Piano Lessons FAQ
How long is a piano lesson? What's included?
Lessons are 30 minutes every week in the student's home. 1 hour lessons and/or back-to-back lessons for multiple students are also available. Lessons generally include note reading, rhythm exercises, piano technique, music theory, performance practice, and a brief discussion with parent on musical progress at the close of the lesson. The skill level of work, amount of work assigned, and practice schedules will be different for each student, and those details will be assessed within the first month.
Will my child (or I) learn the piano by just having weekly lessons with you?
Yes, BUT please be aware that learning piano is VERY similar to learning to read. When children or adults learn to read, they have a scheduled time to practice reading every day. And as competent reading adults, the act of reading is everywhere every day - with emails, texts, signs, flyers, books, articles, meetings, classes, etc. That's exactly how you or your child must approach learning an instrument - if a student doesn't practice piano and note-reading EVERY DAY, they will not learn to play the piano. They may learn a small portion solely from weekly lessons, but very slowly - if at all. If you choose to start lessons, you MUST be willing to encourage daily practice for either your child or yourself (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes a day, depending on the student).
What days do you teach?
The Academic Session run with the Virginia Beach Public School Calendar. The Summer Session dates are to be determined, but usually include 6-10 weeks of lessons during VBPS summer. All major public school holidays are observed.
Do I need to get books?
No need! I will provide all piano books and sheet music. I will let students and parents know in advance when I intend to purchase new material. My book preference is the Faber & Faber Series for beginners, but I am not opposed to other options. Feel free to ask!
How young can I start my child?
I usually recommended students to start piano lessons no earlier than 6 years old or 1st grade. However, special considerations can ALWAYS be given if significant interest and/or ability are evident in a child younger than this recommendation. My youngest student to show natural affinity for the piano started with me when she just turned 4. It never hurts to ask!
Do you teach adults? Is it hard to start or re-learn piano as an adult?
Yes, I do! And if you're worried about being able to learn at a later age, don't be. In my experience I have actually found that when adults have the desire to learn and practice, they learn at a MUCH faster pace than my younger students. The only real difficulty in leaning piano as an adult is MAKING time to practice in a busy schedule. But if you can set aside at least 15-20 minutes out of each day to dedicate to piano, it's definitely worth it!
Do you require a real piano? Is a keyboard okay?
As long as it plays music and functions properly, it's fine with me! If you have a piano, I only ask that you please keep it tuned at least once per year (though my professional recommendation is two times per year). If you have a keyboard, it would preferably have the standard 88 keys and be situated high enough for an adult to sit comfortably at it. No particular brand is needed. If looking to purchase a keyboard, one with "weighted keys" will feel the most like a piano. If weighted keys are not an option, a touch-sensitive keyboard is preferred.
Do you have practice requirements?
Once a day for a set period of time. I have no standard timed practice requirements, since good practice habits differ for each student and correlate with his or her individual goals for piano. HOWEVER! For parents and guardians, I do suggest you encourage your students to practice throughout the week and that you be involved in developing your child's good practicing habits. I will be the best teacher I can be for every one of my students, but adult encouragement and support at home is ESSENTIAL to a child's musical development!
Will you have a recital? Is it optional?
Yes! I host a Winter Recital in December of each year and a Spring Recital in May. These are all completely optional events, but they are a great, non-competitive opportunity for students to build self-esteem and perform for family and friends!
How much do you charge?
Please feel free to check out my Tuition page for more detailed information.
Do you have an annual contract?
No! I require no annual contract, but I do have a list of studio policies I expect clients to follow. (Available upon request)
Lessons are 30 minutes every week in the student's home. 1 hour lessons and/or back-to-back lessons for multiple students are also available. Lessons generally include note reading, rhythm exercises, piano technique, music theory, performance practice, and a brief discussion with parent on musical progress at the close of the lesson. The skill level of work, amount of work assigned, and practice schedules will be different for each student, and those details will be assessed within the first month.
Will my child (or I) learn the piano by just having weekly lessons with you?
Yes, BUT please be aware that learning piano is VERY similar to learning to read. When children or adults learn to read, they have a scheduled time to practice reading every day. And as competent reading adults, the act of reading is everywhere every day - with emails, texts, signs, flyers, books, articles, meetings, classes, etc. That's exactly how you or your child must approach learning an instrument - if a student doesn't practice piano and note-reading EVERY DAY, they will not learn to play the piano. They may learn a small portion solely from weekly lessons, but very slowly - if at all. If you choose to start lessons, you MUST be willing to encourage daily practice for either your child or yourself (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes a day, depending on the student).
What days do you teach?
The Academic Session run with the Virginia Beach Public School Calendar. The Summer Session dates are to be determined, but usually include 6-10 weeks of lessons during VBPS summer. All major public school holidays are observed.
Do I need to get books?
No need! I will provide all piano books and sheet music. I will let students and parents know in advance when I intend to purchase new material. My book preference is the Faber & Faber Series for beginners, but I am not opposed to other options. Feel free to ask!
How young can I start my child?
I usually recommended students to start piano lessons no earlier than 6 years old or 1st grade. However, special considerations can ALWAYS be given if significant interest and/or ability are evident in a child younger than this recommendation. My youngest student to show natural affinity for the piano started with me when she just turned 4. It never hurts to ask!
Do you teach adults? Is it hard to start or re-learn piano as an adult?
Yes, I do! And if you're worried about being able to learn at a later age, don't be. In my experience I have actually found that when adults have the desire to learn and practice, they learn at a MUCH faster pace than my younger students. The only real difficulty in leaning piano as an adult is MAKING time to practice in a busy schedule. But if you can set aside at least 15-20 minutes out of each day to dedicate to piano, it's definitely worth it!
Do you require a real piano? Is a keyboard okay?
As long as it plays music and functions properly, it's fine with me! If you have a piano, I only ask that you please keep it tuned at least once per year (though my professional recommendation is two times per year). If you have a keyboard, it would preferably have the standard 88 keys and be situated high enough for an adult to sit comfortably at it. No particular brand is needed. If looking to purchase a keyboard, one with "weighted keys" will feel the most like a piano. If weighted keys are not an option, a touch-sensitive keyboard is preferred.
Do you have practice requirements?
Once a day for a set period of time. I have no standard timed practice requirements, since good practice habits differ for each student and correlate with his or her individual goals for piano. HOWEVER! For parents and guardians, I do suggest you encourage your students to practice throughout the week and that you be involved in developing your child's good practicing habits. I will be the best teacher I can be for every one of my students, but adult encouragement and support at home is ESSENTIAL to a child's musical development!
Will you have a recital? Is it optional?
Yes! I host a Winter Recital in December of each year and a Spring Recital in May. These are all completely optional events, but they are a great, non-competitive opportunity for students to build self-esteem and perform for family and friends!
How much do you charge?
Please feel free to check out my Tuition page for more detailed information.
Do you have an annual contract?
No! I require no annual contract, but I do have a list of studio policies I expect clients to follow. (Available upon request)