Although I began teaching guitar when I was 19 I didn't consider it a career until 13 years later. It was always just a little side money and a way to remain on the fringes of the music scene. At the beginning I remember talking with a couple of college music teachers and reading interviews with several others. The one common complaint they had with guitarists was they were musically illiterate. They played very well but either couldn't read music or read very poorly. (There's an old music joke: Q: How do you get the guitar player to turn down his volume? A: Put some sheet music in front of him.) This was a problem that I could help with.
My inspiration was the various piano teachers that I knew. They taught from methods that included theory, exercises, and repertoire. Most of the guitar methods that I was aware of followed this pattern, but did so very poorly. So I wrote my own. It worked fairly well, but I did need to do a couple of revisions. I still use it today.
The best part of this job is the people that I get to meet. The kids are usually funny and interesting. The family dynamics are complicated. I've come to realize that complicated and abnormal are pretty standard when you are talking about families. I used to think that my family was weird. Now I realize that we are just weird differently than you are, but we're all pretty weird.
The young children want to learn music for the pure joy of it. It just looks like fun and they want to join in. Of course, when they discover that there is actual work involved their attitude changes. Some don't mind the effort it takes and others do.
The adults are a little different. They know that they are going to have to practice. They don't have any desire (usually) to perform. The fun is in learning, practicing, and finally getting to play the music. It's a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. The joy is in the process.
Many people are surprised that I don't get tired of teaching the same simple songs. But for me it's not as much about the song as it is helping a student take one more step forward. I get to share in their success and experience their self satisfaction when it finally goes right.
I've had several former students go on to successful professional careers. And I'm very proud of them. But to be honest there have been a couple of other teachers between their time with me and their present lives.
There have been many, many others who could have gone on to a university or conservatory but didn't want to. These are very accomplished players who have chosen different careers and continue to play for the joy of it. I'm equally proud of them.
The sign on my studio wall reads, "Our goal is to play beautiful music beautifully." There is no definition of "beauty" and no mention of career. Anytime I can help them to achieve this goal is a good day.