What length of lessons do I need?
Beginning and early intermediate students should enroll in one or two 30-minute lessons a week. The number of lessons depends on the student's availability and how quickly they wish to progress.
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 at least 5 days and finish all their weekly assignments. (Keep in mind, if your schedule doesn't allow for a set practice time 5 or more days a week, it may not be the right time to start a new instrument!)
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. I require students to have an acoustic instrument (upright or grand piano) if they wish to study for longer than 6 months. If a student wants to start lessons before they have found an acoustic instrument, they may use an electric instrument for the first few months, as long as they have 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a damper pedal. Both types of instruments need a sturdy bench that is at a comfortable height for the student. (Most standard benches that come with new pianos are not height adjustable and will probably need to be replaced.) Smaller students should also have a footrest or pedal extender. Having the proper height of bench and footstool is incredibly important to prevent stress injuries and poor technique. When in doubt, feel free to contact me to help you set up the seating in the perfect way for you or your child.
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!
How should parents be involved?
It is incredibly helpful to have parents involved in helping students practice accurately and safely at home. The majority of music training takes place during day-to-day practice sessions and nearly all students benefit from a helpful adult who can set specific lesson times and keep them encouraged and motivated. I welcome parents to sit in on lessons, record assignments, and take note of what specific goals we are working on from week to week. This is especially vital for young students, who may have trouble remembering or reading the practice materials on their own. As students progress and mature I find that parental involvement gradually lessons. However, for most children the difference between success and struggle is often a helping hand at home.
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.
Voice students are a different story—I generally do not work with voice students until they are in late middle school or high school. While some voice teachers will start with younger children, I prefer to allow a child's voice to develop before starting training. That said, I highly encourage younger students who love to sing to join a school, city, or church choir. It is the best way for them to learn basic technique, music reading skills, and confidence as they mature. Most of my voice students were very active in choirs for years before they started solo work. Taking a few years of piano or another instrument in elementary school can also help young singers learn music theory and develop a strong "musician's ear" before they are ready to explore solo vocal work.
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 inquire about open slots in the studio and apply for a trial lesson!