Information about Joni (from 1996)
If you are reading this, you are hopefully considering signing up for my Internet beginners guitar course. As it is vital that you are comfortable with your teacher, I have tried to include as much information about myself on this page as possible:
Guitar
Teaching ExperienceOver a period of 15 years, I have taught guitar on a part time basis to hundreds of people many of whom have attended lessons for a number of years. The ages of the students have varied from 12 to 65 years.
With each lesson I give the student a photocopied song with lyrics and chords, sing the song onto their tape and give detailed tuition. At the next lesson I listen to the student playing the song and correct any mistakes they may be making.
Distance Teaching Experience
It soon became apparent to me that my method of teaching was well suited to distance learning. I live in South Africa and there are many places in my country where one would not have access to direct guitar tuition. I therefor started teaching a number of people by correspondence. For these people I post the music, instructions and a cassette tape to the student. When they have completed the lesson, they post back their comments with a recording of their song that I then comment on.
The Internet now provides a really exciting medium for my distance teaching and I have therefor launched my Internet guitar course.
Other Teaching Experience
I spent a number of years teaching at a nursery school (3 - 6 year olds). While I was at teachers training college, I started using the guitar as an aid to teaching small children. It was a wonderful way to teach songs, rhythmic movements and to accompany stories. Subsequently I have given basic guitar courses to other teachers and mothers to enable them to play simple nursery rhymes and children's songs.
My Taste in MusicMy taste is very varied and ranges from popular music right through to the classics. Among my favorite popular artists are Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, Elton John and Carol King.
Other Information about me
I am married with three children who all play guitar and piano. Apart from music, my other hobbies include mountain hiking, bird watching, painting, tennis and reading.
I have always had a passion for music. To play and sing with a guitar is an unique experience. The guitar becomes an extension of oneself and a means of expressing feelings of love, anger, happiness and sadness. In short it becomes a friend. I would love to share my knowledge with you and play a part in enriching your life.