I always believed that there is no better school than life. In learning guitar, I started as a self-taught musician, but then I had guidance later from several teachers who showed me more and encouraged me to explore my, ahem, creative side.
Arlen Roth’s blog entry reminds me how much I’ve learned doing it the self-taught way. Guitar schools or teachers can do as much as teach you the rudiments–but it’s really up to you how you apply it.
One way to learn is to copy your favorite. Yes, some people might discourage this, but if you find inspiration from someone, study them. Then later, embrace their ideas and make your own.
Of course, the most important part of learning is this: practice. I remember practicing 6 hours straight when I was still in College. But once you hit the 10,000 hour-mark (got this from Malcolm Gladwell), then you can probably play while sleeping.
Words of wisdom from Mr. Roth: “The “school of life” is the only school, and in the end, we are really all our own teachers. If you do go to a music school per se, remember to be sure to take away from it the most meaningful stuff for YOU, and where YOU see yourself heading as a musician.”
