If you have never played an instrument before, you will be given a lot of information during the first lesson. Don't feel bad if you can't understand everything, and remember that this is your lesson: It's okay to ask questions.
If you have been playing the guitar for a while, your teacher may ask you to play something for her/him. This is just to give your teacher an idea of your strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that you are taking lessons to improve, so just do your best. Your teacher may also quiz you to figure out what you know and where you need improvement. Be honest if you don't understand something so your teacher can help you.
At your first lesson, your teacher will discuss your daily practice routine. It is crucial, especially at the beginning, that you practice every single day. You will need a quiet place where you can practice each day for 10-60 minutes. Some teachers will have you record your daily practice if they feel that it will help you see your progress and improve specific weaknesses.
One of the most important aspects of playing the guitar that your teacher can address with you is your posture. There is not just one correct way to hold the guitar and position your hands on the guitar that works in all situations. To keep your hands healthy, you need to position your body and hands differently in order to play certain notes and chords. Your teacher will show you specifically how to move your shoulders and elbows to accommodate the different positions as you progress.
If your first lesson is a trial lesson, which is my recommendation, be sure to ask your teacher when she/he needs to hear back from you if you decide to sign-up for regular lessons. Evaluate your teacher's professionalism, knowledge, understandability and your overall vibe. If it felt like a good fit, go for it. If it didn't feel like a good fit, let your teacher know as soon as possible. Good teachers know that they are not the best fit for everyone, and good teachers will encourage you to find a better teacher for you.
The Student's Responsibility
When students walk into my studio, I have a responsibility to provide them with a good guitar lesson. Specifically, that means that I need to listen carefully to the past week's assignment, provide feedback and applications for the concepts, and then assign new material that will help them reach their long-term goals.
But students also need to contribute to the lessons in order for the lessons to be effective. It is not enough for students to be on time and talk enthusiastically about the guitar. Students need to make sure they understand their teacher's expectations and they have good time management skills so they can be prepared for each lesson.
At the end of each guitar lesson, my students agree to complete a specific assignment. They are told that if they do not have their assignment completed by the following week, they will be dismissed to the practice room. Students quickly learn that I will not work for them if they do not work for me.
While I do hope to inspire my students, it is not my job to teach students to fall in love with the guitar to the extent that I am in love with the guitar. I expect that students already have a strong desire to play the guitar. I do not have the time, energy or interest to give all students the amount of inspiration that I feel naturally.
Guitar lessons are successful when both the teacher and the student understand their roles. Teachers need to have a plan for their students and students need to follow that plan. When there are clear expectations, it becomes easy for students to reach their goals, or if they are not reaching their goals, they can easily see who is not taking responsibility for their share of the work.
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