What do you charge?
Lesson tuition for ONLINE, 45-minute sessions is billed in equal installments for the school-year term (August through May), and will be $159.00 per month effective August 2021. Students starting after that date will have their monthly tuition pro-rated based on the number of lessons/number of months remaining in the school year, so may be slightly higher or lower than that.
Tuition for the VIDEO SUPPORT option - "Music Lessons Your Way" - is $100/month. These are asynchronous lessons.
I am a registered teacher with the MusicLink Foundation, and am happy to consider your child for this program. For more information, and the registration form, click here
Tuition for the VIDEO SUPPORT option - "Music Lessons Your Way" - is $100/month. These are asynchronous lessons.
I am a registered teacher with the MusicLink Foundation, and am happy to consider your child for this program. For more information, and the registration form, click here
Will piano lessons be FUN for my child?
I will do my best to keep lesson time fun during our weekly online sessions. Learning is a process, though, not an event. A big part of my job is helping them to struggle through the hard bits, teach them to be independent learners, and then celebrating their success!
How do I know if my child is ready for piano lessons?
I believe that the two most important things in determining "readiness" for lessons are your child's interest in learning to play, and your willingness to schedule consistent time at the piano. You will need to sit with them during this time if they are younger than 8. Parents do not need to read music themselves -- just be there to read their assignment to them, and be encouraging.
Do I need to have a piano or Keyboard in my home?
Yes, you will need to have practice instrument in your home. During our initial consultation, we can discuss the differences between electronic keyboards, digital keyboards, and (acoustic) pianos. You will need to be willing to purchase a full-sized (88-key) instrument (keyboard is fine!) by the end of your first year of study.
How much should my child practice between lessons?
Help your child get off to a great start by going with them to the piano once a day. Sit with them a bit and just enjoy making sounds at the keyboard, so that they develop a habit of making their own music. There is no need to set a clock to time their practice -- just encourage them to work through the goals that we chose together during their lesson . I use the app Tonara to record lesson assignments, and that will be your child's best way to keep in touch with me between lessons. It's great to encourage them to explore and "doodle" a bit, as well!
Do I need to be present during my child's lesson?
Young students will benefit from you being available during their lesson, to be sure that their device is set up properly. Because you will be your child's "practice partner" each week, you may also find it helpful to be in the room, so you will understand what was taught during that lesson.
Will my child be required to play in recitals?
I do encourage - but don't require - all students to play in my (two) Studio Recitals each year, which are in December and May. You'll have these dates well in advance, so please do put them on your calendar. Prior to these events, your child will have had the opportunity to play in at least one Group Lesson (online), in front of other students. This is a great way to learn to focus on their love of the piece that they are playing, rather than their worries about making a mistake or two. I do not require that recital pieces be memorized, and have found that almost all students learn quickly to view public performance as a means of sharing what they have learned -- not a test of their abilities.
Do you work with adults who have never had any kind of music lessons?
Yes! No prior experience is needed. We will discuss your personal goals during a FREE trial lesson, and will plan a course of study that will help you fulfill your dreams as a musician. I realize that adults have busy schedules, so we set goals accordingly - and focus on having fun with music at your weekly lesson!
Do you require adult students to participate in recitals?
No, but I will encourage you to consider it! I don't require any of my students to play from memory at my studio recitals, which makes them much less stressful for many students. Recitals are a great opportunity to show off your progress, and I think you will find that applause is rather addictive!
Do you offer bi-weekly lessons?
No, not for beginner and early-level students. I have found that most students become quickly frustrated with the inevitable lack of progress that this kind of arrangement produces. If you have had several years of lessons in the past, and just want to brush up on some skills or need help in polishing a particular piece, I'm happy to discuss some short-term lessons with you! You're also welcome to just pick up a lesson now and then, "a-la-carte", from my Studio Calendar found on My Music Staff. Lessons must be paid for in advance.
You may want to consider my Video Support Option - "Music Lessons Your Way".
You may want to consider my Video Support Option - "Music Lessons Your Way".
What if I just want to learn popular music?
That's great! I love teaching any style. I also work with chord charts, lead sheets (Fake Books), etc.