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Learning guitar is for the young at heart; it is never too late!

I have heard some say, I am too old to play the guitar; learning guitar is for the young. If these are your thoughts, you were only half right. Learning to play the guitar is for the young at heart. A recent survey revealed 85% adults, who did not receive music training, said they wished they had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument when they were young. I have adult learners in their 70s and 80s who greatly enjoy playing guitar. So the good news is: it is never too late! Not only that, it is good for you!

Research shows learning guitar, like learning a language, is good for your brain, body, and sense of well-being. Learning to play guitar promotes brain-cell growth, benefits memory, positively impacts our motor skills, relieves stress, serves as an outlet for our creative impulses, and is a fun and creative bonding social activity. Why not start the guitar for you, and your children!

–PJZ

Dr. Zisa’s fundamental goal is to cultivate the love of learning and music making. His teaching philosophy is learning to play guitar begins with developing the necessary physical skills; this is best accomplished when the first experiences are simple, attainable, and enjoyable. Students’ success in skill development not only builds confidence, it also feeds the desire to learn more and become more skilled. Students who enjoy the experience of making music, become more invested in practice.

For Dr. Zisa, the study of music is more than learning to play agreeable tones in a scripted manner. The study of music is multifaceted. For one, music is an expressive performing art. Students are encouraged to be creative and expressive in making music. Second, he asserts students should play at least as much as they practice. Playtime and practice time are not the same. Playtime, Dr. Zisa explains, is for enjoyment. It may include role-playing, and expressing emotions with dynamics and tone. Playtime may include improvising, picking tunes out by ear, playing music with friends. Dr. Zisa believes music playtime is as important as practice. If one enjoys music playtime, they will be more likely practice to improve.

Photo: Dr. Zisa with legendary Brazilian guitarist and performer CELSO MACHADO

Music is an expression of individual creativity; nowhere is this more evident than in learning to improvise and compose music. Both processes are reflective and expressive acts of creation. Dr. Zisa asserts all students can learn how to improvise and compose music. His course of study provides students with the tools to do both.

Student Graduates

Dr. Zisa’s students have earned music degrees; they have also won international, national, and state competitions in classical, jazz, and rock guitar. Some have performed with notable orchestras, and appeared on national radio and television programs.

Photo: Former student SHOTA NAKAMA, Founder of the acclaimed Japanese Video Game Orchestra

WHAT DR. ZISA TEACHES

With over forty years of teaching experience, Dr. Zisa has taught students of all ages and levels of development; from elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, to colleges and universities. While heading the guitar program at Universities, Dr. Zisa also taught Music Theory, Aural Skills, History of Rock, History of Jazz, History of Western Music, World Music, Chamber Ensemble, and Guitar Pedagogy.

HEAR WHAT HIS STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

I have been one of Peter’s students since his Marylhurst days. He is kind, patient, a wonderful friend, plays like an angel.
I don’t play well (not Peter’s fault!) but every one of my lessons has been educational and illuminating – he teaches music – what it is, what it means, and what performance is or can be.PAULA BARRAN
Partner at Barran Liebman LLP