CGC Member Guide
Getting started
If you are a new member at CGC Academy (no matter your previous background with the guitar), we recommend that you first work through the Member Orientation Course and then start with the Fundamentals course, specifically the first three lessons: the sitting position, right-hand position, and left-hand position.
There are several reasons for this, even if you already have extensive background with classical guitar. It helps you get acquainted with Simon’s teaching style and, more importantly, his approach to technique. Especially if you already have experience with classical guitar, you may find some things differ in Simon’s approach. And because these technical lessons are so foundational to everything that follows, it’s important to get acquainted with them here.
However, your background will determine where you go from there.
Go here to start the Member Orientation Course
Complete Beginners: Where to start
If you are brand new to music or even just to classical guitar, we would recommend going through the whole Fundamentals course and then continuing with Grade 1 afterwards.
Transitioning from other styles of guitar to classical
If you are transitioning from another style of guitar to classical we again would recommend beginning with the Fundamentals course, and you may also want to continue with Grade 1 to focus on learning to read music.
Coming back to the guitar after a long break
If you are returning to the classical guitar after a long break, we would encourage you to begin with the first three technique lessons in the Fundamentals course.
Experienced players
If you already have experience playing classical guitar, once again we recommend starting with the technique lessons from the Fundamentals, but from there you will need an assessment to find the right starting place for you.
When to move on
When you reach the end of a lesson, you may begin the next lesson as soon as you are comfortable, though comfort levels will differ for each person.
How long to complete lessons
We generally recommend allowing 6-18 months to make it through one grade.
Gear for getting started
All you need to get started at CGC Academy is a guitar and a device with Internet access, but you may want to consider other equipment and gear that can enhance your experience.
Setting Expectations
We will always do our best to reply to your questions, emails, comments, and Forum questions within 24 hours, but we are a small team and sometimes it may take a couple of days longer.
Member Accounts
Subscriptions
We have three types of subscriptions at CGC Academy: the Quarterly, Annual, and Annual with Coaching (Premium).
Billing
All subscriptions are billed on an autorenewal basis.
Cancellations and Refunds
You may cancel your subscription at any time and you will retain access to your subscription until it expires. We have a 30-day money-back guarantee and offer refunds for any reason within the first 30 days after you sign up.
Upgrades
You may upgrade your membership at any point during your subscription and we will credit any time you have left on your current subscription toward the upgrade fee.