I'll start with the Guitar Front today. I had my lesson on Wednesday and everything seemed to go OK but I've been getting this nagging feeling that there isn't a lesson plan at all. It's more based on 'Bring something in and let's see how you do?' I thought the Guitar Teacher should evaluate what I'm doing and not just give pointers on how to improve but also have a plan that I should follow. At minimum he could suggest a book that I buy and we could follow that. An awkward moment towards the end of the class and I asked what I should be working on. He seem stumped and said, 'Seems like you are working on a lot of things on your own'. Well, yes - I am. What else am I supposed to do - I'm not getting any suggestion from you. Then I said, 'Where is this going - what am I supposed to be doing'. 'Just keep doing what you are doing'. I remember asking if the lessons were even worth me continuing. He seemed stunned by that one - I didn't mean to be confrontational. I tried to smooth it out - but it all just seemed awkward. Ross appears nervous around me - like I make him feel uncomfortable. I don't know what is going on. I'll give the lessons another month and if I don't feel I'm moving forward to any degree then I'll quit and search for another instructor.
On the Motorcycle Front - this is my M2 Exit course weekend. Tonight at 6:30 I have to show up in Welland - about 5 miles south of me and attend a three hour orientation. Then I'll be placed in a group to appear on either Saturday or Sunday for drills and testing. Somewhat looking forward to this - I always want to improve my riding skills and technique. Education is one of my tools to keep safe on the road.
If you are wondering what an M2 Exit Course is - if you are familiar with the MSF Advanced Riders Course - it's similar to that. In Ontario, Canada - we have graduated licensing and this is the third and final phase of my licensing program. After I successfully pass this test - I will then have my full motorcycle license.
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Your guitar instructor... Well, you've encountered the classic problem of teaching the adult learner. It could be that he's a fab musician, but that doesn't make him a fab teacher, especially of the adult learner. He may be great with kids. And, this is no slap of him. He's probably been teaching young kids and/or teens and feels comfortable telling them what to do. The adult learner always poses a challenge, particularly if you have an adult who does want to do his/her own thing, or comes in already doing his/her own thing. A lot of music teachers tread softly with the adult learner until they, together, map out what the student wants to do. Some adults might come in and be offended that the teacher is treating them like a kid/learner and makes them follow a certain structured plan, when really they want something else, like help playing whatever they want to play.
So, talk to your instructor and let him know your needs. Let him know what your goals are and go from there. An adult learner is sometimes a tough student. In the end, you might just be better off on your own and only come in once or twice a month to get help on fine tuning things. IMHO
Again, you have given me great insight and I took your advice. I feel it's making a difference. We had a great lesson this week. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
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