Q: Are students required to participate in recitals?
A: If a new student is nervous, I encourage them to attend and enjoy their first recital, even if they don't feel ready to perform yet. I do expect and hope all students will participate in recitals by their second recital.
Q: Can siblings come along to lessons?
A: Siblings are welcome! We have play space downstairs and my kids love new friends. There is also a practice piano downstairs.
Q: Can we attend group lessons if we don't have a make-up credit?
A: Yes! Group lessons cost less per minute than individual lessons. A 45-minute group lesson is $20.
Q: Can we spend our make-up credits on a private lesson instead of a group lesson?
A: I strongly encourage participation in group lessons, because of the support students can provide each other. The chance for students to teach each other is so valuable, as is the opportunity to practice performing in an informal setting. We also have a lot of fun! If your schedule does not work with any of the group lesson time slots, we can make other arrangements case-by-case.
Q: Can you teach me this piece/song ____________________?
A: I'd love to! And if the piece is at a level we aren't ready for yet, I still can. One of my specialties is arranging students' favorite songs at the appropriate level for them. This is no additional charge.
Q: Do I need to help my child practice?
A: In most cases, all you will need to do is provide the practice space, the reminders, and the weekly lesson notes checklist. For younger children (5-7), you will need to help them read their instructions and so some pointing at the page. Provide plenty of praise. Ask them questions. Try to leave the corrections to the teacher, and try not to answer questions before they've asked them.
Q: Do parents need to attend lessons?
A: Parents have the choice to drop off or stay and listen. Some children learn better with the parent in the room, some without. If a parent drops off, I do love to have them come to the door for pick-up so we can regularly touch base.
Q: How can I encourage my child to practice?
A: Printing their lesson notes weekly is a big help. Put their current lesson notes checklist in their binder. Ask them to tell you about what they're working on, and have them practice performing for you. If you and your child are agreeable, help answer questions while they practice.
Q: How do make-up credits work?
A: If you cancel a lesson with 24 hours' notice, you will receive a make-up credit. You can see how many credits you have at the bottom of your monthly invoice. Credits are spent on group lessons, which are scheduled every 2-3 months. Individual arrangements will be made if you have more than one make-up credit to spend.
Q: How much do piano books cost?
A: Cost varies, but tends to be $6-9 per book. I charge the suggested retail price on the back of the book, and I do not mark up that price. I discount older and "used" books.
Q: How much does the student need to practice?
A: Consistent practice is vital. An ideal practice week for a student age 8+ would be 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. We will set individual goals together, and work our way up to developing good practice habits. Practicing more days is more important that practicing more minutes.
Q: What ages do you teach?
A: I teach ages 5 to adult. Student ages 5-6 will usually start with 15-minute lessons, until they are ready for 30-minute lessons.
Q: What discounts do you offer?
A: I offer family discounts. Each additional student from the same family is 25% off every month.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel last-minute?
A: Studio policy is that there is no refund or make-up credit given for cancellations within 24 hours of the lesson time.
Q: What's the binder for?
A: Printed music, "scribble copies", worksheets, scratch paper, and a place to keep a pencil and/or colored pencils. Loose sheets of music in your bag are no good!
Q: When are the recitals?
A: Recitals are usually in April and December. I provide details as early as I can via email.
Q: Where do we get our piano books?
A: For the most part, books will be sent home with the student from lessons. The cost for these books will be added onto the following month's invoice. In some cases, I may send a digital link with your lesson notes that will need to be printed. You are always welcome to bring additional books that you would like to use during your lesson time.
Q: Why are recitals important?
A: Performing for family, friends, and peers can be a huge confidence builder. Students will broaden their horizons as they see what other studio members are learning. Recitals are also a time when we are able to reflect on how much we have learned and celebrate how far we have come.
Q: Will you come to my house to teach?
A: Unfortunately, my full teaching schedule does not allow for travel time. Lessons are held at my home.
A: If a new student is nervous, I encourage them to attend and enjoy their first recital, even if they don't feel ready to perform yet. I do expect and hope all students will participate in recitals by their second recital.
Q: Can siblings come along to lessons?
A: Siblings are welcome! We have play space downstairs and my kids love new friends. There is also a practice piano downstairs.
Q: Can we attend group lessons if we don't have a make-up credit?
A: Yes! Group lessons cost less per minute than individual lessons. A 45-minute group lesson is $20.
Q: Can we spend our make-up credits on a private lesson instead of a group lesson?
A: I strongly encourage participation in group lessons, because of the support students can provide each other. The chance for students to teach each other is so valuable, as is the opportunity to practice performing in an informal setting. We also have a lot of fun! If your schedule does not work with any of the group lesson time slots, we can make other arrangements case-by-case.
Q: Can you teach me this piece/song ____________________?
A: I'd love to! And if the piece is at a level we aren't ready for yet, I still can. One of my specialties is arranging students' favorite songs at the appropriate level for them. This is no additional charge.
Q: Do I need to help my child practice?
A: In most cases, all you will need to do is provide the practice space, the reminders, and the weekly lesson notes checklist. For younger children (5-7), you will need to help them read their instructions and so some pointing at the page. Provide plenty of praise. Ask them questions. Try to leave the corrections to the teacher, and try not to answer questions before they've asked them.
Q: Do parents need to attend lessons?
A: Parents have the choice to drop off or stay and listen. Some children learn better with the parent in the room, some without. If a parent drops off, I do love to have them come to the door for pick-up so we can regularly touch base.
Q: How can I encourage my child to practice?
A: Printing their lesson notes weekly is a big help. Put their current lesson notes checklist in their binder. Ask them to tell you about what they're working on, and have them practice performing for you. If you and your child are agreeable, help answer questions while they practice.
Q: How do make-up credits work?
A: If you cancel a lesson with 24 hours' notice, you will receive a make-up credit. You can see how many credits you have at the bottom of your monthly invoice. Credits are spent on group lessons, which are scheduled every 2-3 months. Individual arrangements will be made if you have more than one make-up credit to spend.
Q: How much do piano books cost?
A: Cost varies, but tends to be $6-9 per book. I charge the suggested retail price on the back of the book, and I do not mark up that price. I discount older and "used" books.
Q: How much does the student need to practice?
A: Consistent practice is vital. An ideal practice week for a student age 8+ would be 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. We will set individual goals together, and work our way up to developing good practice habits. Practicing more days is more important that practicing more minutes.
Q: What ages do you teach?
A: I teach ages 5 to adult. Student ages 5-6 will usually start with 15-minute lessons, until they are ready for 30-minute lessons.
Q: What discounts do you offer?
A: I offer family discounts. Each additional student from the same family is 25% off every month.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel last-minute?
A: Studio policy is that there is no refund or make-up credit given for cancellations within 24 hours of the lesson time.
Q: What's the binder for?
A: Printed music, "scribble copies", worksheets, scratch paper, and a place to keep a pencil and/or colored pencils. Loose sheets of music in your bag are no good!
Q: When are the recitals?
A: Recitals are usually in April and December. I provide details as early as I can via email.
Q: Where do we get our piano books?
A: For the most part, books will be sent home with the student from lessons. The cost for these books will be added onto the following month's invoice. In some cases, I may send a digital link with your lesson notes that will need to be printed. You are always welcome to bring additional books that you would like to use during your lesson time.
Q: Why are recitals important?
A: Performing for family, friends, and peers can be a huge confidence builder. Students will broaden their horizons as they see what other studio members are learning. Recitals are also a time when we are able to reflect on how much we have learned and celebrate how far we have come.
Q: Will you come to my house to teach?
A: Unfortunately, my full teaching schedule does not allow for travel time. Lessons are held at my home.
