What does a year of piano lessons look like?
A beginner student takes a 30 min. or 45 min. lesson once a week, from September to June. More advanced students take an hour lesson once a week. Music theory is also taught along with piano lessons. During the year, students are invited to participate in cushion concerts and studio performance groups. We celebrate the end of the year with an annual piano recital at a local church in June, with music, food and donations for a charity.
It's no longer September – can I start lessons in the middle of the year?
My terms start in September and in January, however, if you’ve missed those start dates and want to get started, please reach out. If there are still time slots available, we can make it work!
What are your rates?
My rates are: $32. for a 30 min. lesson, $48. for a 45 min. lesson, and $64. for a 60 min. lesson. Please see the ‘Lessons & Rates’ page for more information.
What is your philosophy of teaching?
I see learning to play the piano and to develop musicianship as a journey and a relationship between both students and teacher. I love to develop the special interest and unique gift in each of one my students and together we learn, practice, nurture and develop these gifts over time. Example: Some students prefer to follow a traditional classical music approach while others prefer to learn how to improvise or accompany themselves when singing.
How young can a child begin piano lessons?
A child can begin anywhere from age 5 – 7 on. Each child is different so it depends on many factors like interests, ability to sit and concentrate as well as ability to take directions. I give a free consultation for interested new student and parents.
Do you teach adults?
Yes, I love teaching adults. I believe we never stop learning. There’s so much beauty in music and in playing the piano for us to explore and to experience.
Do you teach non classical styles?
Yes, in addition to teaching the classical music genre, I teach improvisation and techniques that transfer into learning and developing in other genres of music like pop, blues and jazz as well as exploring songwriting skills. Some students love to write songs, sing and accompany themselves on the piano and others simply enjoy playing pop, blues or jazz music.
How do you foster the love of music in a student?
I think it’s important to introduce and expose children to beautiful music of any style and genre at an early age. Listening to recordings or attending live concerts is valuable. Then, nurturing each student’s particular interests and developing their unique set of gifts and personal goals will result in a life-long love for music. They will love and treasure their own musical talents.
What happens if my child loses interest in practicing? How do you build discipline in practicing?
When a child loses interest in practicing, there could be many reasons. I re-examine the choice of music, the level of difficulty, access to a good, in-tuned piano, access to a quiet space to be alone for practicing, time of day available for practicing and most importantly, whether there is a good time set aside for practicing, and whether the child is overloaded with too much activities and homework. I work with parents together on strategies. I prefer to look at building small habits that lead to a curiosity of learning, and that eventually leads to creativity and passion. Essentially, self-discipline in practicing is a personal journey that requires patience, time and a love of learning the piano. (I also give stickers, prizes and cookies! Hehehe)
Do you prepare students for exams and competitions?
Yes, that’s a personal choice for each student and a collaborative effort between teacher, student and parents. We discuss the reasons and goals together. Many students have successfully taken exams and competitions but they are not for every student. The questions I often ask students are “What is your goal and what is your time commitment?”
Do you encourage students to perform?
Yes, I encourage my students to share their talents and love of music by performing for their friends and family in safe, encouraging environments as well as for their peers in my studio. Students are ready to perform when they have pieces that they love, have learned them well and would love to share with others! More confident students love to perform in public recitals and concerts.
How do you build confidence in performance?
I provide a safe and nurturing environment for the very young performers like cushion concerts in my studio. For the older and more advanced students, we gather for performance groups in my studio. All students are invited to a big annual spring piano recital at a local church where family and friends are invited to come and celebrate with us. To be confident in performance requires students to understand their strength and weaknesses, to be willing to work solidly to a comfortable level and to simply love that their playing will transform the listeners.