps to take to get your guitar playing off to a flying
start? How about we cover the really basic stuff here, like what kind of
music will I be playing? Am I aiming to be a professional guitarist?
What type of amplifier do acoustic guitar players use, and what strings
are best for which genre of music?
After we have covered these topics you will have a clear idea of the way
ahead in your guitar playing career.
Right, so what is your acoustic guitar repertoire going to consist of?
Which music attracted you to the acoustic guitar should really be your
guide here. The most obvious acoustic genre for many people is folk
music. This genre really took off as a form of popular music in the
1960's and now there's a tremendous volume of material for you to choose
from. A lot of musicians who are interested in singing ballads go for
the acoustic guitar because it's so easy to pick up the instrument and
go ahead and sing. Providing your guitar is in tune of course. But in
general the acoustic guitar is a great companion for the ballad singer
because it won't compete with your vocals.
While we are on the subject of repertoire, don't forget the acoustic
guitar is ideal for singing your own simple arrangements of popular
songs from many styles of music. Two examples of rock and roll songs
that were hits all over again as acoustic ballads are "Layla" by Eric
Clapton and "Light My Fire" originally recorded by The Doors, and
reworked by Jose Feliciano.
To let your audience hear your playing, you can choose to amplify your
guitar by simply playing into a microphone as classical or flamenco
guitarists do, or make use of a pickup and an amplifier. The question of
which amp to use is a matter for experimentation and talking it over
with more experienced guitarists. Generally speaking you wouldn't need
any kind of effects for acoustic guitar music; it just needs to have the
volume to reach your audience in a restaurant or hall. So just bear in
mind you are looking for a nice clear sound from your amp to help carry
your vocals rather than set up shop in competition with them.
The choice of strings for the beginner acoustic guitarist is a
no-brainer. Learn on nylon strings till your fingers are toughened up.
You will form calluses on the tips of your fingers during the first few
weeks of playing, after that you can start on a steel string guitar if
you wish without slicing your fingers. Regarding the sound of the
different kinds of strings, nylon will give you a mellow, unobtrusive
sound, and steel strings have a sharper sound which demands attention
from the audience. This can augment your vocals and enable you to do
solos if you want to.
Now you have got the basic topics covered all that's left for you to do
is enjoy your journey as an acoustic guitar player.
The Musik Planet is located at 6930
Indiana Ave. Suite One, Riverside, California 92506
Phone 951.329.2264
We are open from 11 am to 8 pm
Monday - Thursday, 11am to 7pm Friday and from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday