Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG OF A LESSON SHOULD I TAKE?
I teach 30-, 45-, and 60-minute lessons. Beginners and young students (age 6 and younger) should likely take 30-minute lessons. 45-minute lessons are the preferred length for late beginner and early elementary students. 60-minute lessons are reserved for students who have a greater level of commitment to piano studies and have built up enough repertoire that extra time is needed.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE A LESSON?
Lessons are once weekly. Please make sure your chosen lesson time will work for you on a consistent basis. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons and should arrive at lessons on time, with all required materials and music.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR PIANO LESSONS?
For lessons: Students need music books for lessons/practice and a binder for all assignments, worksheets, sheet music, etc. I will loan materials as I am able, but you should have your own copy of most materials.
For practice at home: Students should have assigned music, their binder, a metronome, and a pencil available during practice.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
Yes, you do! Having an instrument on which to practice is how you will learn and improve! Ideally, you will have an acoustic piano in a quiet space away from distractions. An acoustic piano should be tuned at least once a year.
In the beginning stages, a full-length digital piano with weighted keys and pedals is an adequate option. These are less expensive and don’t have the same tuning requirements.
ARE THERE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?
There are! I host a studio recital for friends and families to attend at the end of the year. There are additional opportunities throughout the year.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY LESSON?
I understand that students cannot always make it to their scheduled lesson. For excused absences, I offer make-up lessons. Please give at least 24-hours’ notice for missed lessons. In the case of illness or a family emergency, please let me know as soon as possible before the lesson. Failure to notify me of an absence will result in ineligibility for a make-up lesson.
Make-up lessons occur on select Fridays. You may sign up for a maximum of 4 make-up lessons per year (September-June).
On very rare occasions I may also need to cancel lessons. I will make-up all such lessons with affected students.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PRACTICE?
Practice is necessary to improve as a musician! Students should practice a minimum of 5 days per week and meet the practice time requirement set by me (according to age and skill-level). A basic rule of thumb for younger students’ practice times is to multiply their age by 3. So if your child is 7, a good practice length (per day) would be roughly 20 minutes.
DO YOU TEACH DURING THE SUMMER?
Yes! For more info, please see the summer lessons section of the payment and schedule page.
DO YOU TEACH ON THE WEEKEND?
I do not currently offer lessons on Saturday or Sunday.
CAN I OBSERVE MY CHILD’S LESSONS?
Parents are welcome to attend and observe lessons. However, most students are more attentive and relaxed without observers.
CAN I SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER MY LESSON?
If you would like to devote part of your lesson time to speaking with me, that is up to you. I cannot speak with you before or after because that would infringe upon other student lessons.
I respond very quickly to email. Please set an appointment with me or contact me via email to discuss any comments or concerns you have.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
As a courtesy to my neighbors, please park in an open space to one side in my driveway. If there is not room, you may temporarily park on the street in front of my house.
I teach 30-, 45-, and 60-minute lessons. Beginners and young students (age 6 and younger) should likely take 30-minute lessons. 45-minute lessons are the preferred length for late beginner and early elementary students. 60-minute lessons are reserved for students who have a greater level of commitment to piano studies and have built up enough repertoire that extra time is needed.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE A LESSON?
Lessons are once weekly. Please make sure your chosen lesson time will work for you on a consistent basis. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons and should arrive at lessons on time, with all required materials and music.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR PIANO LESSONS?
For lessons: Students need music books for lessons/practice and a binder for all assignments, worksheets, sheet music, etc. I will loan materials as I am able, but you should have your own copy of most materials.
For practice at home: Students should have assigned music, their binder, a metronome, and a pencil available during practice.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
Yes, you do! Having an instrument on which to practice is how you will learn and improve! Ideally, you will have an acoustic piano in a quiet space away from distractions. An acoustic piano should be tuned at least once a year.
In the beginning stages, a full-length digital piano with weighted keys and pedals is an adequate option. These are less expensive and don’t have the same tuning requirements.
ARE THERE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?
There are! I host a studio recital for friends and families to attend at the end of the year. There are additional opportunities throughout the year.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY LESSON?
I understand that students cannot always make it to their scheduled lesson. For excused absences, I offer make-up lessons. Please give at least 24-hours’ notice for missed lessons. In the case of illness or a family emergency, please let me know as soon as possible before the lesson. Failure to notify me of an absence will result in ineligibility for a make-up lesson.
Make-up lessons occur on select Fridays. You may sign up for a maximum of 4 make-up lessons per year (September-June).
On very rare occasions I may also need to cancel lessons. I will make-up all such lessons with affected students.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PRACTICE?
Practice is necessary to improve as a musician! Students should practice a minimum of 5 days per week and meet the practice time requirement set by me (according to age and skill-level). A basic rule of thumb for younger students’ practice times is to multiply their age by 3. So if your child is 7, a good practice length (per day) would be roughly 20 minutes.
DO YOU TEACH DURING THE SUMMER?
Yes! For more info, please see the summer lessons section of the payment and schedule page.
DO YOU TEACH ON THE WEEKEND?
I do not currently offer lessons on Saturday or Sunday.
CAN I OBSERVE MY CHILD’S LESSONS?
Parents are welcome to attend and observe lessons. However, most students are more attentive and relaxed without observers.
CAN I SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER MY LESSON?
If you would like to devote part of your lesson time to speaking with me, that is up to you. I cannot speak with you before or after because that would infringe upon other student lessons.
I respond very quickly to email. Please set an appointment with me or contact me via email to discuss any comments or concerns you have.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
As a courtesy to my neighbors, please park in an open space to one side in my driveway. If there is not room, you may temporarily park on the street in front of my house.