FOOD FOR THOUGHT
JUST IN SANDERCOE
The founder of justinguitar.com lends GT his insight as one of the world’s most successful guitar teachers. This Month: If You Want To Get Better, Teach!
Justin says that passing on your musical knowledge will also advance your own
BARBARA BUELEN
Believe
it or not I embarked upon my guitar teaching journey at the tender age of 12. While I couldn't boast virtuoso status, my skills were good enough to hold my own in a band and clumsily figure out simple songs by ear. My exact start into teaching remains hazy in my memory, but I recall getting started by teaching neighbourhood kids, word got around and soon adult students were knocking on my door for weekly lessons.
But the prospect of new students always filled me with apprehension. I dreaded the possibility of being confronted with a question I couldn't answer. Consequently, I devoted substantial time to exploring and understanding my own technique and playing approach. This process, it turned out, was as beneficial for my own playing as it was for my teaching.