Starting Lessons
How do I know when my child is ready to start lessons?
There are several items to consider:
The child should be able to sit relatively still for about 30 minutes and should be comfortable interacting with new people.
The child should be ready to follow basic instructions and should be ready to practice on a regular basis.
If he or she can pick out the difference between the groups of two black keys and three black keys, and usually know right from left, there is already a lot we can do!
I start most students as early as 4 years old. If your child is too young to begin private lessons, I recommend enrolling in an early childhood music class such as Tiny Tunemakers or Merry Music Makers.
Is it too late for an adult to start lessons?
Never! Even if you’ve never had any previous instruction, you can learn at any age. I teach students of all ages, and each lesson is very productive.
Instruction
What style of music to you teach?
I teach all styles. I prepare children to be able to play any style from classical to jazz to pop. For my adult students, I am flexible and instruct toward the genres that interest them most. I am classically trained, so that is my area of expertise.
What methods do you teach?
I use a variety of methods based on each student’s age and interest. I have my own curriculum for theory and technique, aural training, music history, and even learning the parts of the piano.
What areas of music are taught in the lesson?
You name it, everything! Solo repertoire and ensemble playing, technique, musicality, theory, history, aural skills, sight-reading, improvisation, composition, performance practice, and more.
What should I look for when seeking a new instructor?
Of course, check their background and experience. See how they are involved in the community and other related organizations. Being an active performer is definately a plus. Meet them to see how you interact together. Ask them about student recitals and other opportunities outside the lesson iteslf. See that they have an ideal teaching environment.
Pianos
I am looking to purchase a piano. Where should I look?
Check out my links page under the “Resources” tab. There you will find piano stores, piano tuners, and piano movers.
How often should I get my piano tuned?
It depends on several factors, mainly your piano’s condition, environment, and the sensitivity of your ear. On average, every 6 months.
What is the ideal environment for my piano?
A temperature of about 68-70°F, and a humidity level of 40-50%. Try to keep is as consistent as possible, and this will improve the lifetime of your piano and will also keep it in tune longer.
What kind of piano should I invest in?
Consider your budget and the amount of space you have. Also, remember that the higher quality instrument you have, the more likely you or your child will want to practice on it. Grand pianos are of course the most ideal, as they have a full action and wide range of sounds to practice technique and musicality. Vertical pianos are a fair middle-ground, as they are more affordable and still provide what beginnning and intermediate students need for its feel and sound. Generally, the taller the vertical piano is, the better it is. Digital pianos are typically the most affordable, but are very limiting. If you are in the market for a digital, please make sure that it at least has weighted action, all 88 keys, and has a sostenuto pedal. Also make sure that you have a piano bench or an adjustable chair. Standard chairs are too low and technique will be greatly sacrificed!