Did you know guitar is the top instrument kids want to learn? If you’re a music therapist or educator, this probably isn’t news. Guitar’s versatility and fun factor are undeniable, and kids are eager to play their favorite songs – if taught effectively.
The challenge? A lack of structured, kid-focused guitar methods to take beginners from square one to playing chords and songs they love in a way that suits their developmental stage.
I recently spoke with experienced educator and guitar teacher Jenna Hardy Pedersen on the Music For Kiddos Podcast. We discussed her insights on successfully teaching Guitar Kids, and her innovative Guitar For Kids curriculum, a success-based approach designed for young learners. You can explore the Guitar For Kids course and materials for more in-depth learning.
Jenna shared her motivation behind creating Guitar For Kids, noting, “I was searching for different guitar teaching approaches and found a void. Piano methods for children are abundant and excellent in music stores, offering diverse options. Surprisingly, a similar range of resources simply doesn’t exist for guitar, especially tailored for guitar kids.”
Two Essential Tips for Teaching Guitar to Kids
Jenna offers two key tips to set guitar kids up for success:
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Start with the Right Size Guitar: Have children begin learning on a 3/4 or even a 1/2 size classical guitar. Smaller guitars are physically easier for children to handle, reducing frustration and promoting proper posture and technique from the start. This makes the learning experience more enjoyable and accessible for guitar kids.
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Introduce Chords Early: Teach chords from the very beginning. This allows guitar kids to immediately create recognizable sounds from songs they already know and love. Instead of being bogged down by single notes and traditional music reading initially, they experience the joy of making music quickly. This approach keeps them engaged and motivated as they are playing familiar sounds right away.
Dealing with small hands? Jenna recommends starting with “mini chords” using just the first three or four guitar strings. This adaptation allows even young guitar kids with smaller hands to successfully play chords and songs that sound like what they hear on the radio, fostering early success and enthusiasm.
Jenna shares even more valuable tips on teaching guitar kids in episode 19 of the Music For Kiddos Podcast. Tune in to discover developmentally appropriate strategies and learn more about the Guitar For Kids curriculum!
Want to Know More About Guitar For Kids? Explore a preview of the curriculum and course to see how it can help you effectively teach guitar kids.
