Learn what makes guitar (or any musical instrument) the perfect homeschool hobby and extracurricular activity in this episode with John Futch. John has been playing guitar for 25 years and has taught music for over twenty years in his hometown of Lexington, KY. In 2017, he and a friend created First Frets, an online guitar and ukulele program that takes students from beginner to advanced, one step at a time. First Frets is a great option not only for individuals, but also for homeschool families, co-ops, and private schools. If you have a musically inclined child, this episode will inspire you to imagine the possibilities playing guitar can open for your family.

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04:34 How John's father ignited his passion for guitar.

07:08 John's introduction to formal strings instruction.

09:08 How Covid-19 shutdowns opened the door for once-in-a-lifetime Zoom lessons.

10:15 John's perceptions of the financial realities of being a musician and how that led to music being only a college side-hustle.

13:40 The birth of John's company First Frets—a recorded option for students who needed a way to make up missed lessons.

18:55 Music is like basketball in that you can enjoy it in iterations of one, two, or up to five people. Why music is the perfect hobby and extracurricular topic.

21:37 So many parents also wanted to learn guitar that John created a family plan for his lessons.

23:40 How to handle kids who don't want to perform in front of others, for example, in a recital.

24:48 Playing purely for the love of music.

26:26 How to maintain interest in an instrument when you're a clumsy beginner.

27:34 How music instruction impacts other academic areas and brain development. [John references This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin.]

30:05 John's homeschool hack—pacing.

31:54 Music can be more than a hobby. It actually can be a career, even if you aren't in a hit band.

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Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.