In this post, we discuss the pros and cons of taking private home guitar lessons vs taking guitar lessons at professional music schools.

Private Home Guitar Lessons

PROS:

1. Guitar teacher goes to your home, which gives you convenience as there is no need to travel to the guitar school
2. Guitar lessons can be tailored to the individual
3. Guitar lessons can be held any day of the year, depending on the guitar teacher
4. Guitar lessons generally are one to one and progress are not held back by other students

CONS:

1. Guitar Lesson Fees are generally more expensive to compensate for travelling time of the teacher
2. There is no control over what the guitar teacher will teach, which syllabus they will use, which exam board they will take etc
3. Some Private Guitar teacher are doing this part time and thus their commitment level may not be 100% and the relationship between teacher and student relationship generally does not last very long.
4. Students who take guitar lessons from their home will not have the mental preparation as they may be engaged in certain activities before the class (E.g. playing games, doing homework, other tuition etc). Therefore it may affect their learning capabilities.
5. Students also feel very comfortable at home (especially if they have lessons in their room) and they lose concentration much very fast.
6. Students may not have the opportunity to work in bands and perform for events
7. You will have to provide all the necessary guitar equipment. It might be costly especially for electric guitar students. You will need to purchase an electric guitar, amplifier and effects board.
8. Cancellation of guitar classes tend to be much higher in number and therefore progression of learning may be slower.

Music School Guitar Lessons

PROS:

1. Guitar Lesson Fees are slightly cheaper and affordable
2. Most music schools have a written curriculum that the guitar teacher will follow and teach and they will also use the same exam board for every student.
3. Music school guitar teachers have a higher commitment level as these are their full time job. Each school has a branding and they will ensure that only the best guitar teachers are hired to teach your child. Therefore your relationship with the music school can be for a very long term.
4. Guitar students travelling to the music school will have time to be mentally prepared.
5. Music school generally provides a nice studio (soundproofed) and with good guitar equipment. Thus this provides a conducive environment for learning and there is no need for you to bring your own guitar gears.
6. Guitar students can be put together in groups and prepare for performances and shows.
7. Cancellation of guitar classes tend to be much lower in number due to music school policies and therefore progression of learning will be faster.

CONS:

1. You will need to incur travelling time to the guitar school
2. Guitar lessons generally follows the school’s curriculum and there is less flexibility in tailoring the lessons to each student wants and needs.
3. Guitar lessons will not happen on public holidays and music school holidays

These list of pros & cons are based on my 7 year experience of doing private home guitar lessons. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong. But rather which method suits your current situation the best. We hope this helps you in making that decision.

Cheers!
Lebbeus Lau
www.guitaremerge.com
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