HERE ARE  ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LESSONS AT MCPHARLIN GUITAR & VIOLIN How much are lessons? Lessons are paid as a monthly tuition at the beginning of each month. The cost is $72 for a four week month and $90 for a five week month.  For example if your lesson is every Tuesday, however many Tuesdays there are in that month  would be the amount you pay. We request only checks or cash as the tuition is paid directly to your instructor. If for any reason you would not be able to attend on the first week of the month , then the tuition should be mailed to the shop prior to your next lesson. How often are lessons and how long do they last? Lessons are once a week and last for a half an hour. What happens if I cancel my lesson? Again lessons are paid for as a monthly tuition. If you cancel for any reason, you may be able to reschedule with your individual instructor depending on his or her availability. However, this is not guaranteed and you may forfeit your payment for that lesson. You are allowed to miss one lesson during the Christmas break and one in the summer without penalty. What if my instructor cancels a lesson? If your instructor cancels, again you will both have the option to reschedule or the missed lesson will be credited to you on your next months tuition. What times are lessons offered? For the most part lessons are offered Monday , Tuesday, Wednesday , Thursday and Saturday. During the week most lessons begin anywhere from early afternoon until 7 pm. Saturdays are available between 12noon and 5 pm. Are they individual or group lessons? Most lessons are individual , although we do offer various workshops and seminars for groups throughout the year ( the list will be posted online when available). What is a good age to start taking lessons? With children that age varies depending on the type of instrument and the maturity and readiness of the child. Generally any time between the ages of 4 and 6 are good starting points. Of course any one at any age can take lessons, we have students from 4 yrs. to 75 and everywhere in between! Do I need to have my own instrument to take lessons? Yes! You will need to have something to practice on during your time between lessons  in order to progress. We do offer stringed instrument rentals at this time if that would be a better option for you. We rent violins, violas, cellos, and basses of all sizes. Please call the shop or stop in for prices and terms. Also children need to be measured for proper instrument size, this includes guitars. Do I need an expensive instrument to start? No you don't need an expensive instrument , but you will need a decent playable one. One that isn't warped or of extremely cheap construction. Be wary of deals from garage sales or Grandmas attic! They may require extensive work to be playable, in they end they may cost more than buying or renting a decent instrument to begin with. If you have an instrument that you're not sure about , you can bring it to the shop to have it checked out at no charge. Are your instructors experienced and professional? All of our instructors are degreed and or performing artists and teachers with many years of experience in both teaching and performing. What instruments and styles do you teach? As our name McPharlin Guitar & Violin suggests, we focus on the stringed instruments. We offer instruction for Guitar, most styles including classical, rock, blues, bluegrass also violin, viola and cello classics, celtic and more. We do have an instructor for flute and clarinet also. All instruments and styles are for the beginner to advanced level.