Frequently Asked Questions

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I teach all ages, but the best age to begin piano lessons varies. There are a few good markers that a child is ready to begin lessons.  Does your child enjoy music or try to play little songs on the piano? This is a great indicator that your child will enjoy and be successful with piano lessons. 

There are a  few physical indicators as well: a child who is able to write their name legibly is developing the dexterity needed to play the keys. Another thing to check is the size of the hand. Can the child easily place their fingers on five piano keys without stretching a lot between keys? If they are stretching a lot, it's good to let their hands grow a little bit before beginning classes to develop size and strength. 

Another indication of readiness is ability to read. Children who can read words will be more able to understand abstract concepts of reading music.  Children not yet reading can still benefit from and enjoy piano, but they will be more dependent on Mom and Dad for practice help at home with daily practice. 

In addition, it's important for young children to be able to sit and play through their songs for at least  a 10 or 15 minute stretch daily at home. For older students, a good amount of time is 30-45 minutes of practice daily.

Yes, to make progress learning the piano, you absolutely need to have a piano in good condition for daily practice! 

You will need to have an acoustic piano that is in tune or an electronic keyboard that has weighted keys and is touch sensitive (both of these enables you to play a song quietly or loudly; very important!) If you don't have a piano yet, you can often find a good used acoustic piano locally (sometimes for free or at least affordable). There are also many affordable electronic piano options available, but not all electronic keyboards are made equal. There are definitely better and worse brands, just like with acoustic pianos.  

Feel free to reach out to me if you would like help in choosing a piano!

Beginning students should practice each song a minimum of 4-6 times per day. More advanced students will learn effective practice techniques at the lesson and will be given practice assignments that will help them use their practice time well.  Students are expected to complete all their theory or composition assignments & bring them to class.  Beginning students can do 2 shorter practice times each day and older students can plan to practice 20-45 minutes daily to progress well.

Weekly 30-minute class are $25 per lesson for young or beginning students (this tution rate begins September 2023).

Older or more advanced students will do well with a 45 minute lesson, which are $37 per lesson (this tution rate begins September 2023).

Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month, payable by cash or check. There is also a yearly studio fee of $30 per family.

I will help you find piano lesson books and enrichment music and students may also bring music they want to play to class. The student/ parent is responsible for purchasing all books for piano lessons. At times, I may purchase a book & the student/parent can reimburse.