Learn Guitar your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Michael W. - Clermont Guitar Teacher

My name is Mike, and I have been playing guitar for close to 10 years. I currently play guitar and sing lead vocals for a band as well as lead the worship bands at my local church here in Clermont, FL. I love listening to and playing live music, and Clermont offers opportunities to do both. If you’re interested in taking guitar lessons in Clermont, here are some tips on places to see and things to do on your way to becoming the next great guitarist.

While there are some great acts in Orlando, you don't have to drive far to find some live music in Clermont. The Downtown Clermont Business District hosts a Food Truck Night on the first Friday night of each month. This is a great place to discover and enjoy local bands. Each year in October, they also host the Downtown Music Festival highlighting many bands on 3 to 4 stages. Whatever genre you play, you can find a band and act to enjoy and be inspired. Food Truck Nights and the Music Festival are great places to network and seek opportunities to showcase your own talents.

The annual Pig on the Pond Festival in March and The Groveland 4th of July Festival, only a few miles west, hire out some great acts. Pig on the Pond allots time on the stage for local school music programs to demonstrate what they have been learning. Finally, there is the Annual Holiday of Hopes Festival each year in November which raises money for charity. This festival is personally my favorite because my band was the host band this past year.

Once you watch and listen to other bands playing live, you can't help but desire to play on a stage yourself. This is a great motivation while taking guitar lessons in Clermont. The first few months of learning guitar can be difficult and having a goal will keep you pushing through. Tell your instructor that you’re looking for opportunities to play live. For your instructor to recommend you to those in his/her network, you will need to demonstrate skill and professionalism. This is a motivation to practice.

Once you get a few gigs from your instructor under your belt, you can then begin networking with event coordinators and local musicians. It is helpful to have a few references, as well as originally recorded demos on hand when networking.

Many think that they will never play in a live venue, but if you set goals, seek opportunities, and send your references and work to people in your area you will find yourself progressing in your music much more quickly than you originally imagined. No matter your genre or playing style, there are many opportunities for you to meet, network with, and learn from great local musicians while taking guitar lessons in Clermont.