Setting Goals For a New Year – A Guitar Teacher’s Thoughts

As we welcome in the start of 2025 it’s often a time for the dreaded new year’s resolutions. You know… the ones we hope to keep but can’t keep.

As a music teacher who provides guitar lessons in Aberdeen I started to think about sensible and achievable goals that my students could set for themselves this year. 

Below I’ve laid out 3 goals to work towards:

1.       Add 5 minutes of practice a week (this works out to be an extra 260 minutes or 4.3 hours per year).  I believe the added 5 minutes will make a world of difference in what you’re able to achieve not only within your guitar lessons but out-with this year.

2.       Learn 1 new chord and 1 new scale on alternative weeks for the next 52 weeks.  This will add 26 new chord shapes and 26 new scales to your library of knowledge.

3.       Play 1 song in a genre that you’re not familiar with every 3 months. This equates to 4 songs per year).  This will add more versatility to your playing and allow you to develop your skills out-with your comfort zone.

Being a guitar player requires discipline.  By setting yourself these 3 goals not only will your playing improve but it will also create the opportunity for you to learn new styles and techniques.

Learning guitar and receiving guitar lessons is only part of the battle – you need to practice what you learn, develop your skills and build confidence.

The more effort you put in the more you’ll reap as a reward.  I’ve been a Music Teacher for over 20 years and I still need to set myself goals to improve my playing.  We never stop learning and there is a satisfaction that comes from goal setting and ultimately goal reaching. Get it done and you’ll be 10 times the player you are today! 

Happy New Year!