Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1. How Do I Set Up a Trial Lesson?
A. Fill out the registration form on the Contact page and let me know a little information about the student. I’d like to know your age, if you have had lessons before, and what your basic goals for taking piano lessons are. Give me a list of available times to schedule, and from there, the rest will be easy! The trial lesson is a chance for us to see if we are a good match and if I’m the teacher you are looking for. There is no obligation on either side. If the trial lesson goes well, then it will transition into regular lesson commitments.
Q. 2. What Will I Need for Piano Lessons After I Enroll?
A. You absolutely must have a piano or a keyboard available to you because DAILY time at the piano is essential to your learning to play. If you have a keyboard, please make sure it has full-size 88 hammer-action keys with a weighted feel that includes the damper pedal.
- Metronome and Music Books - I will let you know what books to buy.
- Flashcards are helpful for students who are beginners and need assistance in note learning, and again, I will recommend appropriate flashcards to students. There are a lot of music learning applications you can also download to smartphones or computers.
Q. 3. How Long of a Lesson Do I Need?
A. Offered in 30, 45, 60, and 90-minute sessions.
For all students over the age of 8, I recommend 45-minute to 1-hour lessons. For younger students, I recommend 30/45-minute lessons. 30 30-minute time slots are not enough time to cover everything I need to. Once children are used to having regular lessons, they will continue with standard 45/60-minute lessons. The more advanced the students get, the more time they require during lessons. There is also the option of having more than one lesson a week for faster improvement, which is what I would strongly recommend if finances allow.
Q. 4. What Are Your Rates?
A. 30 minutes: $45, minutes: $65, 60 minutes: $80
Q. 5. Where Does My Piano Lesson Tuition Go?
A. While I charge hourly rates for lessons, please consider that the money you pay does not only cover your lesson time. Additionally, you are also receiving a lot of value from other important aspects of my teaching.
Your Money Goes Toward:
- Time spent with the student during lessons, as well as time spent preparing for the lessons.
- Time spent on emails, text messages, and phone conversations.
- Your teacher’s level of training, experience, and expertise.
- Continuing education for the teacher - seminar and festival attendance, teaching association memberships, keeping up-to-date on teaching resources and trends, and time spent researching and inventing new and effective teaching ideas.
- Studio expenses such as photocopying, incentive programs, the instruments for the studio - tunings, repairs, music books, CDs, other studio equipment, as well as taxes.
- Time spent on maintaining the studio, such as trips to the music store, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, administration, and scheduling.
Q. 6. When is the Best Age to Start Lessons? Is It Too Early to Start Lessons?
A. These are all frequent questions asked by parents who are interested in enrolling their child in piano lessons. My free introductory lesson comes with no obligation, so we can assess whether your child is ready to learn.
There is no definitive age to start piano lessons, and it is different for every child, but for most, the ideal age is between 5 and 7. While beginning students do not necessarily need to be reading, it is imperative that they know the alphabet, have no trouble counting, and are on their way to reading words.
At any age, your child must show a desire and keen interest in learning to play and be able to be engaged for half-hour lessons, with the ability to focus.
I adapt my lessons for every age and capability, so your child progresses at their own pace, maintaining momentum and continued interest.
Q. 7. How Often Should Students Practice?
A. That partly depends on the age of the student. Teen and adult beginners should plan on at least half an hour each day. More advanced pianists should plan on up to an hour or more a day. Of course, the more you practice as you are instructed, the faster you will get where you want to be with playing the piano. Try to practice every day at a regularly scheduled time. You may not always be in the mood, but if you show up for your practice session the way you show up for work or school, you'll get the job done. Spend as much time as it takes to give yourself a thorough workout.
Q. 8. Do You Accept Adult Students? Am I Too Old to Begin Piano Lessons?
A. Even if you have never studied music before, it is not too late to begin lessons. Often, adult students pick up the ability to read music in a relatively short amount of time. Lessons can be tailored specifically to the needs of an adult student, including lesson pace, materials, performance opportunities, and lesson time slots.
Q. 9. I Am Interested in Lessons. What Do I Do Next?
A. It's very simple. Either call (619) 335-0535 or e-mail me to schedule a free trial lesson. We will discuss your musical interests, what you would like to achieve, the studio schedule, and any additional questions you may have.