I found this $35 guitar online. Should I get it?
No! There are several companies that manufacture cheap guitar-shaped toys. It’s a scam. The seams will open or the body will crack in a matter of weeks. A working guitar for class will cost $150-300. You may be able to find a good consignment (used) guitar at a music shop for cheaper. If you email me the make and model (on the inside of the guitar), I'm happy to tell you if I've seen this guitar before. Please feel free to email me at jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net if you have any questions. I hate seeing music families get ripped off by a scam! (Keep scrolling to find information about renting from the school.)
What are some local music shops?
River City Guitars - located at Midlothian and Courthouse - 804-814-7233
Music and Arts – located on Midlothian Turnpike near the Olive Garden – 272-1197
Fan Ukulele - located in "uptown" near VCU - 254-4600
Guitar Center - located on Hull Street just west of 288 - 744-2937
Wholesale Guitars - located at Hull Street and Genito - 743-3434
Please stick to music stores for your purchase. Online retailers and department stores are notorious for guitar-shaped toys that are not working instruments.
Can we rent an instrument from the school?
Only students with great self-control may use these instruments, as they are very breakable! You’ll get a better quality instrument from an outside vendor, but we definitely have plenty of good instruments available through the school. If a student breaks an instrument intentionally, breaks it by mistake, loses the instrument, or has the instrument stolen, families will be responsible for the $150-300 replacement cost. No insurance is provided by the school.
Can I use electric guitar in this class?
No, but there’s still good news! All of the acoustic (not electric) guitar skills can be transferred to electric guitar. Both instruments are played the same, but unfortunately, we do not allow electric guitar to be played during class for several reasons. Running multiple extension cords and instrument cables across the classroom creates a fall hazard and electrical hazard. Additionally, we want all students playing the same type of instrument at the same volume so that each student can be heard. It's for these reasons that CCPS has made the acoustic only policy. Students are welcome to practice on an electric guitar at home if they would like, but they must have an acoustic guitar in class. (“Acoustic-electric” hybrid guitars are welcome in this class if they also function as acoustic guitars.)
Do I need to get a “classical” guitar or an acoustic “steel string” guitar? What’s the difference?
Either one is fine for this class. Don’t worry if you don’t know the difference. I’ll be going over that on the first week of school with students. You’re welcome to wait until the first week of class to purchase a guitar. (And you can always email me with questions about a specific guitar!)
Someone gave me this old guitar. Is it any good?
Email the brand and model number. (This information is on a tag on the inside of the guitar.) A lot of my past students have received gift guitars that were perfect for guitar class!
What kind of guitar does CCPS purchase?
Most of the school guitars are the Yamaha C40. It's a classical guitar that stands up to school use pretty well. Other brands owned by CCPS include Cordoba, Laurel Canyon, Epiphone, Takamine, and Ibanez.
What if I am left-handed?
We do not recommend purchasing a non-traditional "left-handed" guitar for big reasons. On a traditional guitar, the difficult part (the fretting) is done with the left hand. This gives left-handed people a slight advantage. If you purchase a reversed "left-handed" guitar, you lose your lefty advantage. You'll also notice that guitar method books and chord charts are written for traditional guitar. If you are playing non-traditional, you'll have to read chord charts, diagrams, and tablature notation backwards forever, which can be annoying and confusing. Please know that, even if you choose to go against my advice and purchase a non-traditional "left-handed" guitar, your child will still be welcome in guitar class. :)
What if I have little fingers?
Get a 3/4 size guitar. Several of the popular quality guitar brands have smaller sizes. I recommend calling the guitar shop to check their inventory before making the drive. If they don't have any 3/4 size guitars in stock, they may be able to order one for you.
Do I have to carry my instrument back and forth to school each day?
Yes, guitarists must take their instruments home for daily practice and bring it back to school each day for class. If you would prefer to use a school instrument at school and keep your purchased instrument at home, you can rent a school guitar to be used during the day only if there are any available, starting September 15th.
Are the after school rehearsals and performances required?
Yes! All students must participate in the winter and spring concerts and TWO rehearsals before each performance, assuming the COVID situation doesn't alter our plans. This is a CCPS requirement. Intermediate and advanced guitar students will have additional rehearsals and performances.
Are there any extra opportunities for guitar students?
Absolutely! At the district solo & ensemble event, students can learn a solo or duo to perform comments and an overall score which is recognized with a medal! There are also all-county and all-regional guitar ensemble events for players with 2 or more years experience. Music students are encouraged to audition for the annual talent show. Occasionally, we will be asked to perform for a community event in the evening, and volunteer guitarists will be essential. We also take a few optional field trips to attend professional music performances each year.
How much should I practice?
Recommended practice is 20 minutes per day, 6 days a week (120 minutes total). Students must practice to acquire new skills and progress. There is no substitution for time spent practicing your instrument. Playing an instrument is fun, and the homework of practicing can be fun!
Can I take guitar again next year, just like band and orchestra?
Yes, we offer intermediate and advanced guitar! Plus, colleges love to see students who continue music for multiple years, especially when those students win awards!