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Academy FAQ

How can I sign my child up for lessons?

We welcome new students at any time during the year. Please fill out this form to get started!

How does the schedule work?

We are open for lessons Monday - Thursday, 3:30-8:30pm. Lessons are 30 minutes long and take place on a weekly basis. Students at GIGS work with the same teacher on the same day & time each week.

When do lessons begin and end?

Our calendar is based around the school year, but is independent from the MCPS calendar. Lessons begin on the Tuesday after Labor Day, and continue through the first week of June.

Do you offer lessons over the summer?

We offer summer lessons in June and July for students interested in jamming over the summer. We close for the month of August every year to recharge.

What is the cost of lessons at GIGS?

Academy lessons (30 mins) are $160/month per student. Workshop classes (60 mins) are an additional $60/month per student per class. These rates reflect an average of four weekly sessions per month.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

For families with two students enrolled, we offer a sibling discount of $140/month per student. For families with three students enrolled, the cost is $120/month per student.

How do I pay for lessons?

Payments are made via automatic online credit or debit card transactions, on the first of each month (for the month ahead). We do not accept cash or checks.

Is there a commitment upon signing up?

There is no long term commitment to lessons at GIGS. Your child may start and stop lessons at any time.

Workshop FAQ

When can I sign my child up for the Workshop?

Anytime! Depending on the enrollment of each class, students may join the Workshop at any time during the season. Please fill out this form to get started!

Who can take classes in the Workshop?

Classes in the workshop are designed to build off of what each student is working on in their weekly lessons, and they are therefore only available to students currently enrolled in private lessons at the Academy. The only exception to this rule is for the Toddler Music Immersion class - any child age 2-4 is welcome to join.

How long are classes at the Workshop?

Classes are one hour long.

When do classes in the Workshop take place?

Workshop classes take place once a week Monday-Thursday, 4:00-5:00pm.

Do the Workshop classes run through the entire school year?

Workshop classes run on a seasonal schedule (September through November, March through May).

Who teaches the classes at the Workshop?

Classes are taught by GIGS' owner, Sean Gaiser.

How large are the group classes?

All classes have at least six students and no more than ten.

What is the cost of the Workshop?

Most classes are $80/month per student for an average of four classes each month.

Are there any student performances in the Workshop?

At the end of every season, each class comes together to put on an exciting concert in the Workshop for family and friends!

What classes are currently offered?

Our classes for the Spring 2020 schedule are Guitar Orchestra, Ukulele Orchestra, Taylor Swift Back Up Band, and Toddler Music Immersion.

GUITAR ORCHESTRA

Sean will lead the charge in these group guitar sessions every week, drilling students on their chord formations, rhythmic strumming, dynamics, and specialized techniques. Throughout the course of the season under Sean's guidance, students will learn and perfect the proper methods for guitar maintenance and upkeep (tuning and string changing) in addition to honing their technical skills. The goal of this class is to hammer home the fundamentals of guitar using fun, engaging drills while learning as many songs as possible with a crew of fun loving musicians! Open to all guitar students at GIGS - we will group interested students according to age & ability.

UKULELE ORCHESTRA

Same details and format as guitar class, except with ukes! Open to both ukulele and guitar students at GIGS - if any guitarists are looking to try something new and add a new instrument into their personal musical arsenal, the ukulele is a fun (and quite easy) transition.

TAYLOR SWIFT BACK UP BAND

Put simply, Sean will be leading a group of musical Swifties to learn and perform as many Taylor Swift songs as humanly possible. Students in this class will band together to recreate Taylor Swift's catalogue with every student bringing his or her unique skill set to the table. Open to all singers and students of all instruments.

TODDLER MUSIC IMMERSION

This class has been specifically designed for toddlers with special needs, but is open to any and all music loving children ages 2-4. Every week, Sean and his staff will help students express themselves musically and connect with peers through sensory activities and exercises. The main goal of the Toddler Music Immersion class is to break down barriers between children with and without special needs in a positive and loving musical environment.

Courtyard FAQ

How can I purchase tickets to a show at the Courtyard?

Tickets are available for purchase online through the GIGS website. You can find the list of events and links to tickets here.

Are there food & drinks available at the Courtyard?

Yes. Each show at the Courtyard features a delicious local food vendor and a wide variety of beer and wine (as well as water) available for purchase.

Is the Courtyard ADA accessible?

Absolutely!

How are bands/artists chosen to perform at the Courtyard?

Each season, we select a diverse range of musical acts with a local and regional following to perform at the Courtyard. If you think you or your band might be a good fit for the venue, please feel free to send us a message at gigsstudio@gmail.com.

Is there parking available onsite?

There is no designated parking lot at the Courtyard, however, there is street parking available throughout the surrounding neighborhood and there are several parking lots within walking distance (Kensington Town Hall, BCTGM International Union, St. Paul Church).

Does the Courtyard have an age policy?

Most events are 21+, but some events are family friendly. The age policy for each event can be found on the event listing here.

Are tickets available onsite?

If the show is not sold out, tickets may be available for purchase onsite via cash or credit card.

Is there a drug policy?

Yes. Illegal substances of any kind are not permitted at the Courtyard. Infractions will result in ejection from the venue and possible legal action.

Can I bring my own food & drinks to the Courtyard?

No. Outside food & drink are prohibited.

Is there seating available at the Courtyard?

The Courtyard is a standing room only venue. However, our main facility at GIGS remains open throughout the duration of the show. Guests may enter GIGS as they please to relax on couches, arm chairs, and folding chairs inside while enjoying the AC!

Do you have a refund policy?

Tickets are non-refundable. In cases of inclement weather, GIGS will post on our website and social media channels to update guests about the status of the show and their tickets.

Are pets allowed at Courtyard shows?

No, pets are not permitted at the Courtyard (with the exception of service animals).

Where are the restrooms?

There are portable restrooms outdoors in addition to two inside of GIGS.

What is the capacity of the Courtyard?

The Courtyard can host up to 500 attendees.

Is the Courtyard available for private event rentals?

Sure! We will consult with anyone interested to figure out if the Courtyard is right for your event. Please send us a message at gigsstudio@gmail.com to get started.