Glenelg Guitar Studio

Think you are too old to learn to play a musical instrument? Think again! If you have always dreamed of learning the guitar, now can be the ideal time to learn, or maybe you learnt years ago and want to regain some of that musical groove.

At Glenelg Guitar Studio a large proportion of my students are adults and senior ones at that. I have an easy to follow, structured plan to teach you guitar in the style that you like, be it classical or modern, and at your pace. I have years of experience in teaching Guitar to all ages and have a series of special learning techniques to help new adult students achieve their goals in a stress free environment.

Adults often have less time available but have a great appreciation of musical studies, with  research showing that learning and playing an instrument in your adult years can yield bountiful rewards. The therapeutic value of musical training includes a lowering of stress levels, a boost in brain functionality, a strengthening of the immune system, and an increase in positive thinking–not to mention that learning to play an instrument can be a lot of fun.

Why not take advantage of our Introductory Lesson? Follow this link to see more.

Thanks
Leigh Fopp

Here’s an interesting take on music in schools.

What others say;
Memory Enhancement: Musical study can play an important role in helping adults keep a sharp mind. Especially if you are a senior, where research links playing an instrument to the stimulation of areas of the brain involved with memory, which may have implications in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

For example, a 21-year study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx followed 469 seniors between the ages of 75 and 85 who did not have dementia at beginning of the study. The results, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003, demonstrated a strong association between cognitively challenging leisure activities, including playing a musical instrument, and a decreased risk of developing dementia.

Physical Benefits: Physical health and playing an instrument also seem to go hand in hand. Research by Dr. Frank Wilson of the University Of California School Of Medicine in San Francisco found that learning to play a musical instrument, besides bettering concentration and memory, also enhanced physical abilities such as coordination and even the improvement of eyesight and hearing. Another study, the Music Making and Wellness Project, documented that seniors given keyboard lessons had a 90 percent increase in their levels of human growth hormone (hGH), a chemical important in slowing such aging factors as osteoporosis, wrinkling and aches and pains.

Mental Health Benefits:  Seniors who play the Blues will help to beat the blues.  In 2005, a research study led by Dr. Barry Bittman found that playing a musical instrument reduced stress more than other relaxing activities.

…and here’s what another adult learner had to say.

About two years ago I decided to try guitar as a new hobby as a late 50’s guy; bought myself a cheapie and enrolled in a WEA course, where I met Leigh, who was the tutor. I had had a previous dabble in guitar many years before but it didn’t grab me and I gave up, so I’m not sure what I expected this time, but from day one of that course, Leigh had us playing “Wild Thing”, “Sunshine of your Love” and “Smoke on the Water”…wow. I guess I had expected to learn a few chords, some drills and theory and maybe a couple of basic nursery rhymes (no disrespect to those)…a bit boring perhaps.

Since then, Leigh has been my teacher and I have learnt so much and enjoy my guitar a lot. When my friends asked what I had learnt, I was amazed reflecting back on how many songs I could play. Some are a bit rough, mind you, but they include some by Pink Floyd, Green Day, the Beatles, Pete Murray …..some of my very favourite artists. Thanks a lot Leigh for always making learning actual songs your top priority in teaching me..this approach has captured my imagination and kept me fully engaged in learning and i can notice the improvement over time. This song focus plus your patience and relaxed, friendly manner has kept me engaged and looking forward to every lesson and thoroughly enjoying our musical journey.

Regards, Mel.