What size guitar should I get my child?
For guitar size I have a general guideline: If your child is particularly tall for their age (as tall as a 5th grader or taller) or is going through a growth spurt then I'd get the full size. But if not, you'll want to go 3/4 size.
Any particular brand or model of guitar you suggest?
First rule to keep in mind: the nicer guitar, the easier it is for a student to learn on. Guitars from Wal-Mart, Target, or Toys-R-Us are not suitable for learning. They are toys, not real instruments. They are very difficult to learn on. To make your child's guitar learning experience as easy and as enjoyable as possible, you want an instrument that will truly play well and feel good in your child's hands. My personal favorites are Yamaha, Luna, Martin, and Taylor. They typically have better intonation (tuning), action (string height), and tone than others in their price range. And if you want the top-of-the-line guitar that will last a life time and give your child the best playing experience possible, then the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany is outstanding! (Note: the GS Mini will work perfectly as a 3/4 or full size guitar. While the overall size of the GS Mini is smaller than a standard full size, it has what is called a "jumbo" body shape which gives it plenty of resonance and allows it to work very well in any playing situation). For full size, Yamaha, Washburn, and Seagul make great low-cost beginner guitars. In fact, the first acoustic I ever had was a Washburn D-10. I still practice and write with mine all the time.
You can shop around and order these acoustic models from Amazon through the Online Store at the bottom of the Guitar and Accessories page.
What's the difference between a gig bag and a hardshell case?
A gig bag is a soft case that fits around the guitar. It offers a minimum level of protection from scratches and dents. It does not offer much protection from the guitar being dropped or having something dropped onto the guitar. A hardshell case, on the other hand, gives you the most protection. It thoroughly protects against scratches and dents, while also protecting the guitar from being dropped or having things dropped onto the guitar. If you're serious about playing guitar, you'll want to get a hardshell. You can get one now in the Online Store. Just click on the guitar size you have (3/4 or Full) in the categories menu, and you'll find cases to choose from.
Why do I need to get the Snark SN-1 Tuner? Aren't all tuners the same?
Tuners are not all the same. There are three major kinds: Tuners that pick up vibrations through the air, clip on tuners that pick up vibrations through the body of the guitar (like the Snark), and pedal tuners. Students in group lessons will only use the SNARK SN-1 Clip-On tuner which picks up vibrations through the body of the guitar. It is a very responsive and easy to read tuner. I also need students to have the same tuner in order to provide consistency in my teaching. The Snark Sn-1 tuner is available now in the Online Store.
Do I need to subscribe to One On One?
While you are not required to subscribe to One On One, it is incredibly helpful for propelling your child forward in their learning because it keeps them fully engaged in learning guitar at home and throughout the entire year (even through summer break)! The practice tracks will help develop their ear for playing along with another instrument and their internal sense rhythm--something young players typically need a lot of help with. The lessons will keep your child motivated and inspired because it's engaging them through what they love--digital devices, the internet, new songs they're into, and they get to request songs. I'll just put it plainly--your child will excel much quicker if they are using One On One.
What music stores are around the area? Any good ones?
There are many different music stores around the Dallas area. For me, the general rule is that the small Mom-&-Pop guitar stores are great for making quick runs on cheap things like picks or strings, but they tend to have higher prices on guitars or other equipment. They also won't have as big of a selection as Guitar Center. Guitar Center is a national chain (basically the "Wal-Mart" of music). They'll have the cheapest prices and biggest selection. Here are maps for the Guitar Centers (Mesquite/Dallas/Plano), and the local Mom-&-Pop stores: Zoo Music (East Dallas/Garland), Music Shop at Rockwall (Rockwall/Rowlett),
How often should my child practice?
When parents ask this, I always think, any practice is good! And it's true. If your child only practices once a week for 30 min, they will progress (though in a somewhat limited way). The real problem is when a child has no practice structure. Consistency is the biggest factor, hands down. This is where a parent must step in and set up a consistent practice time for their child. If a parent will treat guitar lessons as the investment it is, and set aside time for their child to practice, then their child will not only become great at playing guitar, they will develop a love for it. Guitar Band is super fun, but only when a student feels confident in their playing. Practice must happen to inspire their confidence and give them time to truly learn the concepts. Here's my recommendation for a great practice schedule. I call it the "Rule of 3." Play the song of the week 3 times for 3 different days in a week. If your child does better with a time based setup, give them 15-20 minutes of playing 3 times a week. Do this, and your child will do amazing in Guitar Band! I've seen it proven time and time again. My best students simply always have consistent practice schedules set by their parents.
Can my child join a group lesson in the middle of the year?
I can accept new students within the first 3 weeks of Guitar Band. After that, It's not recommended, but I have done it before when I know that a student has already taken some lessons already. If the student has never played before, then it's really hard on them to join later as the other students are well ahead of them.
If my child misses a lesson can I get a refund?
There are no refunds for missed classes. However if you choose to officially withdraw your child from lessons (meaning, they won't be coming back) within the first 3 weeks of Guitar Band, then I will give you a prorated refund for any lessons that have not yet been taken. The prorated refund is 50% of the total cost of the remainder of lessons still left to be taken in the semester.
Do you teach private lessons?
Not currently. While I did spend several years teaching private lessons, and had a ton of fun doing it, I now specialize in teaching group lessons with Guitar Band.
Do you teach any other type of lessons (piano, drum, voice)?
I do not teach any other individual instruments. I specialize in guitar only.
What's a capo?
It's an accessory for guitar that allows you to quickly change the key of a song without having to retune or learn new chord shapes. It's extremely useful and is used all the time in playing songs of all genres. Students will not need one for Guitar Band; however, many of my students write and sing their own songs and often they'll want a capo to give them more options. With that being said, I have played with a Kyser Capo for years and love it.
Can I change what day my credit card is charged for the One On One subscription?
You are charged each month (or 6 months, or year) on the same day that you signed up. If the date does not occur every billing cycle (e.g., you subscribed on the 31st, but the next month only has 30 days), then you will simply be charged on the last day of the month. If you want a particular day, then you would have to unsubscribe and re-signup on the day you want to be charged.
How do I cancel my One On One subscription?
To cancel your subscription click on the "Log In" link in the navigation at the top of the web page and log in with your username and password. Once logged in, click where it says "hi, (your name)" in the navigation. This brings up the welcome box. Select "My Profile." Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Cancel Subscription." Follow the screen prompts to finalize.
How long have you been teaching?
I've been teaching guitar since 2005. I started teaching full-time in 2009.
Do you perform anywhere or play regularly?
I have a band called Bus Seven that plays frequently, I play many solo and duo gigs with various artists, and I also help lead worship at my church--LOFT City Church in Richardson.
How do you pronounce your name?
It's spelled Jairus, but it's pronounced like the word "Paris," just with a "J."