FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long and how often are the lessons?

A: The lessons are a 1/2 hr. long and we meet once a week. We generally give lessons Monday-Friday from 2pm-7:30pm.  There are some morning options as well.

Q: What size guitar should I get for my child?

A: It depends on your child’s age and size. Generally, children ages 5-7 are best suited with a 1/4 size guitar, ages 8-9 a 1/2 size, and ages 10-12 a 3/4 size. Feel free to contact us for a recommendation of the appropriate size guitar and answer any questions you may have about children’s guitars.  For convenience and to take any confusion out of it, you can purchase a guitar from our studio during your first lesson.

Q: What are the biggest benefits of the Childbloom Program?

A: Our instructors are trained to understand and appropriately work with the dynamics of a child’s specific emotional, intellectual, and physical development level. The Childbloom curriculum and teaching techniques have been developed over the last 35 years using thorough research into child development theories and a central philosophy that children learn best through play. This solid foundation of training and tested teaching tools allows us to create a learning atmosphere in which students consistently have rewarding experiences in their musical exploration. We give parents tools to be involved directly in their child’s learning process, which has proven instrumental in helping students make music an integral part of their lives. Our lessons are affordable, our location is convenient and equipped for families, and we offer lesson scheduling with the needs of busy families as the priority.

Q: How much does Childbloom Guitar Lessons cost?

A: There is a $35 enrollment fee per family into the Childbloom Program.  When you enroll we give you 2 things: the initial enrollment materials, which includes a link to an online library of the music, lessons, exercises that the student will be learning. This material provides a key ingredient to the Childbloom success – listening to the music before, during and after learning it. We also provide easy-to-read music for the non-musician parent to help at home. You also receive a subscription to The Childbloom Monthly Newsletter. This helps parents deal with the many ups and downs of motivation that will occur in the musical education process. The newsletter also has local events and contests your child can participate in. Contests are geared to every skill level.

Tuition is $84/month for the group class.  The lessons are scheduled on a yearly basis, with 42 lessons per year. This means some months will have 3 lessons, some months 4 and some months may have 5 lessons. It is the same tuition each month. You don’t commit a year or a semester at a time. Tuition is due the first of every month.  You don’t need to pay the most to receive the best musical education. The Childbloom Guitar program is one of the most affordable entrances into music education in the Central MN area. We are also one of the best.

Private tuition for Kevin Carlson is available – contact for pricing  (students must commit to practicing a minimum of 4 hrs. per week).

Q: What is the class size of the Childbloom Guitar Program?

A: We are structured lessons in small groups of 2-4 students of the same age and ability level. This format allows for a low-pressure learning environment while giving room for individual attention. Using the small group approach allows us to introduce students to the experience of making music with others. We find that the kids really thrive in a group and support and learn from each other.  We have several small groups who have been taking lessons together for several years.  The camaraderie seems to encourage the kids to have more discipline and stay playing the guitar longer than if they were only taking private lessons.

Q: What age should my child start guitar?

A: We have found the most success working with kids who are 5 years old and up. We encourage parents to start kids with music as young as possible, but recommend waiting until your child has started kindergarten to begin learning guitar to help ensure they have developed the coordination and focus required to have a rewarding experience with lessons.

Q: How long does it take to learn the guitar?

A: Our goal is to have a student making music from the first lesson. The Childbloom curriculum gives students appropriate and achievable challenges that help them develop the interest and self-discipline to make guitar playing a lifelong activity. We recommend parents commit to a minimum of 5 months of lessons when a child starts learning the guitar.

Q: As a parent, how can I best help my child’s musical ability?

A: Even if you don’t have any musical background, you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply encouraging your child, showing interest in their playing, and helping develop the student’s practice habits your child will improve. Parents are encouraged to attend their child’s music lessons to get an idea of how songs should sound and what the student should be practicing.  You are also encouraged to record all or portions of the lesson to help with practicing at home.

Q: I have more than one child, can I bring them to the lessons?

A: Many families involved in the Childbloom Program have more than one child. Our studio is well equipped to handle parents bringing siblings to class.  We also offer a sibling tuition discount if you would like to enroll more than one of your children in lessons.

Q: Do you only take beginner students?

A: We accept students of all abilities.  Our goal for all students is that they develop a lifelong love of music and the guitar.  Our studio is equipped to continue lessons through high school and beyond through advanced youth ensembles and private lessons.  Check out our Ensemble page and Private Lessons page for more information on these levels of education.