Thomas Music Co.

What to expect during your free trial lesson
By Jim Thomas

Your free trial lesson is a time for us to meet each other and to assure you are comfortable in the lesson environment and to determine a good student/teacher fit. We'll also inspect your guitar to be sure it is properly adjusted and playing easily.

The student/teacher relationship is very important for your personal enjoyment and musical growth and for a successful learning and teaching experience. Your free trial lesson is a no-pressure window into the learning and lesson environment and a time for us to meet each other and discuss your musical interests.

My goals are to understand your learning style and preferences, find out what kind of musical experiences you may already have, what style of music you want to learn, and what you would like to accomplish. If you are not sure about what you want to learn, we can work on discovering that together.

You are welcome to ask any questions you may have about lessons, music, instruments and the teaching process.

I will also inspect your guitar for proper adjustments and playability. I may make simple adjustments to make your guitar a little easier to play. This will also give you the opportunity to learn about the importance of proper playability and how to evaluate a guitar by simply observing the inspection process and the tools used. A guitar that is out of adjustment or is just not playable is a considerable detriment to both the learning and teaching process.

Your free trial lesson is made available to help you make decisions on your musical direction. It is designed to be a positive mutual experience and there is absolutely no obligation to continue.

What to bring to your free trial lesson

If you have any of the following items, please feel free to bring them to your trial lesson to help make it as productive and successful as possible.

• Music books you may have, CD’s or an mp3 player containing the kind of music you would like to learn.

• Personal recordings and/or band recordings of your music.

• Bring your guitar so we can determine if it is playing the best it possibly can.

• Bring any questions you may have.

No Guitar?

If you do not have a guitar, we can spend part of our time in the showroom to explain and discuss guitars and adjustments. You can learn the “how’s and why’s” of selecting a properly adjusted guitar, the correct size and how to determine the kind of guitar you want to play. Learn how these factors are the foundation to your overall enjoyment, learning and playing success. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about any kind or style of guitars.

There is no obligation or pressure to purchase a guitar. My goal is simply to help students be successful. A teacher cannot successfully teach a student with a guitar that is not properly set-up and adjusted for the students success. Also, an informed student and player has a much greater opportunity to select an instrument that will help them play their best and reach their musical goals.

April 20 , 2010