FAQ about piano and voice lessons

How young can a child begin lessons?
- Most children begin piano when they are six years old or in the first grade. However, if a student shows exceptional interest and attention span, there is a possibility of beginning at a younger age. Each child is unique and I take that into consideration along with the physical size of the child’s hands.
- With voice, I focus on proper breathing and support with children under the age of twelve. I teach more technique and repertoire with older children.
- If the purpose of “voice” is matching pitches, the earlier the better. I play games and shorten the lesson time for the youngest ones.

What is the recommended length of a lesson?
- A 45-minute lesson works well for most people. Occasionally I will teach a 30-minute lesson if the child’s attention span is fairly short, or an hour-lesson to older students or adults. I intersperse physical exercises and games to keep the focus sharp.

Do you require a piano or is a keyboard okay?
- I prefer an acoustic piano to a digital keyboard for many reasons. The action of the keys, the ability to play dynamics, the use of arm weight, and the pedals are some of the reasons for my preference. However, I also understand the cost of the instrument and the uncertainty if you or your child is going to continue lessons. Therefore, during the first year of lessons a good quality keyboard with weighted keys will suffice.

Do you teach theory? Transposition? Sight-reading? Ear training?
- I incorporate theory into the lessons and often have a workbook to reinforce new ideas.
- Transposing is a wonderful skill, and most students find it fairly easy to play in 3-4 different keys.
- I use sight-reading to reinforce note reading and it often shows me specific areas we may need to focus more attention. Rhythm tends to be a pianists’ weakest skill and I use percussion instruments and games to reinforce rhythmic reading skills.
- If a student is also interested in singing, I spend more time on ear training. My students can hear basic chord progressions and simple intervals.

Do you encourage improvisation and creativity?
- YES! I love to help students learn to play what they sing, and to be creative with rhythmic patterns and melodies.
- I highly support students writing their own unique songs, and exploring the different registers and dynamics of the piano.
- Many of my students write words to songs they are learning and sing along as they play.

Do you offer group classes? Are they mandatory?
- Yes I offer very small group classes 3 – 4 times per year. They are not mandatory, although I encourage students to participate in this safe and friendly environment. The students learn a great deal from each other and have fun sharing their music with each other. We keep it positive!

Do you offer recitals, and are they mandatory?
- Yes, I host a Spring Recital if enough student availability permits. It is optional, but it is a wonderful opportunity for students to share what they have learned and to build self-esteem by performing for family and friends.

Do you have a studio policy?
- Yes. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the contact form and I will send it to you.

How do you structure tuition rates?
- I organize the year into 10-week semesters that can begin at any time. However most people are on the fall, winter, spring and summer semester schedule. I have even taught some beginning students twice per week in the summer months, and see great improvement in their learning.

Do you teach in the summer?
- Yes. The schedule is more flexible because of vacations.