Q: How long are the lessons? A: Classes are held once a week on a set day and time that is convenient for everyone. Each class only lasts 30 minutes which has been proven to be the most effective amount of time for children to maintain engagement and retain information.
Q: What ages do you accept for enrollment? A: We start at age 5 and go up from there. We place students with groups that average the same age and skill level. We schedule lessons with the student in mind.
Q: Do I have to be with my child in the lessons? A: Yes! We want a parent to be present in the guitar lessons with the child. You need to know the details of what your child is learning; the goals for the week, the technical aspects that the child can’t see from his or her viewpoint and help encourage practice in an effective way. That involvement will change as the child matures. Parental involvement has been a key ingredient to the success of the students in our program from age 5 - 18. This will be the the highest cost – YOUR time, attention and commitment. It will provide the greatest return in value to your child. More than you can imagine!
Q: Can I, as a parent, learn guitar while in the lesson with my child? A: Of course. If you would like to bring your guitar with you and learn with your child, then please do. Please do not be offended that the attention of the instructor will be focused solely on the child learning, but the more information you can obtain, the better equipped you will be to help facilitate learning and practice in the home.
Q: What instrument should I buy for my child? A: It is very important that your child have an appropriate guitar!We recommend the correct sized nylon-string guitar. If you are worried about what to get, please consult with us before you buy. Here are some things to know: • Children will outgrow their instrument – like everything else. But an old instrument can be be sold as used. The market price for a used one is about 30-60% of the full retail value of a new one. So the real cost isn’t as great as first glance. We can help you sell that used one, also. • The best brands of guitars for children (as of Spring of 2018) are: Cordoba (4 fractionally sized*), Yamaha (3 fractionally sized*), Luna & Strunal (5 sizes). There may be others. That is what we strongly recommend for the high-skill technique that we teach students. The price is roughly from $120 to $250. • New models pop up in the marketplace occasionally, so if you see one and want us to check it out, call us. We don’t recommend the kiddie pink and blue guitars in the department stores. Those instruments are also outgrown in a few lessons. We are serious about cultivating your child’s talent and a life-long love of music. You should invest in a higher quality instrument (they are not that expensive). It's well worth it. Don’t know which to buy?Contact us. We want to help you find one. * Fractionally Sized - Some Guitar come in 1/4 Size, 1/2 Size, 3/4 size, or full Size. The size of guitar depends on the age and height of the child.
Q: What if our family chooses to stop taking lessons? A: We understand that situations arise such as a child loosing interest in the guitar. All we require is that you notify us on the 15th of the month prior to the month you want to discontinue. For example, if you do not want to take lessons in April, you must notify us by March 15th so that you are not charged April tuition.
Q: How and when do I pay for lessons? A: Tuition is due by the first of every month. Payment is considered late after the seventh of the month. If payment is received after the seventh of the month there is a $15 late fee. Payments methods that are accepted are Cash or Check. We have updated our policy to included payment via Venmo or Cashapp at no additional charge. Arrangements can be be made to pay with a debit or credit card. Please ask the director when wanting to pay with card. There is no fee for paying by check or cash, but if a check "bounced" or is returned there will be a $25 penalty.
Q: Does Childbloom only teach classical guitar? A: The Childbloom Guitar program from the beginning teaches "High-Skill" guitar which is the foundation of proper playing technique and can be transferred to any style of guitar playing which includes: Classical, Rock, Jazz, Country, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Mariachi, and much much more!