March 31, 2025
About the Author: Stefan Joubert
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Amber — passionate guitarist, educator, and founder of The Stellar Guitarist and The Stellar Academy.
Originally from South Africa and now based in Dubai, Amber shares her journey from leading a school music department to building a global online guitar community.
With a deep understanding of teaching adults and beginners, Amber offers valuable insights on overcoming challenges, embracing mindset, and keeping guitar fun and accessible.
An inspiring read for anyone looking to start or continue their guitar journey.
Stefan Joubert: You moved from South Africa to Dubai in 2020. How did this transition influence your personal musical journey, and how has living in Dubai shaped your growth as both a musician and teacher?
Amber: Before moving to Dubai, I spent seven years as the Head of Music at a primary school in South Africa, where I was responsible for teaching around 50 students each week, along with running the entire department. While it was incredibly rewarding, it was also intense – the combination of teaching, managing, and handling administrative tasks left me feeling burnt out. I loved teaching, but I realized I needed a change and wanted to take my music career in a different direction.
When my husband and I moved to Dubai in 2020, it was the perfect opportunity to start fresh and think big. Dubai has a unique energy – it’s a place that really encourages you to dream and embrace new challenges. Being surrounded by so much innovation and ambition inspired me to reimagine what was possible for my career. I wanted to reach beyond the limitations of one-on-one lessons and create a platform where I could connect with guitar enthusiasts worldwide.
Since moving here, I’ve expanded my reach globally, helping thousands of people learn their favourite songs through my YouTube channel and seeing hundreds of students progress through my online guitar courses in The Stellar Academy. Dubai has truly been the launchpad for that growth; it has inspired me to create a global community of guitar learners, and I’m incredibly proud of what The Stellar Academy has become.
Stefan Joubert: How has your teaching style evolved over the years, particularly when working with adult learners, from your time in South Africa to now?
Amber: In South Africa, my students were primarily children between the ages of 7 and 13, which gave me years to refine my skills in breaking down concepts into their simplest forms. Teaching young kids taught me the importance of avoiding unnecessary jargon and keeping explanations clear and concise.
I also learned that joy and enthusiasm are essential for keeping students engaged – even when it comes to practising the more ‘boring’ fundamentals. I always strive to bring a sense of excitement and fun into my lessons, no matter the topic, because I believe that the energy I bring has a big impact on the learning experience.
Interestingly, when I transitioned to teaching adult learners, I found that many of these techniques were just as effective! Adults, like kids, benefit from simplified explanations and appreciate a teacher who’s genuinely enthusiastic about the material. I’ve found that adults often feel nervous or insecure about learning a new skill, especially if they’re beginners, so bringing in that same approachable energy helps them feel more comfortable and confident.
Over the years, my teaching style has evolved to combine the simplicity and joy I honed while working with children, with the encouragement and goal-oriented approach that adults appreciate. Whether it’s an 8-year-old or a 68-year-old, I want every student to feel empowered and inspired in their learning journey.
Stefan Joubert: At the London Guitar Institute, we work with many adult beginners. What advice would you give to someone who’s always wanted to play guitar but feels they’re starting too late in life?
Amber: My advice would be: life is too short for regrets.
If you’ve always wanted to play guitar, take the leap! You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try. The best-case scenario? You might discover you’re a natural rockstar, and guitar playing becomes a lifelong passion. And even in the ‘worst’ case – if it turns out that guitar isn’t quite your fit – you’ll still gain an incredible experience and an understanding of yourself that only comes from trying something new.
Most of the adult beginners I’ve worked with are grateful they took the plunge. They often tell me that learning guitar has enriched their lives in ways they never expected – it’s more than just playing songs; it’s about self-expression, relaxation, and discovering a new side of themselves.
So my advice is to focus on the journey rather than worrying about the ‘perfect’ outcome. You’re never too old to start, and every step you take in learning to play the guitar will bring something valuable to your life.
Stefan Joubert: You’ve spoken about growing up surrounded by music. How did those early experiences influence the way you connect with your students today?
Amber: Growing up in a musical family was a blessing that deeply shaped the way I connect with my students today. My grandmother, a talented pianist, introduced me to the world of classical music and taught me how to read notation from a very young age. On the other hand, my dad was a drummer, active in the church band, and had a huge love for contemporary music- he’d buy me CDs and take me to concerts. Being immersed in these two distinct musical worlds helped me develop a well-rounded appreciation for both structure and freedom in music.
Today, as a classically trained guitarist with a passion for pop music, singing, and performing, I feel comfortable teaching a wide range of styles. I know that every student comes with their own tastes, interests, and goals, and my background allows me to meet them exactly where they are. I don’t believe in putting students into boxes; instead, I see my role as guiding them on their unique journey. Whether they want to master classical techniques or just strum their favourite songs, I’m here to support them and help them find joy on their musical path.
Stefan Joubert: In your experience, what are some of the most common challenges adult learners face when picking up the guitar for the first time, and how do you help them stay motivated?
Amber: One of the most common challenges adult learners face when picking up the guitar for the first time is the belief that it’s too late for them to start something new. Many feel like their opportunity to learn an instrument has passed them by. On top of that, the fear of failure and the overwhelming nature of learning a new skill can be quite daunting.
To help my adult students stay motivated, I focus on shifting their mindset. I remind them that everyone, no matter their age or background, starts from the beginning, and yes, we all sounded terrible at first! It’s completely normal. I emphasise that the journey is about progress, not perfection, and that the joy of learning is just as important as the destination.
Enjoyment is key – if you’re having fun, it never feels like work! By keeping the experience lighthearted and engaging, I aim to make guitar practise something they look forward to rather than something they dread. This approach helps them stay motivated and, more importantly, helps them enjoy the process of becoming a guitarist.
Stefan Joubert: Many of our students at the London Guitar Institute are balancing work, family, and other commitments. How do you encourage consistency in practise for adults with busy schedules?
Amber: Balancing work, family, and everything else life throws at you can make it really tough to find time to practise guitar. I get it – we’re all busy! But one thing I always remind my students is that we make time for the things that matter to us. And yes, that’s easier said than done, but it’s possible!
My advice? Keep practise sessions short and sweet. Even just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. It doesn’t have to be a marathon session; it just needs to be consistent. Daily, focused practise is way better than trying to squeeze in a long session once in a while.
I also know how easy it is for practise to slip down your list of priorities when the initial excitement of learning guitar wears off and you’re left with sore fingers and no clue what to work on.
That’s why I created a Practice Roadmap for my Guitar for Beginners course. It’s like having a game plan that tells you exactly what to practise, so you never feel lost. It’s been a game-changer for so many of my students, helping them stay accountable and on track. The roadmap gives you structure and makes practising way less stressful, even if you have a crazy busy schedule.
Stefan Joubert: You focus heavily on creating a positive and supportive learning environment. How do you help your students overcome self-doubt or frustration during their learning process?
Amber: When it comes to being positive and supportive, I’m all about words of encouragement. I’ve even been crowned the “Queen of Encouragement” by the members of our Stellar community! I know how important it is to hear that you’re doing great, especially when you’re feeling stuck or frustrated.
I also make sure to keep the lines of communication wide open. I always encourage my students to reach out and ask questions, post videos of their playing, get advice, or share their progress. And honestly, it’s amazing to see how the whole community rallies together to offer praise and support.
It’s not just about me cheering you on -it’s about everyone lifting each other up. I’m very proud of the environment we’ve built together.
It’s a space full of encouragement and genuine support, and that’s something I’ve worked really hard to nurture and grow.
Stefan Joubert: What’s been one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had working with adult learners, particularly those who are complete beginners?
Amber: One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had working with adult learners, especially complete beginners, is seeing the way they transform over time and become part of this amazing, supportive community. One thing that really stands out to me is our live Stellar Strum Along events.
When I see students who were once complete beginners showing up to these live sessions, strumming along to the songs we play together, it just fills me with so much pride! It’s incredible to watch people who were once struggling with basic chords now confidently playing along in real-time with a whole group. The energy is electric, and the sense of accomplishment on their faces is just priceless.
These events aren’t just about playing songs – they’re about coming together, celebrating progress, and having fun. Seeing my students supporting each other and making music together makes all the hard work worth it. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do and how powerful learning guitar can be when you’re part of a positive, uplifting community.
Stefan Joubert: At the London Guitar Institute, we find that many adult learners are afraid to make mistakes. How do you encourage a mindset of exploration and creativity in your teaching?
Amber: Fear of making mistakes often comes from perfectionism, and let’s be honest – most of us adults struggle with that!
I try to shift my students’ focus to a mindset of exploration by encouraging them to take “messy action” and just have fun with the process. Too often, adults approach learning the guitar far too seriously right from the start, which can make it feel more stressful than enjoyable.
In my lessons, I make it a point to create a relaxed and playful atmosphere, full of encouragement. We’re all way too hard on ourselves as adults, so I remind my students that playing the guitar should be fun! Mistakes are just part of being human, and honestly – who cares if you mess up?
That’s how we learn!
Stefan Joubert: What role does creativity play in your lessons, and how do you inspire your students to bring their own ideas into their guitar practise?
Amber: As an amateur songwriter, I really value creativity in my lessons. That said, I totally understand how some teachers, especially those with a classically trained background (like mine), might lean toward a more rigid, black-and-white approach. For me, it’s all about finding a balance.
I make sure to teach proper techniques and foundational skills to set my students up for success, but I also leave room for them to experiment, freestyle, or improvise. It’s so important to give students the freedom to explore their own ideas while building a solid base.
I’ve even helped some of my students write their own songs, which has been such a rewarding and fun experience – it’s amazing to see their creativity come to life.
Stefan Joubert: Your teaching emphasises playing guitar for fun and enjoyment. How do you balance that with the technical aspects of learning, especially for adult beginners?
Amber: For me, it’s all about finding the right balance. I know that the technical aspects – like proper technique, rhythm, and foundational skills – are essential for any beginner to progress, but I also know that if learning isn’t fun, it’s easy to lose motivation.
That’s why I’ve designed my guitar courses to provide the structure and foundational skills students need to play confidently, while our live Zoom calls add a fun, creative element.
For instance, in those live sessions, we jam and experiment, making the process feel less like a chore and more like a collaborative, enjoyable experience. It’s all about connecting the technical side to the joy of actually playing guitar.
Stefan Joubert: What are some specific techniques or methods you use to help students stay confident, even when progress seems slow or challenging?
Amber: One of the key techniques I use is simplifying songs so students can start playing right away, even if progress feels slow.
For example, you can play almost any song with simplified chords, a capo, and just one down strum on each chord. It’s such a rewarding way to experience the joy of playing without getting bogged down in all the bells and whistles right away.
My method is all about building a song step by step – starting with the foundational parts and gradually adding layers as confidence grows. This approach not only helps students avoid frustration but also keeps them motivated by showing that they can play music, even while they’re still learning.
It’s a reminder that every small step forward is still progress!
Stefan Joubert: Your father played a key role in shaping your early musical development. How has his influence impacted the way you teach and approach your musical career?
Amber: My dad is a huge muso – he plays the drums and absolutely loves rock music. He listens to music every chance he gets, from Dire Straits to Michael Bublé, and he appreciates it all! I feel so lucky to have been exposed to such a wide variety of musical genres growing up.
But when it comes to my teaching approach, the real influence has to be my mum. She’s a Grade 2 teacher and the epitome of love, patience, and kindness. Watching her connect with her students and create such a supportive learning environment has truly shaped the way I teach.
Whether I’m working with kids or adults, I always try to channel her warmth and encouragement in my own lessons. It’s a combination of my dad’s passion for music and my mum’s nurturing spirit that drives how I approach my students and my career.
Stefan Joubert: Your guitar journey has been unique, from teaching in schools to building your platform. Looking back, what key lessons from your own development as a guitarist do you pass on to your students?
Amber: One of the most important lessons I pass on to my students is to always be kind – to yourself and to others. This is something I’ve learned from my mum, who is a bottomless well of patience and kindness with her pupils. She’s shown me that what you plant will grow.
If you nurture yourself with kindness and encouragement, you’ll make room for growth not only in your guitar journey but in life. Learning an instrument is never a straight path – it’s full of challenges and setbacks – but treating yourself with compassion can make the process so much more rewarding. That’s the mindset I try to bring into every lesson I teach.
Stefan Joubert: How important do you think mindset is in the process of learning guitar as an adult, and what do you do to help students stay positive and focused?
Amber: Mindset is absolutely key when it comes to learning to play the guitar as an adult. I’ve worked with so many adult students who radiate positivity, and the results they’ve achieved have been nothing short of amazing. It all starts in the mind – if you decide from the beginning that your guitar journey is going to be a positive and enjoyable experience, you’re already setting yourself up for success.
For students who struggle to stay focused or find it hard to stay positive, I always encourage them to reconnect with their “why.” Why did they pick up the guitar in the first place? What excites them about playing? Reaffirming that purpose can help realign their confidence and belief in themselves. Try to remember that it’s a journey – stay positive, stay focused, and trust the process.
