F.A.Q.

We offer in-person classes at Legacy Park in Decatur, online classes via Zoom (and similar meeting apps), and ‘hybrid’ classes that meet both in person and have online streaming capability. Plus, we have “Anytime” video-based classes you take at your own pace.
 
In-person classes & live jams meet here:
Legacy Park, Gillespie Building
520 South Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
→ Google Map Link
 

Each class is an hour long and lasts eight (8) weeks*, unless specified otherwise. We also offer half-courses and workshops that are shorter in length; tuition may vary. Day-time and evening classes are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as self-paced video-based Anytime classes. Tuition is $150 per class per 8-week term. FHS Members receive a discount! (For more on becoming a Member, click here.)

* Classes affected by a declared holiday are longer in length (70 minutes) for the 7 weeks available for the class, allowing for the same instructional time as the full 8-week classes. These holidays include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

When you become a member, you help the Frank Hamilton School create education programs that foster face-to-face community, bring generations together, and make music education available to folks who would not otherwise have access to it. With your contribution, we can offer more classes, more levels of instruction, as well as reach out farther into the community. And you get a discount on class fees, and more!
CLICK HERE for info about becoming a FHS Member!
If you’ve never touched your instrument, Level 1 or an intro class is where to start. If you’ve played a little bit on your own but don’t feel too confident, try Level  1 – if it’s too easy, you can switch to Level 2. Most classes have a range of skills, and our talented teachers cover them all!

Absolutely! The classes are designed to be repeated. We’ll vary the repertoire and reinforce the same skills. Take the same class as many times as you need to feel comfortable with the skills before moving up to the next level.

You’ll need your instrument (see below for recommended places to buy or rent [see note below]), and a tuner or tuner app. Guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and bluegrass banjo players will want to bring picks. Guitar, ukulele, and banjo players will also want to bring a capo.

Many students benefit from recording the teacher as the skills and tunes are demonstrated, so feel free to bring a recording device, like your phone.

Second Half is an informal gathering of teachers and students that occurs immediately following regular classes. Structured like a community jam session, it provides an opportunity for teachers and students alike to share, make music together, and learn from each other. Students are encouraged to join in at whatever level they choose: strumming chords, singing along, improvising melodies, or simply tapping their feet. While the class is devoted to studying a chosen topic or instrument, the second half is an opportunity to share that learning with the community.

Click here to read more about Second Half.

You sure can! Second Half sessions (online and in-person) are included each term, at no extra cost, for all students registered in any other class. If you’re not registered in any other classes, however, you can register for just the Second Half by clicking here!

We recommend you buy your instrument from a reputable dealer who will set up your instrument so that it will be easy to play. Old strings, or strings that are high above the fretboard are hard to play. Below are a few shops we highly recommend.

Maple Street Guitars
Guitars
Mandolins
Banjos
Ukuleles

Maple Street Guitars coupon
Click image to enlarge and print

Beau Vinci Violins
Violin rental or purchase
Will deliver

Voss Violins
Violin rental or purchase

Our instructors can take a look at your instrument to see is it’s playable. If you’d like someone to look at it before the beginning of class, email us at info@frankhamiltonschool.org to make an appointment for someone to examine the instrument.

Most of our classes are all in the evening, and our students are usually adults. Children who would be comfortable with adult classmates are welcome, but if your child is pre-teen, we ask that you be present during class.

We are currently investigating the possibilities of afterschool classes at our new location in Decatur Legacy Park. Check back with us here, or email info@frankhamiltonschool.org to let us know of your interest.