Piano FAQs
Who should take piano lessons?
I believe the piano can be learned by anyone. Personally I do not teach children younger than seven years of age but only because I do not have the gifts to make learning the piano fun to younger ages. Some teachers are great at it. On the other hand, I believe that no one is too old to learn.
How long will it take me to be a good pianist?
Much of this depends on you. Please don't expect to begin playing your favorite songs within a week or two if you are a beginner. Like any other discipline, learning to play well takes time and practice. It is likely to take years to reach a level where you can play most things you like. Of course, there are people who are prodigies, but most of us are not.
Do I have to have a piano before I take lessons?
Absolutely! I am so surprised at the number of people who contact me about lessons but have no regular access to piano. If you want to learn you will need to practice regularly and that means you must have access to a piano or keyboard.
How often do I need to practice?
I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes per day for beginners and much more for intermediate and advanced players. Too many times I have seen students think they can play only at their lessons and then become frustrated and quit because they are not improving. Practice, practice, practice.
What is better a piano or a keyboard?
Both instruments have many things to offer. Of course, an standard acoustic piano looks great in the home and generally will give you a more authentic feel and sound than most digital instruments. However, many people don't have the room for a piano in their homes or don't want to have to worry about moving a piano so in this case a digital keyboard is a much better choice.
Where should I go to buy a piano or keyboard and what should I look for?
How much money are you willing to spend? If money is not an object, invest in something that will last for years to come and go to your local piano store. The staff will help you find the right instrument for you. Often they have used instruments that they will sell or rent very cheaply. The internet, classifieds and thrift stores can also help. A new piano can run anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands. A good used instrument can be had for a few hundred dollars or less. Often local music schools and performance venues will sell their old pianos to make room for new stock and you get get a very good deal on a great instrument. Keep an eye on your local paper for ads or call around to see who might be getting rid of old instruments. Digital instruments range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. If you opt for this route, make sure the keyboard at least has touch-sensitive (weighted) keys (preferably all 88 keys) and a pedal board or room to add one.
How often do I need lessons and what happens if I can't make it?
In general I recommend one lesson per week. Lesson times are usually 30, 45, or 60 minutes long and are dependent on your skill level, time commitment and of course, finances. Some people choose to have more than one lesson a week and others less often. To guarantee a regular spot in my teaching schedule a weekly commitment is required. Because I set aside a regular time to work with you I expect you to take our commitment together seriously as I do. Please keep in mind that this is my employment and I need to count on a steady income. Of course, emergencies do come up but absences are expected to be paid for. Each student is given four vacation days per year and several scheduled holidays. These vacation days do not have to be paid for. Students are not expected to pay for lessons which I cancel. If your job involves extensive travel I will try to work with you to reschedule.
What type of music would I play?
All lessons are grounded in classical technique and would be the focus of your music literature. Beginners would use a series of method books which feature many different types of songs. As you advance you would receive training in appropriate classical literature. I am more than happy to help with the occasional pop or jazz song but the primary focus would be classical music. Pianists with a strong interested in jazz would be best served with another teacher.
How much do lessons cost?
Fees for lessons are set by the hour. Materials such as method books may be provided by me with reimbursement for the actual cost of the materials or you may buy them independently after I tell you what you will need. For a current lesson fee schedule, please click the link. Fees
