Seattle Guitar Teacher | Seattle, WA | Guitar Center's Preferred Instructor

Pascal Louvel Guitar Instruction Personal Instruction for Students of All Levels in the Greater Seattle Area

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions, grouped in the following broad topics:

Lessons
Tips for Beginners
Parents/Guardians


How long are lessons? Is half an hour really long enough to make progress? How can I learn guitar as fast/soon as possible? How many lessons do I have to commit to up-front? Do I have to commit to the same day and time every week? Can't you teach closer to where I live? How long will I have to take lessons before I become a good guitar player? Do I get any written materials during the lesson, or do you just "wing it"? Why should I pay for private lessons when I can pull free lessons off the Internet? Can Pascal help me get awesome sound (tone) from my guitar? Does Pascal play in a band? What are Pascal's musical influences? His favorite guitar players? What's the deal with the saying "Good players aren't necessarily good teachers?"
*How long are lessons?* Students have the option of scheduling half-hour or full-hour lessons. The first lesson is always one full hour, in order for Pascal to assess new students' playing skills and discuss their goals.
*Is half an hour really long enough to make progress?* Pascal takes a highly organized approach to each student's instruction, and in the course of teaching for 15 years has developed the half-hour lesson format into a surprisingly effective vehicle for guitar instruction. Because of his ability to quickly identify each student's particular needs, a half-hour lesson covers plenty of material to practice during the time between lessons. Some concepts — and students — are better taught in one-hour lessons. It's up to students to decide the duration of their next lesson. Pascal may at times recommend a certain length of lesson, depending on the material and the student.
*How can I learn guitar as fast/soon as possible?* You may want to schedule full hour lessons on a regular basis. Another key is to take Pascal's harmony classes in addition to your private lessons. Many students find this accelerates learning and ensures they become balanced, well-rounded players. Pascal will gladly direct you toward the most appropriate classes once he has assessed your playing and goals.
*How many lessons do I have to commit to up-front?* Only the lessons that you choose to schedule. There is no minimum number of lessons for which you must sign up.
*Do I have to commit to the same day and time every week?* No. You schedule your next lesson at the end of your current lesson (or as soon as you know your schedule after that lesson) and can choose whatever days/times are open for each week. If a student requires the same day and time each week, Pascal will work with them to try and accommodate their needs.
*Can't you teach closer to where I live?* If Pascal taught in more than one location, the time spent moving from place to place would limit the number of students he is able to teach. Moreover, Pascal thinks his students are much better served when he has immediate access to his large stock of teaching materials and specialized musical equipment — something he could not practically offer if he taught in several different locations. If a student practices what is taught in the lessons, the commute will actually be a small portion of the total time invested in studying guitar. Pascal has a number of students who travel from Everett, Kent, and even Tacoma because they find his teaching is worthwhile. Ultimately, students will have to decide for themselves whether their commute is justified by the quality of lessons they receive.
*How long will I have to take lessons before I become a good guitar player?* It depends on the individual. For example, mastering rhythm and timing is essential to progress. In order to play a note or chord at the right time, you must anticipate the exact moment that the pick will strike the strings. To some people, it's instinctive. For others, it's a tough skill to master. Eventually with time and practice, rhythm, harmony, scales, and improvising will become second nature. Pascal has a reputation for helping students see steady and continual progress on their journey.
*Do I get any written materials during the lesson, or do you just "wing it"?* All teaching is accompanied by written materials, which include rhythmic notation with tablature, the key of the song or exercise, and proper fingering.
*Why should I pay for private lessons when I can pull free lessons off the Internet?* Good question. Most tablature and guitar lessons offered on the Internet do not include rhythmic notation, which is essential for proper learning. In addition, a free lesson or two (or even ten) do not make a comprehensive approach to learning the guitar. Free lessons also do not take into account your current level of playing, nor do they come with any way to ensure you are learning the material correctly. You will make more progress and enjoy your playing sooner by studying one-on-one with a good teacher than you ever would by learning some other way.
*Can Pascal help me get awesome sound (tone) from my guitar?* Absolutely. Pascal's experience working with leading arrangers and sound engineers has given him an extensive knowledge of guitar gear and sound equipment in the context of a mix. With Pascal's assistance, you will learn what it takes to make your guitar work cut through the mix and enhance the song.
*Does Pascal play in a band?* Pascal was a full-time performer with several different bands for the first ten years of his career. Now, he prefers to focus on songwriting, and he is working with various vocalists, composing, arranging, and recording fully produced songs. Although he isn't currently in a band, thanks to his extensive experience as a performer he can show you how to perform in a band setting so that you not only hold your own, but inspire the rest of your band to play at their highest level.
*What are Pascal's musical influences? His favorite guitar players?* Pascal has numerous influences. He enjoys quality players who have a strong sense of melody and fluidly express themselves with passion and intensity through the music they create. That being said, there are hundreds of guitarists Pascal is inspired by, and he is always looking for more!
*What's the deal with the saying "Good players aren't necessarily good teachers?"* Think about it. How many guitar players put as much time into perfecting their teaching techniques as they do their own playing? How many ace players remember how hard they had to work as beginners to learn certain concepts? How many of those killer players wound up following a long and winding path to mastery of their instrument because they didn't have a proven method of learning that saved them years of frustration?

What is the one most important tip for beginners?

Hands down, the one thing that will save a beginner the most time and money and provide the most satisfaction is to start with an electric guitar, not an acoustic. Of course, Pascal is happy to take students who prefer sticking to acoustic — if you have a choice, however, learning on an electric is much easier:

Electric guitars typically have lighter-gauge strings that require much less strength in the fretting hand.
You can usually adjust the string height and intonation on an electric, making for a more comfortable and harmonious instrument.
Electric guitars (unamplified) are much quieter, enabling students to hear the metronome and master timing more quickly. They also make it possible to practice without making too much noise. (You don't have to buy an amp right away — it's okay to play unplugged for the first six months or so.)

When students start out with an acoustic and decide later on to switch, Pascal is always happy to help them choose a suitable electric.


What is the minimum age for taking lessons? Should parents attend the first lesson? What about attending subsequent lessons? I want to handle lesson scheduling myself rather than have my child do it. What is the best way to do this? What benefits will my child get out of learning how to play the guitar?
*What is the minimum age for taking lessons?* Students must be at least 14 years old.
*Should parents attend the first lesson?* Yes, Pascal strongly encourages parents/guardians to attend the first lesson. It gives him a chance to get to know the family a little, and it gives parents a chance to assess his teaching skills and learn about necessary administrative matters.
*What about attending subsequent lessons?* This is entirely up to the parent. Whichever way the student is best able to focus is probably the way to go. By the way, parents who are worried about leaving their child in the company of a guitar player (gasp!) should know that Pascal doesn't smoke, drink alcohol, or do drugs — never has, never will.
*I want to handle lesson scheduling myself rather than have my child do it. What is the best way to do this?* Simply come in toward the end of your child's lesson and schedule the next one at that time. This gives you a greater chance of getting the time slot you want than if you wait a few days and do it over the phone.
*What benefits will my child get out of learning how to play the guitar?* If you're looking for a way to provide your child with a source of life-long joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment, musical education is an excellent step. The benefits are manifold: Self-expression, relaxation, enjoyment, and constructive use of leisure time. Self-confidence. Every child needs some area of personal accomplishment. It's part of the growing-up process, with each accomplishment contributing positively to the development of a stronger personality. Music provides almost daily opportunity for individual accomplishment — and with each success your child gains confidence. Brain development. Playing an instrument is arguably the epitome of a skills-based music experience. It requires the player to develop and coordinate many different brain functions — auditory, visual, cognitive, affective, and motor-related — simultaneously and at increasingly challenging levels. Self-discipline, patience, and the ability to memorize and concentrate are all enhanced by the study of music. These skills will serve your child well on whatever path he or she chooses in life.



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