Take the Next Step

I have a student who is making great progress.

While he makes more progress some lessons than others (he is human), he always seems to play better each week than the week before.

I've been reflecting on why his progress is so consistent.

It's because he stays focused on the next step.

So many of us don’t do that. We want to jump in difficulty from step 1 to step 49 to step 97.

We want to go from Twinkle Twinkle to the Aranjuez Concerto or a Van Halen solo or whatever.

I get it.

I've definitely jumped ahead at times.

It’s human nature.

But my student is making great progress because he isn’t jumping ahead. He's consistently taking the next step in his learning journey. He does this each time he plays the guitar.

So how can you take the next step?

1. Use a Method Book

Unless you're an advanced player, you can likely find a method book you would benefit from.

I enjoy using the 21^st Century Guitar Method, volumes 1-3, for popular guitar.

I enjoy using the Parkening Guitar Method, volumes 1-2, for classical guitar.

Regardless what method you use, if it's well-designed, it will help you to make steady progress.

2. Use Graded Repertoire

When you've mastered a series of method books, it can be hard to know the next step in your learning journey.

A good option is a book of graded repertoire. This means songs that are selected based on difficulty.

Good graded repertoire books for popular guitar are not as prevalent as I would like, but Rockschool is one good example.

There are several series of graded repertoire books for classical guitar, such as those from Royal Conservatory and ABRSM and Trinity.

By playing graded repertoire, you know the difficulty level and can master several songs at one grade before moving to the next grade level.

3. Work with a Teacher

When you participate in private lessons or group lessons with a teacher, you have an experienced guide who can show you the next step in your learning journey.

The teacher can challenge you to grow while not overwhelming you.

"BUT," you may ask, "can’t I play random songs that interest me?"

Absolutely!

The student I mentioned earlier?

He plays random songs that interest him.

But he does that alongside a structured approach of learning from a method book with me as his private teacher.

And that ensures that he continues to make progress.

Keep making music!