Guitar Parent Advice For 2026
If you’ve started learning the guitar, you might be feeling excited and ready for anything. But life has a tendency to get in the way. This is completely normal, and to be expected. So, parents and students should keep a few things in mind.
Prepare For A Lull
Learning the guitar is a journey. Just like the stock market, it has its ups and downs. There will be times when students feel unmotivated, frustrated, or like giving up altogether. Believe it or not, even I’m not always enthusiastic about playing guitar. Some days I’d rather take a break than practice the same songs again and again.
This is completely normal. In fact, I expect every student to experience it at some point—especially when life gets busy or stressful. These moments are often the most important times to stay committed and continue showing up to lessons.
Don't Stress About PRactice
I’ve heard many parents tell their kids they must practice an hour a day, every day. For most children, that’s unrealistic—and most adults struggle to make that kind of time as well.
In reality, I don’t expect students to practice at home at all. Our lessons are very hands-on, and we can make solid progress in a 30-minute session.
Of course, practicing at home will greatly accelerate learning, and without it, becoming a professional guitarist is unlikely. But forcing practice can easily turn guitar into a chore. Modern families are busy—between work, school, and everything else. So we’ll work hard during lessons, and think of home practice as an optional bonus rather than an obligation.
PractiSe Doesn't Have To Be Rigid
Parents, instead of enforcing strict practice routines, try casually asking your child to play something for you. Ask them to show you a song they’re learning, play their favourite riff, or demonstrate something new they’ve discovered.
The goal is to keep music relaxed and enjoyable.
For adult students, even five minutes of casually playing around with a riff you learned in class can make a difference.
Expect Repetition
Repetition is a fundamental part of learning. Without repetition, progress simply doesn’t happen.
This is why I often teach songs that use the same chords. Some students would prefer learning a completely new song every week, but unless they’re practicing daily, that approach usually doesn’t work.
So you may hear students say things like, “We’re doing the same thing again.” In many cases, that simply means there’s still room for improvement—even if they can’t see it yet. If lessons sometimes feel repetitive, that’s usually a sign that real learning is happening.
Come To The Jam Sessions
Weekends can be busy, but one of the best things you can do for your child’s musical progress is bring them to our weekly jam sessions.
They’re casual, fun, and free. Jam sessions give students a chance to practise in a relaxed environment and meet other students.
There is no required age or skill level for our weekly jam sessions — complete beginners and just as welcome as advanced guitarists. In fact, this is the best place to be regardless of your skill level.
Throughout 2024, I saw one young student progress far beyond many others simply because she attended almost every jam session. School holiday jams and workshops offer similar opportunities as well.
As an enrolled student, you can register for our weekly jam sessions here.
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