LESSON POLICY
When can I take a lesson?
Currently, lessons are held Monday-Thursday from 1:00-8:00 pm and Friday and Sunday from 1:00-6:00 pm in 30 or 60 min. time slots. Call us at 404.500.5375, drop by, or email to see what times are available. If we can’t accommodate your schedule, we can add you to our waiting list.
How often can I take lessons?
Lessons are scheduled weekly. We do not offer bi-weekly or monthly lessons for scheduling purposes.
How much are lessons?
You can view our pricing structure here.
Can I try out a lesson first?
Absolutely! Let us know if you would like to schedule an introductory lesson for the price of one 30 min. lesson. No registration fee is required for the introductory lesson. If you decide to continue with lessons, you are responsible for the one time $25 registration fee and normal lesson rate going forward to guarantee your time slot. To sign up for an introductory lesson, call us at 404.500.5375 or email [email protected]. An introductory lesson does not guarantee your lesson time going forward. In order to guarantee your lesson time, you are responsible for the $25 registration fee and one month’s tuition.
When do I have to pay for my lessons?
All lessons are paid for in advance on the 1st of the month by AutoPay. AutoPay is required for all new and returning students. Monthly tuition is prorated and may fluctuate depending on the days in each month.
Are there any additional fees?
There is an automatic late fee of $10 for invoices that are not paid in full by the 7th of each month. If payment is not received by the 15th of the month, you will be removed from the schedule.
How do I setup my account for AutoPay?
We can set your account up for AutoPay at Guitar Shed or by phone. You can also signup for AutoPay online by logging in to the student portal and choosing “Settings > My Preferences.”
What type of payments do you take?
We accept all major credit cards and bank transfers. Add your bank account to avoid the 3% convenience fee on credit card payments!
What is your makeup / cancellation policy?
Beginning on the 1st of the month, students can cancel up to 24 hours before the lesson and receive a make-up credit. Students that cancel within 24 hours of the lesson will be charged the full amount and will not receive a make-up credit. Students that arrive more than 15 minutes late will be charged for the lesson and the teacher has the right to cancel the lesson.
Can you remove a lesson from my invoice?
Yes. You may remove ONE lesson from your invoice per month as long as you let us know before the 1st. Email is the preferred method to remove lessons from an invoice. Starting on the 1st of the month, please use the student portal to cancel lessons. You are always welcome to call us or notify us in person as well.
What about rehearsals?
One rehearsal can be removed from your account each month with at least 24 hrs. notice.
How much notice do I have to give to un-enroll from lessons?
Notice must be given by the 1st of the month to un-enroll in lessons for the following month. No refunds will be issued after the 1st of the month.
What happens when a teacher cancels a lesson?
You will not be charged for any teacher cancellations and your next invoice will include a credit for the cost of the lesson. You are not required to re-schedule lessons canceled by your teacher although it is encouraged. Make-up credits are not issued when a teacher cancels a lesson.
When do make-up credits expire and how do they work?
Starting on the 1st of the month, make-up credits will be issued for lessons cancelled with more than 24 hrs. notice. The maximum number of make-up credits allowed is 5 per year. Make-up credits expire at the end of each calendar year and can not be transferred to another teacher. They can be used in 3 ways:
-They can be used to schedule an extra lesson with your teacher. Registration closes 24 hrs. before each available time slot.
-They can be used to cover the cost of your regular lesson time in the following month if you are unable to schedule an extra lesson.
-They can be used if you are unable to attend your lesson and you fail to give us 24 hrs. notice.
How do I schedule an extra make-up lesson?
Online: Login to our student portal to see your teacher’s available times on the calendar and click on a time to register. If you do not have any available makeup credits to use, feel free to reach out and we can schedule an additional lesson manually on our end.
Phone: Call 404-500-5375
Email: Drop us a line at [email protected].
Ok, cool. How do I sign up?
Easy, register here and we’ll reach out with available times!
F.A.Q.
How are your lessons different and why did you start Guitar Shed?
We pride ourselves on teaching to the individual. No two students are alike and we are firm believers that everyone can learn to play an instrument. We are advocates of lifelong learning and are constantly examining ways in which our teaching and musicianship can be improved. With Guitar Shed, we strive to create a place where WE would personally want to take lessons.
What are the benefits of taking lessons?
Too many to count, but don’t take our word for it… read this short article from PBS Parents.
Do you offer any instrument rentals?
Yes! We offer violin and cello rentals through Voss Violins. Click here to rent your instrument and choose “Guitar Shed” as your school. We do not currently offer rentals for other instruments.
What kinds of amenities do you have at Guitar Shed?
-Office staff to assist with billing and scheduling
-On-site parking
-Complimentary coffee and tea
-Calming aromas from essential oils
-Ice cold filtered water
-Super fast guest WiFi
-Our favorite music magazines (Relix, Downbeat, Guitar Player, Fretboard Journal)
-Changing table in the bathroom
-Air filtration system in each room
-A vast collection of new and vintage sheet music
-High-quality musical instruments to play on and soundproofed lesson rooms
-Spotify streaming tunes in the lobby 24/7
What’s the youngest age my kid can start lessons?
We recommend that students start piano, violin and ukulele no earlier than age 5. Guitar and bass lessons start at age 7. Drums start at 10, and voice and banjo lessons start at age 9.
Do you teach adults?
We have several adult students with a wide variety of goals. From absolute beginners to seasoned veterans looking for inspiration, we can help guide your musical journey!
Is Guitar Shed accessible?
Yes. Our parking lot, restroom, and lesson rooms are all wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible parking spot directly in front of Guitar Shed and no stairs at our facility.
Do you teach students with disabilities?
We teach several students with cognitive and physical disabilities. We are firm believers that anyone can learn to play an instrument. Please contact us directly to make sure we can find the right teacher for you.
Do you require a background check for your teachers?
Yes, we do. All of our teachers have to pass a background check before they can teach at Guitar Shed.
What should I bring to my first lesson?
We recommend bringing your instrument (except for piano students) if you have one, a folder or notebook to keep music in, and an open mind.
Do you teach any other instruments besides guitar?
Yes. We teach piano, violin, drums, voice, ukulele, cello, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, electric bass, and saxophone. Let us know if you would like us to add you to the waiting list for brass.
What is Shedding?
“Shedding” is a jazz term that comes from “Woodshedding,” which Paul Klemperer explains eloquently below…
“The term woodshedding in jazz means more than just practicing. It is a recognition of the need to sequester oneself and dig into the hard mechanics of the music before you can come back and play with a group in public. There’s something philosophical, almost religious, about the term. The musical treasures of jazz are not easily accessed. You have to dig deep into yourself, discipline yourself, become focused on the music and your instrument, before you can unlock the treasure chest.”
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, the gift of music is always a great idea! Click here for more information on how to purchase gift certificates.
Do you sell instruments or strings / accessories?
Yes. We have a small selection of DR acoustic strings, electric strings, and picks. You can pay for accessories by credit card in-store or easily have them added to your next invoice.
Where can I download the Transcribe software?
Click here to download Transcribe. There is a free 30-day trial to try it out and the software is available for Mac, Windows and Linux. This software helped Parker get through music school.
What happens if I refer someone to Guitar Shed?
We appreciate all referrals! In the registration form, enter the name of who referred you in the “How did you hear about us?” field to receive a $35.00 credit (one free lesson).
