Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a piano to take piano lessons?
Yes. The majority of learning takes place between lessons during individual practice time and you need your own instrument for that. While a digital keyboard will suffice initially, a full sized piano with weighted keys is necessary to become proficient. Electric models are as good as acoustic models for learning, and require much less upkeep.
I have a bad voice. Can I really learn to sing?
There are lots of successful vocalists who are known for a distinctive sound rather than a "beautiful" one. So depending on your particular goals, if you can accurately match a pitch with your voice and commit to a practice regimen, you can very likely learn to sing well. A good teacher will help you to discover your own unique vocal instrument. If you're curious, book a few lessons and see for yourself.
Why do I have to pay monthly if I want you to come to my house? Why can't I just pay for the lessons as I go?
In-home lessons require a special commitment from a teacher. She is agreeing to be in a certain part of the city at the same time each week, meaning she reserves that time, as well as any time needed to travel to and from the lesson, for that student. She only takes on new students if they are compatible with her existing lesson schedule and route. If a prospective student requests a lesson time which conflicts with an existing lesson, she turns them down. If they request a time that might make her late to an existing lesson, she turns them down. If they request a time that is available but they are located in a different part of the city from her other lessons, she must turn them down. Since every new student impacts the teacher's long-term availability, a month-to-month commitment is required to reserve an in-home slot.
Why do I have to pay for an in-home lesson that I've cancelled?
When you book weekly lessons with a teacher, she reserves that weekly appointment for you indefinitely, making it unavailable to any other student. Your monthly tuition is what makes this possible. In-home lessons must be paid for even if the student does not take them - much as school tuition is required even when students miss class.
Lessons can be rescheduled if the request is received by the 1st of the month. Please refer to the studio policy for complete details.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
How long do I need to commit to taking lessons?
There is no pre-set requirement, though a 3-month evaluation period is recommended before deciding whether or not to continue.
What ages do you teach?
The current roster includes students ranging in age from 3 to 68, though most of them are between 7 and 14.
If I book you to come to my house, why can't I just pay you when you arrive?
Advance monthly payment is more efficient than multiple payments made at lesson times, which means it's cheaper for you. Even the most organized person sometimes forgets to leave a check for a teacher. When this happens, additional time must be spent collecting the payment and processing it individually. When multiplied by 15 to 25 students, this extra time increases the teacher's costs. She must then charge all students a higher rate to cover this cost. Advance monthly payments keep lessons affordable for everyone.
How much do I need to practice?
It depends on your instrument and your goals.
A beginning piano player who wants to progress should practice 3 to 5 times per week for at least 15 minutes at a time. If your goal is to be proficient, you should practice 4 to 5 times per week for 20 to 60 minutes at a time. If you wish to be a professional musician or attend competitions, daily practice is required and an hour is recommended as a minimum. The most serious of career musicians practice their instruments for several hours per day.
Vocalists have special practice considerations since they use their instrument all day long and must be careful not to overuse it. Your teacher will help you devise an individual practice schedule but you should be prepared to work out your voice at least 3 days a week for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
How long does it take to get good at piano or singing?
That depends on the student's aptitude and commitment to practice. Some students learn quickly with little effort. Most students must take lessons and practice regularly for two to three years before they become proficient. Generally speaking, beginners who attend lessons regularly and practice frequently should expect to be able to perform simple songs within a few months of lessons.
Yes! The studio holds two recitals per year and all students are invited to participate.