Get Your Questions Answered!
Q: I just want to take private lessons. Do I have to perform?
A: No! On Track Music was founded on Scott Graves’ phenomenal private teaching method which remains the “bedrock” of our program. Even though we have become famous for our amazing student performance opportunities, we realize that many people simply want to learn guitar for their own personal enjoyment.
Q: How often do I come to lessons?
A: The average private student will attend one of two basic formats: One half-hour lesson every week; or one hour-long lesson every two weeks. Group lessons run for an hour every week. Some serious students like to do one private hour every week or combine a private lesson with an AMPD Band Class. The minimum requirement to participate in the private lesson program is two hours worth of lesson time for every four weeks on the schedule (half- hour a week or one-hour bi-weekly).
Q: What type of lesson format is best for me?
A: Young children are encouraged to do one half-hour private lesson per week. Beginning teens tend to do very well in the private “once-a-week for a half-hour” format although some teens do very well in the “bi-weekly hour” also. Adults can work well in either of the private formats (weekly or bi-weekly). Often adults, and sometimes teens, prefer to do a longer lesson and make fewer trips to the studio so they will opt for bi-weekly lessons. Others prefer knowing that their lesson is at a set time every week. For adults and mature teens either format can work well. AMPD Band Classes are open to students who are already on the private schedule and considered ‘ready to perform’ by their private teacher.
Q: Do I need to have a guitar in order to take guitar lessons?
A: Definitely. Whether you rent or own, you will need to have access to an instrument for frequent practice. There is no way to learn how to play guitar without physically touching the instrument!
Q: What kind of guitar should I start with?
A: If you have any kind of guitar at all, start with it. If you do not have a guitar you may want to rent for a couple of months to be sure that you really want to learn to play the instrument. Small children should probably start with a smaller sized nylon string guitar (nylon strings are easier on the fingers than steel strings). Teens and adults can start on either acoustic, electric, or classical (which ever is the most motivating). No matter which type of guitar you start with, the techniques that you learn are easily transferred to other musical styles.
Q: How old does my child need to be in order to start taking guitar lessons?
A: Every child is different. The child does need to be big enough to physically handle the guitar. There are instrument sizes designed specifically for small children (usually a ‘half size’ or ‘3/4 size guitar). We usually recommend that the you wait to start your child until after the kindergarten experience. Once a child reaches the first grade level they seem to be more capable of keeping to a regular (but fairly light) practice schedule. We do not recommend pushing a child into a heavy practice schedule at an early age.
Q: Am I too old to study music?
A: Absolutely not! Many of our students pick up Guitar as middle aged or retired adults and see tremendous results.
Q: Can I take lessons with my child?
A: Sure you can, but there are some things to keep in mind. The approach that we take with children is quite different than the approach we take with adults. Adults are physically capable of learning to play the guitar faster than children are. With children we concentrate on reading skills as they develop the dexterity they need to play the instrument. If your goal is to give your child the gift of music and you want to learn with them, you need to be willing to move at the pace that is right for the child.
Q: What kind of time spots are available for lessons?
A: Scheduling varies depending on the teacher but we do have time spots available Monday through Saturday. Some teachers begin as early as 9:00 a.m. and teach as late as 9:00 p.m. (depending on the day of the week). The schedule changes periodically so the best way to find out what is currently available is to contact us directly.
Q: Do I have to commit to the lesson program for a specific length of time?
A: Private lessons are scheduled on a month-to-month basis. Summer Group classes are held from June – August and are specialty classes designed to be done “in addition to” the student’s regular private lessons. Students who enroll in the Summer Groups make the commitment to the entire length of the Summer Program. Students enrolled in the AMPD Student Rock Band program must commit to the entire school year, September through the first part of June, and agree to perform in the annual Student Fest. Even though AMPD students are expected to commit to the entire length of the school year, they are still billed on a monthly basis.
Q: Can I learn to play the kind of music and songs that I enjoy listening to?
A: Absolutely! That’s what we’re here for. We are well versed in all contemporary guitar styles and teach the songs that you want to learn. As a beginner you will need to spend some time getting down the ‘basics’, however you will find that we immediately begin applying those basic skills to great guitar music.
Q: Do I have to read music?
A: No, but you should learn how. Guitar players are notoriously poor music readers for which there is really no good reason. We start all small children with a method that teaches standard musical notation. Adults and teens learn from the Scott Graves method which incorporates rhythmic notation, guitar tablature and standard musical notation. Our method combines chart reading and ear training for a well balanced musical approach.
Q: How do I pay for lessons?
A: Paying tuition is easy and convenient. Student are billed monthly for a Lesson Block (four week period of lessons). Students may add accessory items to their personal accounts and have the option of paying by check, cash, money order, or credit card. Students can also set up their accounts to auto-bill on a monthly basis.
Q: Does Scott Graves only take advanced students?
A: No. As a matter of fact, Scott really enjoys teaching beginning and intermediate students in addition to advanced and professional level players.
Q: If Scott Graves has a waiting list, can I start with another teacher and still get a spot with him when there’s an opening?
A: You certainly can. Students who are already enrolled in the program are given first choice of any new openings on Scott’s schedule during those times of year when he is booked to capacity.
Q: How do I book a spot on the schedule?
A: Simply contact the school office at 801.272.7917. We can tell you which times and classes are currently available and can help you to find a teacher who is a “good fit” for your personal situation. We can even set you up for a FREE, no obligation, trial lesson. Once you decide that On Track is the right fit for you, you will need to come into the school office to register for the program. Our Office Manager is on staff weekdays from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at our 6233 south Highland Drive location. Scott Graves is often available before that time at his 6374 South 900 East location.