Call 831-621-6170 or email flams1@mac.com

FAQs

1. What instruments does MSSR teach?

Any instrument that is used to produce Rock music.  The main ones are: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, and Voice.

2. How does the program work?

We teach young musicians through 3 stages of development.  The beginner stage: One weekly 45-minute personal lesson where students learn the basics of their instrument, and become proficient enough to play through basic songs.  

The intermediate stage is a combination of one 45-minute personal lesson and one 2.5-hour group jam lesson per week. This is where students learn how to make music as a group. We focus all lessons toward performance. Students will “put on a rock show” in front of a live audience every few months.

The advanced stage takes it to the next level.  Students will not only work on performances but will also start developing original songs, collaborate with their fellow students, and learn how to record in a studio. 

3. What is the cost?

All stages are charged at a monthly fee.  Beginner stage is $160 p/month, Intermediate stage is $250 p/month. That’s 13 hours of tuition for less than $20 p/hour.  Advanced stage is $300 p/month.  

4. When are lessons held?

Personal lessons are Monday-Wednesday 2-6:30PM. Group jam lessons are Fridays 3:30-6PM (advanced) & Saturdays 11AM-1:30PM (intermediate).

5. Where is your location?

MSSR holds lessons in the music studio at the Carmel Youth Center, 4th & Torres, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

6. Do students have to be members of the Carmel Youth Center to attend MSSR?

CYC membership is required if your lessons take place at the CYC music studio.  The cost of membership is $48 per year.  Go to carmel youth.com for more information.

7. What types of music do students learn?

There are so many varieties of Rock music it would be pointless to list them all.  But we feel classic rock is the foundation on which to build the next generation of rockers.  As an example, MSSR students have learned songs by, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Clash, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, AC/DC, Blondie, Interpol and many more.

8. Can a student learn more than one instrument

Yes, but in order to maintain good progress, we recommend signing up for additional lessons.  

9. Do you offer a program just for recording arts?

Yes, please call Martin at 831-621-6170 for details.

10. Can I book recording time in the CYC recording studio?

Yes, if at least one of the recording musicians is 18 years or younger you can record at the CYC studio.  If you are over 18 recording time is available at Brilliant Records Studio.  Call Martin at 831-621-6170 for details.

MSSR Parent/Student Agreement

 So here's the fine print, so to speak.  By enrolling your child in Martin Shears' School Of Rock you (the parent or guardian) agree to the following: Tuition is due on your first lesson of the month.  It's a monthly commitment so MSSR cannot refund any portion of the tuition should you decide to discontinue.  If you are going to discontinue please let MSSR know at the beginning of the month prior, if possible, so we have time to fill the time slot you will vacate.

If you are going to miss a lesson or session we will try to reschedule if you give enough notice and if the schedule allows.  If you are a no show or we can't fit in a make-up then that lesson is lost.  Tuition is based on a 4 week month (4 personal lessons and/or 4 group jam lessons).  If there happens to be 5 Mondays or Saturdays in a given month, for example, you are not charged extra. However, those additional lessons/sessions are considered surplus to make up for cancellations or holidays etc.  If we have to cancel a lesson and there is no surplus we will credit you in the following month.  Please try to make all your lessons.

MSSR and the Carmel Youth Center has a strict policy of no smoking, no drugs, no alcohol.  Also, the following code of conduct must be adhered to:  

RESPECT your fellow students.  Although students may have varying skill levels, no-one is "better" than anyone else here. Constructive criticism and encouragement is welcome; bad attitudes, disrespect, bad language, insults etc are NOT.

RESPECT your instructors.

RESPECT the equipment.