Here are some frequently asked questions about our lessons…

What are your Store Hours?
Monday through Friday 10:00AM to 7:00PM and Saturday 10:00AM to 6:00PM.
What Lessons do you Offer at Pladd Dot Music?
We teach:

Guitar
Voice
Piano
Drums
Bass
Ukulele


And we have an awesome School of Rock and Roll that performs regularly throughout the community!
How Much Do Lessons Cost at Pladd Dot Music?
Lessons are $110 a month. We draft a credit card or debit card account once a month. There is a one time registration fee of $35.
I hear I have to sign a six month contract. Is that true?
Yes. Learning an instrument isn't always easy. Some of our best students took 6 months before they became "serious" musicians. Without a commitment, many students may try to stop after just a couple of months. We feel that holding a student accountable for six months gives them a strong head start. This way, they get over the "honeymoon" period and begin to truly learn the instrument. Our student retention is very high in part because of our commitment contract.
Is there a way to do a test lesson to see if lessons are right for us?
Absolutely! We want music to be a positive experience for everybody! We can set up a "trial" lesson to see if this is something you or your child would like to do!
Does my student need his or her own instrument to take lessons?
Yes–unless it's voice lessons. You can certainly have a keyboard for piano lessons. While we recommend an 88 weighted key keyboard, it's not required. We teach all of our piano lessons on an 88 weighted key keyboard—that way it has the feel and touch of a real piano. But if you've got a keyboard that's at least touch sensitive, that's okay too. Don't worry, you don't have to bring your keyboard or drum set with you—we've got you covered on that end!
How old do you have to be to start lessons?
Piano: 5 years old
Drums: 5 years old
Guitar: 7 years old
Voice: 8 years old
Band Instruments: Middle School
What's the oldest student you teach?
Our oldest current student is 70.
Wow! 70? What are they learning to play? Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?
Yep. 70. Right now he's working on BB King and Fly Me to the Moon. I don't know about old dogs but people should never stop learning.
How long does it take to learn to play an instrument?
That answer is different for different people. It depends on how much you practice. For the 15 year old with stars in their eyes, it may mean countless hours of jam sessions. Because of the countless hours, you may see them get pretty good pretty fast. For the working professional, it may mean 15 minute intervals between dropping off kids at soccer practice and grocery shopping. It may take them a bit longer since they don't have as much time.
But I know this guy that's been playing guitar for only two weeks and he can already play Sweet Home Alabama..
So do we.
So are some people just born with talent?
Yes. Some people are born with more musical awareness than others. HOWEVER–there is no substitute for hard work and practice. "Talent" is the most abused word when describing musicians. More often than not, the term "talented person" is used in the place of "hard working person". We've known many talented people that never succeeded in learning an instrument. We've seen many hard working musicians go much farther than lots of talented people.
So does that mean that I could play Sweet Home Alabama after two weeks?
Yes. If you work hard.
How hard will I have to work?
We have no idea. We don't know how talented you are.
But how long will I have to practice?
Until you get it right.
But what if I don't get it right the first few times? Does that mean I'm not talented?
Nope. It means you should keep trying. You’ll get it!
What Method book is taught for lessons?
All guitar lessons are taught using "Lessons for Life (and guitar)" by our very own Chris Mitchell. We use various method books for our piano, band and orchestral instruments.
How much do instruments cost?
If your student is taking drum lessons, I'm not telling you to go out and buy a Tama Starclassic Bubinga Birch kit for $2,400.00, but at least get them something to get started on. Here's an idea of average prices for starter instruments:

Acoustic Guitar: $179.00
Electric Guitar with Amp: $250.00 - $350.00
88 Weighted Key Keyboard: $499.00
Drumset: $399.00
Bass Guitar: $240.00

(all prices are averages and may not reflect specific brands)
What is the difference in a "Starter", "Intermediate", and "Professional" Instrument?
That question is different for each instrument but here's a pretty good breakdown:

A "starter instrument" is an instrument designed to get a student playing. It's set up with proper intonation and is not a "toy" like you may find in some of the big box stores out there. Starter instruments are usually tough as a tank because they are going to take some abuse from younger players. That being the case, they're usually not built from the best "tone" materials. They're designed to help a student learn.

An “intermediate instrument” is usually where a student starts having some options that they didn't have on a starter instrument. It's more similar to a professional instrument but usually cheaper construction. On a guitar, it may mean that the instrument offers a "push-pull" coil tap on the tone controls, allowing them to get more tonal options. On a trombone, it may mean that the student now has an "F" attachment, allowing them to play faster passages. These features are usually functional and allow the student to grow and develop as a musician.

A "professional" instrument gets a little trickier. A professional instrument should offer no limitations to its player. That sounds easy enough but it's actually pretty vague. For example, a professional guitar can cost anywhere between $350 and $5,000. That's a big price gap but here's why: Since a guitar is made of wood, a guitar can be manufactured using CNC (computer numeric controlled) machines. This allows computers to cut the parts in just minutes. If a guitar is made by hand, it can take a skilled luthier months to complete a guitar. Therefore, a guitar made with a CNC machine can be made with all the bells and whistles for just $350.00.

A saxophone is a totally different story. It can't be manufactured by machines. There are so many moving parts on a saxophone that each one has to be assembled by hand. Not only that, but during the heating process the metal has to be watched by a master craftsman until it reaches the right temperature. Then it has to be shaped and forged by hand. All of which adds to the cost in producing the instrument.

Then there's the frills and fancies... Some features add no function to the instrument but are just dang pretty! For example, a guitar may have mother of pearl and abalone inlays that don't add function or sound improvement. They're just pretty to look at. Years ago we went to a NAMM show and played the 750,000th Martin Guitar. It was all handmade, had diamonds and gemstones inlayed in it's finish, and had a full mural of a peacock inlayed in the back. The starting price was $750,000.00. You read that right. To see what frills and fancies are all about, go here.
Do I need to purchase the $750,000 Martin for my first guitar?
No.
Do I need to purchase the $750,000 Martin and donate it to Pladd Dot Music?
That would be very nice of you.
Is that last question really frequently asked?
Okay... you caught us on that one! Sadly, no.
What do I need to get started?
You'll need a music stand that is strong enough to hold a large book, a method book, and a tuner or metronome (depending on which instrument you play).
Where are you guys Located?
We're in downtown Statesboro right beside Truist Bank (Formerly BB&T) near the courthouse. There's a Google map right here.
Do you have Male and Female instructors?
Yep. We've got a good mix of both to help suit your learner's needs!
Will I learn to play by ear or will I learn to read music?
We teach all of our guitar students by ear first. As they progress, we teach them notation. Percussion and Piano students learn both at the same time.
But doesn't learning to read music make you a better musician?
Nope. Not at all.
Watchu' Talkin' 'Bout, Willis? I thought that all musicians could read music and that reading music makes you better!
There are a lot of 6th grade band students out there that read music. I wouldn't hire them to play a wedding. Obviously they're not "better" than a professional who doesn't read music.
So what does reading music do? Why should anyone learn it, smartypants?
Cool your engines there, pal. Music notation is the oldest form of recorded music. It gives musicians the ability to read something note for note and offers us another way of communication. It's still up to the musician to make it music! A quick reader can learn songs fast by reading just in the same way a person who is very intuitive and plays by ear can learn.
You guys are awesome! How do I sign up for lessons?
Thank you! We agree! Just come on up to the shop and we'll give you the necessary paperwork! See you soon! You can also fill out the "Lesson Interest" form at the top of the page and we'll contact you from there!
Pladd Dot Music is Located at:
38 North Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912)764-3230
About us:
Pladd Dot Music specializes in music lessons, band and orchestra rentals and repair, and music retail. Feel free to give us a call or contact us via this website!