Q: IS IT BETTER TO START WITH AN ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC GUITAR?
A: There are pros and cons to both, however in most cases, I usually recommend a properly sized acoustic guitar for the beginning student. If they absolutely have their heart set on an electric guitar then go with that, otherwise start with an acoustic.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE GUITAR TO PURCHASE?
A: There are basically three different size acoustic guitars.
1.) Half Size – approximate ages 4yrs. – 8yrs.
2.) 3/4 Size – approximate ages 8yrs. – 10yrs.
3.) Full Size – approximate ages 11yrs. and older
(Keep in mind a full size guitar can come in several different sizes and body types)
Before purchasing a guitar, be sure to stand it up next to your child.
Ideally, it should stand from the ground to about their waist-line.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL A NEW QUITAR COST?
A: There are quite a few companies who make a good student model guitar. I usually recommend Yamaha which carries half-size, 3/4 size, and full-size student guitars for well under $200. When you’re ready to purchase, please let us know, and we can assist you.
Q: WHERE SHOULD WE PURCHASE OUR GUITAR(S)?
A: I recommend that all parents order their child’s guitar from the Guitar Cubs website.
We are able to offer the lowest possible price due to our ongoing relationship with The Guitar Center. We can help you choose the best guitar for your needs, and ship it directly to you within just a few business days.
Q: HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD WE BE PRACTCING EACH DAY?
A: Great Question!! Practice will be the most important aspect of your child’s development. Ideally you should be practicing a minimum of 30 minutes a day, but it is normal for students to have busy schedules which may cause them to miss a day here or there. Remember that consistency is the key. 15 minutes of practice every day is better than one hour once a week. Be sure to spend time with your child while they practice, and stay in the same room so you can here what they working on. Have them practice an exercise or song so they can perform it for you or the family later that day.
Q: DOES MY CHILD NEED EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO JOINING GUITAR CUBS?
A: No experience is needed to become a Guitar Cubs student. The Guitar Cubs curriculum was written with the beginning student in mind, and our teachers are trained to work with students of all ages and skill levels.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE GUITAR?
A: Like any instrument, the guitar is a life-long pursuit, and we should always seek to continue learning and growing in our craft. That being said, most students can play simple melodies within the first couple of weeks and by the end of the first year can typically play basic chords, rhythms, and songs. It does generally take more time to develop coordination and strength the younger the student is, and practice time at home will be the biggest factor in determining how quickly your child learns.
Q: DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTED RATES?
A: Yes! We offer group rates at a substantially lower price as well as discounted monthly subscription fees to families who meet a certain criteria. A short questionnaire can be emailed to you upon request, and based on your answers you may qualify for a discounted rate. Please keep in mind we try to reserve our discounted rates for single moms who do notreceive child support and/or lower income families in the community.
Q: WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
A: Currently, the only form of payment we accept is via Paypal. Upon registration you will be prompted to choose a subscription plan which best suites your needs. Once you choose your desired plan you will be taken to Paypal’s secure login page, and you will be asked to enter either your Paypal account information, your credit card info., or bank account info.. Once payment is processed you will then be charged the same amount each month for as long as you remain a Guitar Cubs student. If at any time you would like to cancel your subscription, we simply ask that you call and give us a 30 day cancellation notice at which time your account will be terminated until further notice is given by the parent.
Q: WHAT ABOUT MAKE-UP LESSONS?
A: All students are expected to make their lessons, and make-up lessons are not guaranteed. We do however try our best to accommodate the students and parents needs, and will be more than happy to reschedule a missed lesson as long as we are notified in advance or in the case of an emergency.
Q: WHAT ABOUT HOLIDAYS?
A: Guitar Cubs students will not meet the week of Christmas or Thanksgiving, however the same monthly fee still applies for those months. This makes up for the other months during the year where students will have five lessons in a month. If your Guitar Cubs instructor has plans to be away for any other holidays, he will contact you to make arrangements for a make-up lesson.
Q: HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
A: There are currently three basic Guitar Cubs’ memberships:
1.) Group Membership: 1 half-hour group lesson per week + access to the entire
Guitar Cubs website, pdf files, jam tracks and more.
$49 per month + a one-time $30 registration fee.
2.) Private Membership – 1 half-hour private lesson per week + access to the entire
Guitar Cubs website, pdf files, jam tracks and more.
$89 per month + a one-time $30 registration fee.
3.) Advanced Private Membership – 1 full hour private lesson per week + access to the entire Guitar Cubs website, pdf files, jam tracks and more.
$169 per month + a one-time $30 registration fee.
