FAQ – Rock Dojo

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whether your child is picking up a guitar for the first time or already has some experience, we’re here to make getting started simple. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often.

What grades do you teach?

Rock Dojo is designed for students in 2nd through 6th grade. Our curriculum, stories, games, and music are specifically designed for this age group.

Does my child need any musical experience?

Not at all.
Most students begin with little or no experience. We teach everything step by step, from holding the guitar to playing original riffs and songs.

What if my child has taken lessons before?

Wonderful!
Students with previous experience are welcome. We can often adapt challenges and missions so they continue progressing while learning alongside their classmates.

How do I enroll my child?

Getting started is easy. Simply visit our Enroll page to choose your child's school, complete your registration, and reserve a spot in class. Students attend one class each week during the school year, and enrollment remains open as long as space is available.

How does enrollment work?

How do I enroll my child?

Getting started is easy. Simply visit our Enroll page to choose your child's school, complete your registration, and reserve a spot in class. Students attend one class eachweek during the school year, and enrollment remains open as long as space is available.

Can my child start after the school year begins?

Absolutely! Your child can start at any time during the school year. Our program is designed to welcome students of all skill levels, so new students can join whenever space is available. Classes are capped at 15 students to maintain an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. If a class is full, we offer waiting lists and will contact you as soon as a spot opens.

What happens if my child misses class?

Missing an occasional class isn't a problem.
Students continue to progress at their own pace, and instructors help them catch up when they return. If possible, please let us know in advance if your child will be absent. We verify attendance each week and will text you if we don't know why they're not in class.

Does my child need a guitar for class?

Yes. Every student needs a guitar to participate. If you don’t own one, rentals are available (see below), or you can buy one locally.

Can I rent a guitar from Rock Dojo?

Yes, we offer a limited number of guitars for rent :

If rentals are unavailable, we recommend :

What size guitar does my child need?

Choosing the right size guitar is important for comfort and playability. Here’s a quick guide :

Tip : If your child is between sizes, choose the smaller guitar, as it’s usually easier to handle and more fun to play.

Should we get an acoustic or an electric guitar?

Both work great, but here are some tips :

Most beginners start with nylon-string acoustic guitars — easier on the fingers Avoid steel-string acoustics — the high tension makes them harder to play Motivated students often upgrade to electric guitars after a few terms.

Which specific guitars and amps do you recommend?

For a great budget-friendly setup, we recommend :

This combo delivers great tone, playability, and long-term value.

Can my child use a Loog guitar for Rock Dojo classes?

No. Rock Dojo requires every student to use a standard six-string guitar. While Loog guitars are excellent introductory instruments for very young children, they are not used in our classes.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held immediately after school at participating elementary schools. Students are picked up directly from their classrooms by Rock Dojo instructors, making the transition simple for parents.

How long are classes?

Each class is 75 minutes and meets once a week.

Classes follow the Portland Public Schools (PPS) calendar and are not held when PPS is not in session.

What does my child actually learn?

Students don't just memorize songs.

Musicianship: Learn rhythm, timing, technique, musical expression, and performance skills.
Creativity: Recognize musical patterns, create original riffs, and develop a unique musical voice.
Practice & Self-Discipline: Build focus, consistency, and the habits needed to make steady progress.
Growth Mindset: Develop confidence, courage, resilience, and the ability to tackle challenging goals.

As students improve, they'll unlock increasingly challenging missions inspired by The Nullsong Chronicles, Rock Dojo's original comic book universe.

How much should my child practice?

We recommend 10–15 minutes of deliberate practice daily.

Consistent short practice sessions produce much better results than one long practice session.

Monthly Memberships

How does the membership model work?

Rock Dojo operates on a monthly membership basis. Feel free to join or cancel at any time. There are no long-term commitments. Membership renews each month automatically throughout the school year unless canceled.

What’s included in the membership?

Weekly in-person guitar classes
Practice tracks (demo and backing tracks) to support learning at home
An 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized instruction
In-class performance testing and skill progression
Student rewards include Achievement Badges, Hero Cards, and Secret Missions
Original music designed to build real guitar skills while keeping kids engaged
An exclusive comic book adventure that brings the lessons, characters, and musical journey to life

How does billing work?

Do you offer refunds?

No. We do not offer refunds, but you may cancel your membership at any time. Your membership will remain active through the end of your current billing period, and no future payments will be charged.

How do I cancel my membership?

If you would like to cancel, please reach out to us via the Contact Us page at least one week before your next billing date. This stops future payments, and your membership will end at the end of the current month.

How does my child get to class?

What if school is canceled?