sJAKEf
Member
I need the opinions of experienced players who play ukulele fairly to really well (more than just on occasion for fun, but as in all the time for fun or gigs, etc.) and who are constatnly trying to progress as a musician. Opinions of people who have taken lessons, who have not taken lessons but are still good players, and who have taught lessons would be great.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of taking lessons and having a teacher to study with. I live in Denton, where the University of North Texas is located (which has a ridiculously awesome music program, if you aren't familiar with that school), and have been taking private lessons with a music student of UNT for clarinet, sax, and general theory. My lesson teacher plays all of the woodwinds well (primarily sax), and has learned an incredible amount of music theory in school, which he is passing on to me. All of that is why I am a fan of having lessons. I love being able to ask questions and discuss things with a teacher. I know that is part of what this forum is for, but sometimes talking to an actual person (and master of your instrument) is really nice.
I also know there are just certain things you get from a teacher that you really can't get any other way. The reason I want an uke teacher is that I know without a teacher, my technique will probably have flaws, I won't know which orders of learning work best (such as learning indivitual notes, first, or chords first instead, etc.), and I won't know what the best methods for building strong fundamentals on the uke are (fundamentals=scales, keys, technique exercises, strumming technique, finger picking technique, left hand technique, etc.). These are the same reaons I am looking for a classical guitar instructor after playing guitar for four years (or better yet, someone who plays all styles).
Because there is an excellent music school in town, I know I can find a good guitar instructor...but I doubt I will find an uke teacher. So I'm wondering how important it is to have a teacher, and if it is highly important, what can I do as an alternative, since I probably won't find an ukulele teacher in Texas.
So guys, what are your thoughts/opinions on my question?
Personally, I'm a huge fan of taking lessons and having a teacher to study with. I live in Denton, where the University of North Texas is located (which has a ridiculously awesome music program, if you aren't familiar with that school), and have been taking private lessons with a music student of UNT for clarinet, sax, and general theory. My lesson teacher plays all of the woodwinds well (primarily sax), and has learned an incredible amount of music theory in school, which he is passing on to me. All of that is why I am a fan of having lessons. I love being able to ask questions and discuss things with a teacher. I know that is part of what this forum is for, but sometimes talking to an actual person (and master of your instrument) is really nice.
I also know there are just certain things you get from a teacher that you really can't get any other way. The reason I want an uke teacher is that I know without a teacher, my technique will probably have flaws, I won't know which orders of learning work best (such as learning indivitual notes, first, or chords first instead, etc.), and I won't know what the best methods for building strong fundamentals on the uke are (fundamentals=scales, keys, technique exercises, strumming technique, finger picking technique, left hand technique, etc.). These are the same reaons I am looking for a classical guitar instructor after playing guitar for four years (or better yet, someone who plays all styles).
Because there is an excellent music school in town, I know I can find a good guitar instructor...but I doubt I will find an uke teacher. So I'm wondering how important it is to have a teacher, and if it is highly important, what can I do as an alternative, since I probably won't find an ukulele teacher in Texas.
So guys, what are your thoughts/opinions on my question?