Greenville Guitar Lessons Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I can't seem to find your address or phone number. How do I get in touch with you?

Before you call to simply inquire as to price & location, bear in mind ... learning an instrument is an involved process that grows most effectively out of a good relationship with a skilled teacher. Identifying the right teacher for you is very important. It will be significantly to your best interests to come in for a free lesson before making a decision one way or the other as to whether I and my program are right for you (or your child). With that in view, you can find the phone number and address here.

How much will I need to invest to take advantage of your program?

The first lesson will be a free introductory lesson. Tuition varies depending on your program and schedule. If you have a friend or two who also wishes to learn guitar, take advantage of substantial discounts on small group lessons. Your monthly tuition for individual private lessons can be as as little as $50, but my average client invests more than this with a view toward increased rate of progress. When I know more about your goals I can give you an accurate assessment of what we need to do to meet them. This is why I offer the free introductory lesson. Contact me here to schedule your free lesson.

I am ready to get started. What do I do next?

Click the Contact link at the top of the page and complete the Connection Form. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Why learn Blues?

Besides Blues being an entertaining style in itself, a great reason to study Blues is relatively fast results. Many students of music - especially hobbyists - quit in frustration before they really get anywhere with it. Blues is a relatively simple and easy to learn style that is still filled with powerful expression - and fun! It is the foundational form of other popular styles such as country, rock, folk, and pop, so it is a great style to approach as a transition to more advanced styles.

Why this program and not some other school or course?

You will not have to manage the pressure of a fast paced information mill, nor the frustration of an amateur learning how to teach at your expense. Instead, you will have the benefit of a mature professional instructor following a proven, structured program that will get you measureable results. Your teacher is passionate about your success and specifically trained in the complex social/technical art of TEACHING guitar as well as playing guitar. The format is private one on one instruction or small group. I offer flexible scheduling arrangements such that I can get your monthly fee for private lessons down to as little as $50 – try finding that at any other reputable school. The facility is conveniently located a few blocks off I-385 – easy in, easy out, to accommodate your busy schedule.

Why do I need lessons at all given all the free resources available on the web?

Tried that yet? I have. Let me know when you have had enough, and then we can discuss your goals and put a program together for you – hopefully before you waste valuable time and fall unknowingly into the snare of poor physical technique. I will provide you with the right things, in the right way, in the right order, to get you the maximum results in the shortest possible time. I will also steer you clear of worthless marketing gimmicks, common beginner mistakes, and restrictive flaws in your physical technique that will frustrate you later.

How long will I need to take lessons?

That will depend on your goals, and your practice routine. For competence in basic blues, a year should be sufficient for most, IF you follow my practice recommendations. Beyond that, it is really up to you as to how far you want to go with it. We can cover new material and branch out into other styles and techniques for as long for as you want to pursue it!

Do I need to have my own instrument?

Yes. I will be glad to offer advice regarding your selection of a starter instrument if you do not already have one.

What are your hours of operation?

Hours vary with enrollment, which varies seasonally. Generally, evenings and part day on Saturday. Please contact me for details.

Where are you located?

In the East End Historic District of downtown Greenville, also known as the "Music District" due to the concentration of guitar teaching & retail shops in this vicinity. Easy access Off I- 385 on the outskirts of downtown, in the community east of the Bilo Center. 1628 East North Street.

Do you require a certain level of natural ability, or a certain rate of progress?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Let me be clear: my reputation depends on students’ successes. However, we both want this to be fun and do not intend for it to be a high pressure, frustrating endeavor. I expect some progress of course and so should you, but there are no tests or required rates of progress. Learning an instrument is a long-term process and I do not expect or demand miracles from the students (and I ask the same consideration in return!).

Do I have to follow all of the course recommendations?

Your participation is completely voluntary. However, your teacher has a much larger view of the subject and thus knows what you need to do to reach your goals. Some aspects of learning an instrument can be challenging as you are building the foundations of knowledge and physical technique. As a student, you may not be able to see the benefit of a given exercise or technique. I generally recommend that you follow program recommendations. If you ever feel that you are wasting your time with some particular aspect of the program, bring this to my attention. In such a case I will try to explain the reason behind the material or otherwise try to find an alternate solution to get the necessary results.

Will you teach me to play songs I select?

Generally, within the context of an overall program to increase your skills across the board, yes. However this will be up to my discretion. If, for instance, a client comes in on day one and wants solely to learn an advanced song with techniques that are far beyond the ability of a beginner, I will not be able to base a program on this. We will put this on the list of goals and will, over time, work on the skills required to play that type of song. Then, when the time is right, we will approach the song together.

What if I show up for a lesson and I have honestly just forgot to bring my payment?

If it is your first lesson we will proceed with a lesson of scaled back depth, and will not offer any paper materials for you to take with you. Otherwise, we will proceed as usual and ask that you submit the payment within 48 hours. In cases of persistent problems with getting the payment to us as agreed at the first of the month for auto-pays, or first lesson of the month for cash/check pays, I will decline further lessons.

What happens if I can not make a scheduled lesson appointment? Can we make up the lesson some other time?

I do not ask for a contract from my clients. However, what I do ask is that the customer agree with me for a mutually beneficial relationship. I ask you to view your investment for what it really is: monthly installments on a result of guitar skills, rather than a payment per services rendered. Once you ask me to reserve a time slot, I set that time aside for your benefit to the exclusion of others who would be willing to pay for that same time slot. I have expenses associated with the time slot such as rent, lesson preparation, and the commitment of time to your benefit. Therefore, whether you arrive for the lesson or not, the expenses on your behalf continue.

In other words, my part of our agreement is to have a facility and instructor available for you. If I do my part, I ask to be paid, just as you ask your employer to pay you for your time. I do understand that life throws curve balls and students can not be there 100% of the time. Bear in mind, what you are paying for is long term results, not short term packages of instruction time. Therefore, I do not always offer make ups, and I ask for payment for your time slot as long as you wish to keep it reserved for you.

I have a question that is not addressed here. How can I get the answer I need?"

Click on the Contact link at the top of this page.

Thanks for your interest in my program. To schedule a free introductory lesson, click on the Contact link at the top of this page!

Client Feedback ...

"As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the progress that Abby’s made with Chad. He isn’t too easy, has high expectations and continues to push in a positive away. I feel like guitar has given Abby an identity and boosted her self confidence. Coincidence or not, her grades have improved greatly since she started playing. I definitely feel like guitar is a gift that will last her a lifetime." - John Poore, Simpsonville

"I've learned a lot and been both challenged and encouraged. I feel that the lessons are well organized and appropriate to my skill level. The instructor is not just a good guitar player, but also a great teacher." - Mike Menza, Greenville

"Our teenage son has been taking lessons with Chad for nearly six months. We have been very pleased with Chad's approach. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep a 13 year old focused, but Chad has developed a very good rapport with him. I can honestly say that our son looks forward to his weekly lessons." - Scott Baier, Easley