Question 1

How much do lessons cost?

Accepted Answer

$125 per month for half hour private guitar lessons once a week.
 
$125 per month for half hour group lessons once a week.

$250 per month for 1 hour private lessons once a week.
​

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

The Block Academy of Music is in Gold River. Take Hwy 50 to Sunrise Blvd north exit. Then turn right on to Coloma Rd. and we are located on the corner of Coloma road and Gold River Road. The address is 11292 Coloma rd. Suite B, Gold River, CA 95817

Question 3

How long are guitar lessons?

Accepted Answer

Private Guitar lessons are 30 minutes.
As students progress they may increase the lesson time to an hour.
Group lessons are 30 minutes.

Question 4

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept payments at the beginning of each month, no later than the 5th. All students are required to enroll in automatic debit or ETF for convenience and peace of mind.

Question 5

How long is the contract?

Accepted Answer

The contract is month to month. Students pay for lessons a month at a time and can stop or take a break at any time.

Question 6

Can I schedule a make-up lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you provide at least 24-hour notice that you can't attend a lesson, you're eligible to request a make-up lesson. Please note that we can't pro-rate the cost for lessons; our rates are flat and can't be adjusted for missed days due to vacations or travel.

Question 7

What kind of guitar techniques will my child be learning?

Accepted Answer

All students begin studying the G4 guitar method. The G4 guitar is a comprehensive skills based method comprised of 5 books/levels. It takes about 3-5 years to complete. The G4 method is designed to help students acquire the skill set needed to play the guitar at home and in a professional setting. The skills covered are picking, strumming, reading music notation and guitar tablature, ear training, rhythm studies, scales, chords, arpeggios, songs and improvisation.

Question 8

Is there a discount for family members?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for the second and third family members after the first student signs up for guitar lessons. It's our way of supporting musical families!

Question 9

What type of Music do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We teach pop, rock, blues, jazz, funk, RnB, Reggae, and some world music.

Question 10

Do students need to learn to read music?

Accepted Answer

We do not require that our students learn to read music notation, but we strongly encourage them to learn. We also introduce guitar tablature. Learning to play guitar by ear is the first way of learning and is very effective in producing skilled and adaptable musicians. It is important to be able to read music notation, but it is more important to be able to understand how to listen critically to the music one hears. Understanding what one hears is not contingent upon having the ability to read music, though reading does help. If a student has an interest in going to college to study music, or becoming a professional musician then reading is very strongly encouraged.

Question 11

What instruments do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer lessons for the Bass guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and the Electric Guitar.

Question 12

Do you have guitars available for rent?

Accepted Answer

We do not have any guitars for rent. Students are required to have their own guitars.

Question 13

Where can I rent a guitar?

Accepted Answer

Some local music shops will have guitars for rent. Its best to contact a local retailer in
your neighborhood to inquire about renting an instrument.

Question 14

What Kind of Guitar Should I Buy?

Accepted Answer

There's no such thing as a beginner guitar. For beginning students, buying a new lower priced starter package guitar from your local shop is a good way to begin.
 
If you want to wait before buying a guitar because you want to try a few lessons beforehand, you can find a music shop that will rent you one.

Question 15

How Does Your Program Work?

Accepted Answer

New students are encouraged to start with the 99 week introductory course. After completing the five week course students are strongly encouraged to continue their studies in a group lesson with 3 to 5 students at similar ages and skill levels.

Question 16

What is the youngest age you will accept for beginning guitar students?

Accepted Answer

Generally, 6 years old is the earliest age that children begin to show readiness for learning to play the guitar. Of course, there are exceptions.

Question 17

How much practice is expected?

Accepted Answer

In the first month, guitar students should expect to practice every day for at least 15 minutes. After their hands and fingers adapt and they become more familiar with the instrument students should expect to practice at least 30 minutes and up to an hour a day.

Question 18

Will students participate in performances or recitals?

Accepted Answer

Students have the option to but are not required to participate.

Question 19

What should a new student expect?

Accepted Answer

Students should expect to take at least one month of private guitar lessons before beginning the group guitar lesson program.
 
During the first month, the teacher and student will cover the basic concepts such as posture, how to hold the guitar and pick, how to tune the guitar and some basics such as picking single note melodies and strumming simple chords. Eventually, students will be enouraged to come to the group lessons as they progress in their private lessons.

Frequently asked questions