What length of lessons do I need?
Beginning and early intermediate students should enroll in weekly 30-minute lessons.
Late intermediate and advanced students are more suited to weekly 60-minute lessons.
How much should I practice?
I talk with students about how much they accomplish while practicing, rather than ask them to work for a specific amount of time. However, I do ask students to play their instrument every day and finish all their weekly assignments.
That being said, most parents want to know how much time it takes for effective practice. Here are some general guidelines that I find work for most students:
- First year students: 10-15 minutes a day
- Late beginner and early intermediate students: 20-30 minutes a day
- Late intermediate and advanced students: 30-60 minutes a day
In January of each year, my studio participates in a massive "Practice Challenge" that gets the students excited and motivated. I find that starting the year with a fun focus on practice helps students develop the daily habit they need to do their best the rest of the year!
What sort of instrument do I need?
Piano students need easy access to a quality instrument. Electric keyboards are fine for beginning students, as long as they have 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a damper pedal. Acoustic pianos are necessary for more advanced students and should be tuned regularly. Both types of instruments need a sturdy bench that is at a comfortable height for the student.
Voice students need a good recording device and a way to play it back. An inexpensive music stand is also useful.
Please ask me any questions you have before purchasing a new instrument. I am glad to help!
What other materials do I need?
I am familiar with a wide variety of method books and supplemental materials. That means I can pick and choose the perfect music for each student. I am always listening to suggestions from the students themselves on what music they most want to learn.
Students can purchase assigned music themselves but most students prefer to let me purchase the needed books and reimburse me at their next lesson. I also own the studio rights to a large variety of music that my students can access for free!
What ages do you teach?
My students have ranged in age from 5 years old to 85! There is no magic age to begin music lessons. I find adult beginners just as capable of learning a new instrument as elementary students (and often more motivated!)
The youngest piano students I generally see are around 6 years old, but I do take younger students depending on how much the parents are able to be involved. Parents of preschool students do not have to have prior knowledge of the instrument, only a willingness to sit in on lessons and help the students with their at-home practice.
How much is tuition and how do I pay?
Tuition is billed monthly and due at the first lesson of every month. I use PayPal to send out invoices which can be paid through credit/debit card, PayPal or check.
Tuition is $35 for a 30-minute private lesson and $65 for a 60-minute private lesson.
Two recital performances a year are included for free!
How do I get started?
Let's meet face-to-face! I offer all prospective students a free trial lesson where we can talk more about what they want to learn and I can answer any questions they or their parents might have.
Click on the link below to apply for a trial lesson!