Congrats on your smart decision to have your child learn music.
Here’s a couple of reasons why this is a very smart decision indeed:
Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.
~Lewis Thomas, Case for Music in the Schools, Phi Delta Kappa, 1994
Students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among any group in our society.
~ H. Con. Res. 266, United States Senate, June 13, 2000
High school music students have been shown to hold higher grade point averages (GPA) than non-musicians in the same school.
~ National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988
ZOTZin Music Teaches Students More Than Just How To Play Guitar
Those are only some of the reasons why we are very passionate about teaching music.
Learn more about the life-enhancing benefits you get from studying music and playing guitar.
Will my child really learn to appreciate playing guitar or will they lose interest and give up?
That will be completely up to the child, however, for children and even adults, there is an addiction associated with instant gratification. Fortunately, we understand that music provides a positive outlet to capture your child’s attention. Performing their new skills on the guitar for you and others provides that gratification and improves social skills by building a rapport between your child and others.
Similar to video games, learning a new chord, note, or song on the guitar is much like reaching a high score or new game level. However, music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone, so while a child’s best friend may applaud their new high score, they can feel a greater sense of accomplishment and approval from a room full of people while performing a new song.
With so many guitar instructors and methods available online, how can I determine which instructor / method is right for my child?
Your child is unique.
That is why, at ZOTZin Music, your child gets a customized and personalized lesson plan, for maximum results and development. In addition: we are known for our super fun approach that will keep your child enthusiastic about learning music and playing guitar while providing positive challenges that will keep your child wanting to learn more.
We understand that children need to achieve early successes to maintain their confidence and desire to learn.
Additionally, we offer a variety of music styles to help us determine which may hold the most interest for your child. Then we can focus on exploring other styles and genres as your child progresses.
Why should I pay for guitar lessons when there are so many free courses and tutorials available online?
One of the biggest disadvantages to “free” online guitar lessons videos, is that the student doesn’t get corrected when playing with bad form or bad technique.
Another issue with learning from online videos is that you can’t know for sure that the person who posted the video, knows what he is talking about. Everybody can post on the internet, including the self-taught guitarist who doesn’t necessarily have the skills or training to teach.
Whether in person or live webcam lessons, our instructors are trained to recognize bad form, posture, or technique and to make those corrections early on, so your child doesn’t develop bad habits that will inhibit his/her ability to learn and progress.
Your child will derive joy and motivation from early successes and from the fun process of being creative with sound and music.
What does your introductory guitar course for children include?
The answer to that question depends on many different variables, including the age and personality of your child.
A 3-year old for example learns differently than a 6-year-old. An active child learns differently than a quiet, shy child.
It’s common for a younger child to focus more on fun coordination games (dancing, jumping clapping, etc.) that will develop the sense of rhythm, timing, coordination, and so on.
At this point, music is literally taught as a language.
We incorporate various techniques borrowed from the Kodaly, Suzuki, and Orff Schulwerk methods for children.
Gradually the lessons then grow to become more and more focused on guitar.
Over time: some light theory gets introduced when the child is ready for this.
However: again, all this is customized towards the child and in cooperation with you, the parent.
Some parents insist their 3-year old should have more guitar and less gameplay.
Sometimes a parent insists their 6-year old should have more theory.
If your child has fun learning, he/she will do really well.
To us, that is really all that counts.
ZOTZin not only teaches your child music and how to play the guitar but also grows your kid’s love and appreciation for the instrument itself.
This ensures that the guitar you invested in, is kept in good working condition.
Some of the things your child will learn include:
• The Names of Parts of a Guitar
• Strings and Fret names and numbers.
• How to tune the guitar
• Simple and fun ear training games.
• Basic Rhythms (which of course gradually build in complexity)
• Note locations on the guitar neck and Basic Chords
• Improvisation games.
• Solid Technique with Good Posture and Hand Positioning.
• Simple fun Songs, Melodies, and over time Scales
• Proper Guitar Care and Routine Maintenance
We also provide materials to encourage and teach you, as a parent how to take a passive, yet supportive role in your child’s music education.
Understand that pushing a child too hard to learn can (and usually does) have the opposite effect: discouraging the child and causing him/her to give up on learning music altogether.
I myself learned that lesson REALLY well.
I started learning music when I was 6.
I gave up when I was almost 8, crying my eyes out because I disliked the (old) teacher and her hard, harsh approach.
I started again with another teacher when I was 17 years old, fell in love with music, and regretted having missed out on 9 years of amazing progress I could have had as a child.
So I understand the unbelievable importance for a child, of having a really great teacher with a really fun, motivating approach.
What would the best type of guitar be for my child to learn on?
Just as every child is different, every guitar has its own unique characteristics.
There are several factors to consider when purchasing your child’s first guitar.
This includes whether to choose an electric or acoustic guitar, the child’s age and physical being, comfort, the importance to you (and your child) of the aesthetic appeal of the guitar (favorite color, etc…).
For your child’s very first guitar, you may consider selecting an acoustic guitar as a great first instrument to learn on.
However, if your child seems more inclined toward selecting an electric guitar, this may hold more appeal and may help keep the child’s interest and motivation up.
If this is the case, most major manufacturers offer starter packages at a reasonable cost that include the guitar, a small amp, guitar cable, guitar strap, picks, and extra strings.
Next, your child’s age and physical characteristics may determine the size of the guitar that is most suitable and comfortable.
Generally, for ages 13 a full-scale guitar is recommended.
However: this might feel too big or uncomfortable for a small 13-year old.
The guitar sizes below are based on standard acoustic guitar lengths from the tip of the head to the end of the body.
Please note: Electric guitars can vary in size and style, though many models are available in smaller or junior scales as well.
• Full-scale guitars are approx. 39 inches
• 3/4 scale guitars are approx. 36 inches
• 1/2 scale guitars are approx. 33 inches
• 1/4 scale guitars are approx. 30 inches or less
The size of the guitar will affect the feeling of comfort your child feels when playing the instrument.
Additionally, the overall feel of the guitar is a personal preference for the individual.
Every guitar “feels” differently.
A guitar’s feel is the result of the guitar’s body style, overall weight, and thickness of the guitar neck.
While the guitar’s aesthetics or appearance are not as important as the above factors, the look of the guitar is a personal preference and may influence your child’s interest and care for the instrument.
Make sure you get a guitar that looks really good to your child and that your child really likes.
Summary
Learning music and learning how to play guitar is really good for your child.
Deciding to have your child learn music, is one of the wisest decisions you can make for your child.
The study of music and an instrument has proven to improve a child’s self-confidence and social interaction.
A child who learns music, cares more, respects more, understands more, has might higher emotional intelligence, has a higher developed IQ, develops stronger social skills, and so much more.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have, or to discuss your child’s musical education in more detail.
