Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a good time for children to start playing the piano?
For children, first or second grade is often a good time to start taking piano lessons, although beginning at an older age is also fine. However, younger children can also gain from having music lessons, which is why I offer alternative music lessons for children in kindergarten or preschool. Children ages six and younger can benefit from lessons that focus on music learning and enrichment activities. For example, a younger child might engage in pitch matching activities, singing and chanting, rhythm activities, movement and music games all during the lesson time. These activities can lay the foundation for studying an instrument later on. As the child matures and is developmentally and physically ready, more time is spent at the piano. While this is a slightly different approach than what is taken with an older child, I believe that it better accommodates the younger child's attention span, motor skills and activity level. For preschool children ages 3 and 4, I use the WunderKeys curriculum. Click here for more information. All of the music skills they develop in these music lessons work together to create a more well-rounded musician and pianist in the future. Above all, learning this way is fun!
Do you teach adults?
Yes! I work with both adults who have had piano lessons in the past as well as those who have never played but always wanted to learn.
My child is 4 years old. Will you teach a child this young?
Yes, but see "What age is a good time..." above.
What does my piano tuition cover?
Great question! When you enroll yourself or your child in piano or music lessons, the money covers many things in addition to my time spent teaching in a lesson. As a piano teacher, for every hour spent teaching students I also spend additional time in maintaining my studio. Examples of tasks completed outside a lesson may include lesson prep, locating and purchasing materials/books for student use, bookkeeping, corresponding with students (or their parents if the students are under 18), paying bills, piano upkeep and maintenance, professional development, and recital prep and planning. Tuition also covers the cost of supplies, prizes and rewards, recital costs, and all other expenses that come with running a piano studio.
Why do you bill on a trimester schedule instead of per lesson or monthly? Why require this long of a commitment?
As a new student 3 months is the minimum you should commit to if you are thinking of taking lessons. In fact, when students enroll with me in the fall I assume that they will study for the entire school year. This continuity is good for students. Sometimes a student may reach a plateau in their learning; by continuing on when things become difficult rather than abruptly quitting, they are able to eventually move beyond this plateau to a new level of skill and learning.
Additionally, as my studio is often full, at times I unfortunately have to turn away potential new students. It would be frustrating to tell someone that I am currently full, only to have an existing student drop out a week later. By paying on a trimester basis you are committing to three months worth of lessons, which eliminates some of this turnover.
Finally, by billing trimesterly instead of monthly I reduce the amount of time spent handling billing/payment issues. This frees up more time for me to prepare for lessons or research new teaching strategies and techniques.
Additionally, as my studio is often full, at times I unfortunately have to turn away potential new students. It would be frustrating to tell someone that I am currently full, only to have an existing student drop out a week later. By paying on a trimester basis you are committing to three months worth of lessons, which eliminates some of this turnover.
Finally, by billing trimesterly instead of monthly I reduce the amount of time spent handling billing/payment issues. This frees up more time for me to prepare for lessons or research new teaching strategies and techniques.
What is your cancellation policy?
As much as possible, please make every effort to attend your scheduled lesson or make use of the "Swap" list. If you ever need to cancel a lesson please notify me ahead of time. Cancellations may be made by email, by phone call or by text. You may also take advantage of the Open Makeup Lesson Day that is built into each trimester if you need to cancel a lesson. There is no refund of payment for a missed lesson.
Is it possible to reschedule a lesson?
Please make every effort to attend your scheduled lesson or make use of the "Swap" list. Lessons cancelled by the student will not be rescheduled. Since I don't teach full time, my availability for rescheduling is limited to the Open Makeup Lesson Days.
What is the "Swap" list?
This is a list of students who are willing to "swap" lesson times with you, should you ever need to reschedule. If a scheduling conflict comes up with your lesson time, you are welcome to call any family/student on the list to see if they are willing to switch lesson times with you that week. Being on the list does not obligate you to swap with another family, but it does let them know that you would consider a one-time switch if it fits in your schedule.
What are “Open Makeup Lesson Days”?
Open Makeup Lesson Days are exactly what they sound like, opportunities for a makeup lesson. No regular lessons will be scheduled on these dates. However, if you miss a lesson during the trimester you may request a makeup lesson on one of these dates. For the 2023-2024 school year, anticipated Open Makeup Lesson Days are November 28, March 5 and June 4 (Tuesday students) and on December 7, March 7 and June 6 (Thursday students).
How long is a lesson?For beginning students, lessons are usually 30 minutes. As students advance, a longer lesson time (45-60 minutes) may be an option.
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What are your rates?
Beginning September 2023, weekly 30-minute lessons will be billed at a trimester rate of $300 from September through May. Each trimester has 11 lesson opportunities in it. If you are interested in a longer lesson time, please contact me directly for pricing and availability. In addition, summer lessons are normally available in June and July on a "per lesson" basis; contact me for current rates.
Do you offer opportunities to perform? What is your performance philosophy?
Performance is strongly encouraged, but is not a required part of the lesson experience. Performing in public challenges a pianist to grow as a musician in ways that lessons alone can't do. It also provides an opportunity for a student to take the time to really master a piece. Students high school age and younger will have the opportunity to participate in a studio spring recital. Other performance opportunities, including festivals and competitions, are also available throughout the year for both children and adults.
