Question 1

What is the youngest age my child can begin having piano lessons?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question mainly depends on how involved you will be in your child’s learning and your child’s ability to focus. 
 
For children under the age of seven, you must be seated at the piano, fully engaged and participating in lessons. This helps keep your child focused and demonstrates the importance of the concepts presented. I have taken students as young as four and a half and have achieved outstanding results with this method.

Question 2

What is the youngest age my child can begin having voice lessons?

Accepted Answer

For formal voice lessons, I will take students as young as twelve, however, your child must also be studying piano. This is crucial to develop a child’s ear and musicianship. Moreover, this will allow them to play their vocal exercises and learn their vocal music. For kids under the age of 12 I offer a hybrid piano and voice lesson that emphasizes the fundamentals of music, playing basic piano and "pitch matching" vocal drills that greatly enhance their ability to sing in tune with confidence.

Question 3

What can I do to ensure my child’s success?

Accepted Answer

As I alluded to above, the best way to ensure your child’s success is for you to become a “co-teacher” and assist me in the learning process. If a parent is able learn basic piano, anything is possible! In this way, you can keep enriching their child’s mind long after the lesson is over.
 
Also, it is important to create a regular practice schedule and set high expectations. This creates good practice habits and makes practicing easier as it essentially becomes automatic. This can be easily done by using a white board (that lists the days of the week and practice times) and placing it in a highly visible place so there is a high level of accountability. 
 
Additionally, it is important that you praise and reward your child for their hard work and sacrifice. The latest research shows that most kids spend a staggering 3 to 5 hours a day watching a screen of some kind- be it a television, tablet, phone - but not your child! It is no surprise that so many children are not able to focus or find the discipline needed to realize their true potential. Let your kids know you are proud of them them and that their hard work sets them apart from their peers. 
 
Finally, make piano a “lifestyle” and not an optional hobby. Piano should be treated in the same way that reading, writing and mathematics are treated- as an essential part of your child’s education.

Question 4

What are the advantages of having home lessons rather than having lessons at a music studio?

Accepted Answer

Home lessons make kids feel more comfortable and relaxed. When students have to go to a music studio, they often feel anxious when playing on a foreign instrument and in a unfamiliar setting. In addition, parents remain productive in their homes- be it doing chores, making calls, preparing meals, etc. This translates into saving time and money for busy parents!

Question 5

Do I need to have a piano at home?

Accepted Answer

A keyboard of some kind is required. Some students start lessons with me using a “plastic keyboard” type instrument, which is fine. However, if your child decides to “stick with” piano, I highly recommend that you purchase them a digital piano. This will allow them to develop the necessary hand strength and dexterity to play on most any instrument.
 
Fortunately, the days of having to own an acoustic piano are over! A brand new digital piano can easily be purchased for $499 and it will sound and feel just like an acoustic grand piano. Moreover, it will never need to be tuned- which is a huge savings! In addition, most digital pianos typically weigh only 25 pounds, which makes moving them very easy. 
 
Please feel free to contact me and I can recommend a specific brand and model that will most suit your child’s needs. 
 
CLICK HERE for a digital piano buying guide that will help you make an informed buying decision.

Question 6

How much practice is necessary?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the level and age of the student and how fast them want to progress. The most important thing is that they practice regularly and that weekly assignments are completed.
 
That said, this is how long it will normally take to practice what I assign: 
 
Young students and beginners: 10-20 minutes a day, four days a week.
 
Elementary students: 20-30 minutes a day, four days a week.
 
Intermediate students: 30-45 minutes a day, five days a week.
 
Advanced students: 45-60 minutes a day, six days a week.
 
Another handy guideline is that students should practice three times their age. So a 5-year-old would practice for 15 minutes and a 10-year-old would practice for 30 minutes.

Question 7

What books do I need and where do I get them?

Accepted Answer

I use many different books and methods to suit different learning styles. Some of my most commonly used series include Faber Piano Adventures, the Bastien Piano series and Masterwork Classics. I’m constantly researching new materials and expanding my library so I can find music that inspires each and every student.
 
Most music is purchased from Amazon. I will tell you what books are appropriate for your child and am always open to your suggestions as to what type of music your child is interested in playing.

Question 8

Do your students get an opportunity to perform?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sharing music with others is one of the best parts of learning to play an instrument.
 
I have two recitals every year, which all students are welcome to perform in. Shy students are welcome to just come and watch. I encourage students to perform but I will never force a student to participate if they don’t want to.

Question 9

Do you offer group lessons?

Accepted Answer

I do not offer group lessons as I in insist on giving my entire attention to one student at a time. To do otherwise would compromise the quality of my teaching.

Call (813) 434-3873

Frequently Asked Questions