Frequently Asked Questions

• What age do you start students?

  I am happy to work with students who are able to listen and respond for about 30 minutes. That age varies, and I don’t ask young children to sit still for that long; we do move around. I also understand that little ones have off-days sometimes. I just ask that they are willing and able to try. Personally, I prefer to work with students no younger than age four. However, almost any age is a good age to start lessons, as long as they’re interested.

  If we try it and they aren’t quite ready, that’s okay. Having preschoolers listen to great music regularly and sing is usually just as beneficial, in my opinion.

  There is no age limit - adults are welcome.

• May parents sit in on lessons? Of course! I have a couch for parents and siblings. Please either remain in the waiting area of the studio where you may observe, or pick up your child when their lesson time is over. You may use the restroom at any time, but please do not go into the rest of the house, as that is my family’s private living space.

  *Sometimes it is hard for parents to resist interjecting during lessons (“Answer her question,” “Stop fidgeting,” “Do it right and we’ll get ice cream later,” etc.) Do not do this, or I will ask you to leave the lesson. It distracts the student and interferes with our dialogue. Children are not adults, and it is okay if a child behaves like a child; I enjoy children. If in the rare case a discipline issue arises, I will discuss the matter with you privately. Of course, I would never discipline a student in any way.

• How often should students practice?

  Daily, on average. 6-8 year olds may start at 10-15 mins per day, and it should increase incrementally as they advance. Some students master their assignments more quickly than others, so it is difficult to assign a standardized number of minutes. They should practice as long as their patience and attention to detail lasts, and they should be able to complete their assignments.

  *Students must come to their lessons prepared. Please help your child make practice a habit. Practice is the only path to success, which is much more fun for everyone.

  Lesson time (studio) is for instruction, practice time (home) is for repetition and retention.

  Tips for effective Practice

• Have a plan

• Isolate a small section (go for the more challenging parts first)

• Repeat until it feels more comfortable

• Add the metronome

• Repeat until smooth, adding more sections

• Do I need a piano?

  YES, yes you do. Students have to practice at home to learn.

• What type should I buy?

  Acoustic or electric, as long as it’s in good condition.

  Digital keyboards: Keyboards are usually portable and take up less space. Some are very good and some are very bad. Most 44 or 61 key pianos are suitable only as toys, and small midi keyboards are not intended for beginners. A keyboard with 88 weighted keys, a pedal, a keyboard stand, and a music stand will promote good posture and hand position. Some good brands are Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, Korg.

  Use the keyboard stand: do not place it on a bed or table, etc. as this will promote bad posture and incorrect hand position, which will lead to pain in the wrists, back, shoulders, hands, etc.

  Acoustic pianos: Acoustic pianos are non-electric and can be upright or grand pianos. They do require some yearly maintenance, but they promote proper posture, the key width/weight is correct, and they are capable of producing a richer tone with a wider degree of subtlety. Personally I prefer acoustic pianos as I find them to be more comfortable and beautiful, but I don’t mind using keyboards on occasion. In my studio I have a Baldwin grand piano and a full-size Yamaha keyboard. Some good brands are Baldwin, Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway.

  A quality piano or keyboard is a very worthy investment. Check out The Piano Center in Beaumont for new & used instruments and tuning, or FaceBook Marketplace if you want to take a gamble; however, have an expert evaluate any used instruments before you purchase.

  Any time you move an acoustic piano it will have to be tuned.