Q: What method do you use?
A: Generally I use Faber and Faber. Sometimes I begin with Alfred and then move over. I go with what works best for the student.
Q: Where can I get music books? And how much will they cost?
A: I will be happy to recommend some of our local music stores to you once you sign up with lessons, or I can order the books for you. Each level contains three lesson books and a theory book, with a price of around $30 total (plus any tax and/or shipping). Additional sheet music or specialty books may be required. You can also order additional practice helps, such as flash cards or CDs, but those are not required for lessons.
Q: When should my child start lessons?
A: Students can start at any age, provided they are able to take direction from another adult and able to concentrate and stay in a seat for 30 minutes. Generally, age 5 is the youngest I would recommend starting piano in a "regular" method.
Q: How long should my child's lesson be?
A: If taken weekly, 30 minutes should be plenty for the average student. As a student progresses and becomes more serious about playing the piano, we discuss lengthening lessons.
Q: Do you teach adults?
A: Yes, absolutely! I do have to say that adults often have a harder time with lessons, only because they are so busy and it is harder to find the time to practice and attend lessons. So, if you are an adult and want to learn to play the piano, please make sure you are really ready to commit to the time and practice involved in learning an instrument.
Q: How much practice time should I expect to complete each week?
A: Though I assign practice differently for each song and each student, it generally works out to 15 min/day, 5 days a week for beginner students, lengthening over time to 30 min/day, 5 days a week for intermediate students. Parents should expect to help younger students until they understand how to practice on their own.
Q: What is a typical lesson like?
A: I begin each lesson with a warm up- scales, rhythm practice, or something to get the student ready to play. Then, the student will play each assigned song for me. We will discuss progress and correct mistakes, then either go on to a new song or repeat the assigned song for another week. We always play new songs together to make sure any new material is addressed and to answer any questions. The lesson ends with some basic theory work away from the piano. If we have extra time, we will return to the piano for some "just for fun" material.
Q: Do you offer rewards or incentives?
A: Yes! Children receive stickers for satisfactorily completing a song, as well as for completing all their assigned practice for the week. Students who complete assigned practice also get to choose from the goody jar. I often include candy, so if you don't want your child to have it, please let me know ahead of time!
Q: Do you have any performances?
A: My plans are to have a winter performance and an end-of-school performance. Details will be offered at lessons.
Q: Do I have to pay extra if a month has 5 weekly lessons?
A: No. You pay the same fee each month.
Q: Do you have lessons on holidays?
A: No lessons are held on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day. Lessons falling on Memorial Day and Labor Day are optional- I will make arrangements with each family to either hold a regular lesson or to schedule a make-up lesson. All other holidays (July 4th, Halloween, etc) will have lessons as scheduled.
If you have a question not addressed here, please view the Pricing and Policies pages, or feel free to contact me.
