Foundations of Guitar & Music: Teaching the basics and helping form the foundation for your music and guitar journey.

Find out more about Nathan

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I first developed a passion for the guitar at the young age of 8. However I was discouraged from pursuing the instrument further due to the difficulties associated with learning something so challenging.
  
  I have always enjoyed music despite coming from a family that was NOT music orientated. The feeling of ecstatisicsm felt when I received my brothers hand me down iPod Nano and was able to control the music I listen to. I would listen to American Idiot (Green Day) on repeat for months without growing tired.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  My music taste is ever changing and evolving as I'm sure yours does also, one or two genres however always remain within me and that is the classic 90's tunes from bands such as Nirvana & Third Eye Blind, the other being Aussie garage punk.

• Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

  I wouldn't necessarily say difficult however, the most riveting lessons for me are when everything clicks. The puzzle falls into place and the student fully grasps an entirely new concept. This often results in the student's motivation levels soaring and becoming more excited to further learning. In essence the riveting lessons come from joy and success in tackling new or challenging concepts.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Each instrument varies in difficulty from person to person, the same way each technique (e.g. string bending, hammer ons etc) varies in difficulty.

• What are your keys to success?

  What makes my lessons successful is the fun and engaging environment I create. In donig so students feel most comfortable learning and most importantly making mistakes around me, mistakes are simply opportunities for more learning and should not be 'punished' or looked down upon. To emphasise this environment I create, I take a very patient approach to my students learning, as I am all too aware that whats easy for some isn't the same for others (thinking back to when it took me over a year to learn basic chords)

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Kurt cobain, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix. These people are pure legends and to be able to have a simple conversation about songwriting, or the guitar as an instrument with them would be surreal.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.

  The first time playing in a 'band setting'. An extremely nervous experience for me as I imagine it is for everyone else. This experience showed me just how much I had to learn, not simply about the guitar however, It showed me how I needed to learn about being a musician not just a guitarist. A musician learns the flow of rhythms and timings, as well as how to play coherently with other musicians. I stress the importance of this fact within my lessons and actively teach concepts that are not limiting to the guitar but to general musicianship.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I bring my personality to my approach in teaching. I've had multiple guitar and music teachers over my years of guitar playing, and I became very perceptive as to what styles of teaching made me want to get better. I knew a teacher was good when I wanted to go back the next week and impress them with my progress, that is what I strive for, I want my students to want to go home after a lesson and practise to impress me next week. This is also the most rewarding aspect of teaching for me, seeing the students come back week after week and show me a true development and passion for the instrument.