Group Lessons

We offer a variety of group lesson offerings ranging from beginner classes on various instruments, in-depth classes covering different musical styles, to student band classes where you learn to play music with other like minded people.  The there are many benefits to group learning including a fun social aspect and reduced cost to the student.


 

Commitment

It's important to attend each lesson. In a student band your band mates are relying on you to attend each week, to practice your material and help the group progress. Many folks find this commitment helps keep them focused and motivated to improve. In a group lesson setting (such as a beginning guitar class, for example) each week a new topic is introduced that expands upon the previous weeks lesson, so again attendance is important for progress.

 

Block Sessions

Group lessons are scheduled in block sessions (8 weeks per block) You may download our current semester calendar for more details. If you're not sure about committing to a block of lessons, you may book a trial lesson. Assuming you enjoy your first lesson and would like to continue you will then continue on in that time slot - if it wasn't a great fit for whatever reason, you are only responsible for payment for the trial lesson. Payment is expected for each session by the first lesson of the session. This reserves your time slot for that session. If you begin taking lessons in the middle of a session, payment is expected for the remaining number of lessons in the session.

 

Fees:

Group Lessons: $20 per participant - class lengths range from 45 - 60 minutes

How do I get started?

1) Contact the 317 Front Desk either by phone: (207) 846-9559 or email frontdesk@317mainst.org to find out about group lesson availability. Please be aware that our instructors are highly sought after and are often fully booked - particularly in the after school hours. If no convenient times are currently available we will add you to our waiting list, which we review regularly.

2) Download and print out our new student registration packet and bring it with you on your first lesson day.

3) If you enjoy your first lesson inform the front desk that you would like to continue for the remainder of the session. Payment for the remainder of the current semester is expected at that time.

4) When the current session comes to an end and the group is continuing through the next session, you may continue in your current time slot for the next session if you so choose. If you decide not to continue for whatever reason, please let your instructor know sooner rather than later so they can make the slot available for other potential students.

What should I do to prepare for my group lesson?

1) Arrive early. We offer a warm and inviting space solely dedicated to music. Come inside, get your instrument out of it's case and get it in tune ahead of time to maximize your lesson time.

2) Bring a folder to keep your music and other materials in. A three ring binder with plastic sleeves is ideal for this.

3) Have some idea of what you'd like to learn. While our instructors are always prepared with interesting and challenging material for our students at any level, learning the music you love will go a long way toward your long term enjoyment and success as a player. Bringing in a CD or flash drive of MP3's of the music that interests you will help your instructor guide you in a direction that is exciting and satisfying to you.

4) Bringing some form of recording device (tape deck, digital voice recorder, laptop, etc.) can be very beneficial.

 

Tips for getting the most out of your group lessons

1) Regular practice: it is more beneficial to practice for a shorter period every day than one long session on Sunday afternoon. We highly recommend reviewing the week's lesson material the same day as your lesson while it's fresh in your mind.

2) After warming up, focus on the most difficult/challenging aspects first while your focus is at it's best. Reward yourself at the end of your practice time by reviewing your old favorite material.

3) Keep your instrument in a highly accessible spot in your home. A sturdy instrument stand works great as well as commercially available "wall hanging" instrument hooks similar to those used in music stores. For those with pets or small children storing your instrument in it's case in a convenient place in your home works well. The idea is that you are much more likely to pick it up and play for a bit if it is ready at hand.

4) We highly encourage student groups to get together to rehearse independently of their lesson day.