Seniors Have Their Own Guitar Class

My article is about seniors playing the guitar. I went to a guitar group class at our library. I though I might be able to pick up a few new tips. It turned out to be a bunch of young boys playing electric guitars. The older people could not hear themselves and I kind of laugh to myself this was definitely a generation gap in musical style. When I was 15, I had already taught myself to play guitar. I had to go for lessons so I could get a certificate to teach. I really did not think anyone was really listening when I played a song that night at the library. A couple of weeks later I got a call to see if I wanted to teach the adult and senior class.

I was a little apprehensive as I had never taught anyone who was elderly. I got there and though can I do this?

When I got to the church hall I was surprised at how many people showed up and we even had 2 young boys that preferred Country, and Bluegrass. We all introduced our self and then made a list of what to bring to class next week. Everyone seemed at ease and all asked several questions.

I went with the book to please all, or almost all. I picked the Basic Guitar book 1 by Happy Traum. I like this book because it introduces the new students to all different types of music and different kinds of style. We are working using a pick. A lot of the older folks have arthritis so I felt this would be the easy way to start.

We spent our first lesson just learning how to hold the guitar and reading lines and space notes. Everyone finally got it right so we started with the first 3 notes on the first string. We also practice our first 2 notes on the 2nd B string. The night flew by and the seniors had a lot of fun and so did I.. The guitar class is a good way to keep the seniors connected to other people. The comradeship is wonderful.They are having a hard time holding their guitar so we decided to add guitar straps to the list. We are starting 3 string songs next week if time permits. We had about 20 minutes to go when I heard a crash and one of the ladies dropped her guitar. There was dead silence and she became so upset. I dismissed the class and told them I would see then next week. I looked at the guitar and saw that the top towards the bottom is partly loose and the neck is off. It is a cheap guitar I told her I would try to fix it if she wanted me to try.

Overall, it was a good night even with the guitar breaking, I will remember it with a smile and a lot of fond memories.

My Lens

This is my featured lens it is about teaching the guitar and one that I am proud to have done. I have worked hard all my life. I am very happy to be able to write about my Senior's.

Never Stop Learning

I want people to know that I believe you are never too old to learn something new. Seniors seem to like the challenge and do try harder than others that are much younger. They can seem to learn their notes but the biggest obstacle is counting. Everyone is out of time after 5 or 6 measures. All I can do is have everyone play each song as slow as we can.. They have a lot of guts to play three strings and get up and play a song. The greatest thing they do on a regular basis is practice and most just about every day. I tell them to practice at least 15 minutes a day, but they are so disciplined that I know they are doing more.

In a few weeks we will be changing strings on the guitars that should be interesting.

After doing this class for 3 years I want people to know that this was a great Idea. I think other small towns should encourage this type of activity for their elderly citizens, This gives them a sense of accomplishment.I have heard a lot of good things, I don't know who had the idea for this group but it has worked very good.

I have learned so much from the senior citizens, patience, never give up and laugh at yourself. Most of the seniors are not self conscious and do not care what others think. By not being self conscious they can put more emotion and feeling into the music, also I believe because of their life experiences they do have greater feeling for the music.

Ah, but what they can't do is catch up musical technique that the younger players have. This can never be caught up, an example. One 70 year old woman and a 8 year old in 3rd grade start the same time with the same book. 7 months latter and the girl is done with her book and has started on the second book. The 70 year old is not even halfway through the book.

Overall, the quality of this program depends on you the student. Disciplined people make the best students. If you want to progress each week you have to work your guitar. It is no different than any sport you have to put the time on the instrument. The teacher can't do it you have to do it yourself If you can't practice put the guitar away and find a new hobby. I can remember when I took lessons nobody had to tell me to practice, if you want it bad enough you will practice. In conclusion I am so happy to have had this experience and enjoyment of this class.

It does not matter to me how old a person is to learn a new instrument. Age will not hold you back from playing the guitar. I am so amazed at how well the seniors have done.