Frequently asked questions
At what age do you begin lessons?
We start at age 5; we find their ability to focus and interest-level is heightened at this age. The best age to start guitar is 7 years old (due to size of the instrument and finger strength needed to play), however, we highly recommend getting them started sooner on ukulele or uke bass. It is a great transitional instrument! Both these options are scaled appropriately for small children.
Piano is great for 5 and up!
What are the prerequisites?
Child must be 5 or old, know their right from their left, can count to four, and knows the letters A-G.
**If your child is younger than 5 and meets the prerequisites, contact us. I started piano when I was 3 years old!
How do I size my child for a guitar?
I recommend asking the sales rep. If your child is between 10-12 chances are they can handle a full-size guitar. Your sales rep will know what to look for.
P.S. No matter how cool your kid thinks an electric guitar looks if it doesn't sit flush against their body, don't get it. (Flying V's are not a good starter guitar.) Just call us if you're not sure or have questions.
What do I need for virtual lessons?
Chaz add text here.recommend asking the sales rep. If your child is between 10-12 chances are they can handle a full-size guitar. Your sales rep will know what to look for.
P.S. No matter how cool your kid thinks an electric guitar looks if it doesn't sit flush against their body, don't get it. (Flying V's are not a good starter guitar.) Just call us if you're not sure or have questions.
What if G.I.G. misses a lesson (in-person/virutal)?
We deeply apologize for dropping the ball and will give you a free lesson on top of the lesson we missed.
Rest assure we keep very good records and show up when we're scheduled. So, if the situation does come up where we can't make it, we'll notify you immediately and reschedule the makeup lesson and your free lesson.
Cancellation, Refund, & Rescheduling Policy
Rescheduling/Canceling: rescheduling can be arranged 24 hours in advanced. If you need to cancel a lesson, please call 941-500-2361 the day before your scheduled lesson. If you cancel or reschedule your lesson the day of, there is a $10.00 rescheduling fee due at your next lesson.
In-Person Lessons: if you miss your in-person lesson when we show up you will be charged for that lesson plus mileage. No make-up lesson offered if missed.
Refunds: refunds not given on single purchase. If you purchased multiple lessons, call us to request a refund 941-500-2361.
**See members area for cancelation/refund policy on monthly subscription.
What do I need to get started?
For guitar: acoustic or electric guitar, a tuner, pack of picks, back up strings (in case one break), an amp & cable (for electric), and a strap
For ukulele: ukulele and a tuner (strap & back up strings optional)
For bass: bass guitar, a tuner, back up strings (in case one break), an amp, and a strap
For piano: piano or keyboard with sheet music holder or music stand (if using keyboard must have a sustain pedal, 88 keys recommended)
For cajon: cajon
All instruments: a folder to save your homework and a pencil
What is a good price for ....?
Acoustic Guitar - $130+
Electric Guitar - $100+ (keep in mind you need amp and cable)
Bass - $120+ (keep in mind amp and cable)
Ukulele - $35+
Keyboard - $130+ (it must have a sustain pedal or can support one)
Cajon - kids $35+ or full-size $70+
What should I look for/beware of when purchasing used/new gear?
Electric Guitars: bowed neck, scratchy sounding pots, bad inputs, strings that sit way too high off the fretboard, and unusual buzzing
sounds from any fret.
Acoustic Guitar: bowed neck, warped back of body or front right before the bridge, cracks, strings that sit way too high off the fretboard, and unusual buzzing sounds from any fret.
Bass: bowed neck, scratchy sounding pots, bad inputs, strings that sit way too high off the fretboard, and unusual buzzing sounds
from any fret.
Keyboards/Piano: all keys play without sticking, (if it has built-in speakers) make sure speakers aren't blown, check if it has a sustain pedal input, 88 keys recommended, and make sure you buy one with the largest amount of Polyphony (Polyphony is the number of notes you can play before your keyboard starts to sound funny; 64 - 128 Polyphony is good).
Where can I buy a guitar/bass/keyboard?
Guitar Center has both new and used gear & sometimes price match.
Sweetwater is an online music retailer with new/used gear. Their product selection is awesome. My personal sales rep is Alex Campos: 1-800-222-4700 ext. 1764 or alex_campos@sweetwater.com.
Can I buy/schedule more than one lesson at a time?
Yes, absolutely! Lesson packages are available for both our in-person and virtual lessons. Call today to schedule with us: 941-500-2361!
Does G.I.G. offer any discounts?
Referrals Earn Free Lessons ask us for more details.
Memorize a Bible Verse get a $1 off any in-person or virtual lessons.
Signup for the Monthly Subscription for a discount on in-person or virtual lessons. Limited time offer.