Musical talent in Dubai

The classical guitarist
Ten-year-old Neel lives in the Green Community, and has been learning to play the acoustic guitar.

How long have you been learning the guitar?
Since September, I’ve just started so I’m still a beginner. We’ve been learning melodies like Ode to Joy.

Why did you choose the guitar?
I chose guitar because it’s a very cool instrument, and there’s so many songs that I’ll be able to play on it. I have lessons at Yamaha Music School in Ibn Battuta Mall.

How often do you practice?
I practice during the week, until my next guitar lesson. We’re usually given practice homework, which we have to present in our next lesson.

What do you do in your lessons?
We learn different tunes, the teacher plays it for us, then we have to practice. When we learn new topics such as sharps or new chords, it’s all explained to us.

What’s the best thing about the guitar?
With the guitar, you can make up your own music. And there is so much that you can play that’s written for the guitar. I’m not sure if I want to be in a band, but I’ll definitely keep playing it as a hobby.

What’s the worst thing?
I don’t like when my guitar is out of tune, because if you don’t have the right equipment, then it just doesn’t sound right.