Lessons: I recommend all children take a weekly music lesson to insure that progress is ongoing and to prevent bad habits from forming. For busy teens and working adults, there is an option to take a lesson every other week during the academic year. All students are encouraged to take some lessons in the summer in order to keep the hands working and to continue to perfect pieces in the repertoire.
Availability of Piano: If you do not have a piano or regular access to a piano, in addition to purchasing an instrument, I can help you find a rental piano. An electric keyboard is not a piano. The action of an acoustic piano is quite different and requires a unique approach to the keys.
Practicing: As with any sport or artistic endeavor, learning the piano requires outside practice. I recommend that each student spend 30-45 minutes a day, five days a week working on technical skills, sight reading, and music assigned. There will be some weeks in which improvisation and composition assignments will also be included.
I understand there are some weeks in which other activities take priority. The student can still benefit from the scheduled lesson in that together, we can cover material assigned and gain insight into the musical ideas and technical development of the hands.
Fees: Most children will require only 30 minute lessons, as they are being asked to learn many new things each week. Thirty minute lessons are at the rate of $40. At some point, it may be recommended that the student increase the time to 45 minutes, in order to include more theory, sight reading, improvisation and/or composition. This will be discussed with and approved by the parents. Forty-five minute lessons are $50. For more advanced students, one-hour lessons may be more appropriate, that fee is $80 by check or cash).
All lessons are prepaid in a set of four sessions. If a lesson is missed, it can be re-scheduled to accommodate both schedules.
Supplies and Materials: All students are required to purchase notebooks printed with blank staff paper. All assignments and new information is written in these books, which students use for practicing and review. All beginning students are asked to purchase their first music book. Other materials are provided by me. Students may choose to purchase some collections that contain many pieces to be played for instruction and pleasure over time.
Initial Consultation: All students are required to participate in a 45 minute initial consultation. During this time, I listen to student/family goals, talk about the life and schedule the student is already committed to, evaluate the body and the hand, test listening skills, introduce some concepts to see how the information is processed, discuss possible courses of action, and set a schedule for lessons going forward. This consultation also allows both me and the student to determine if the relationship appears to be a “good fit”. Nothing is more important than developing a trusting and positive relationship with the student. The one-time fee for this consultation is $60. Teaching hours include weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Occasionally, some students may need weekend lessons due to sports or make-ups, and these will be accommodated whenever possible.
Parent Involvement: Parents of young students are always welcome to attend lessons. During the warm weather months, parents may also enjoy the garden patio during the child’s lessons. Parents are also encouraged to call with questions.
