Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long have you been teaching? For 45 years.

2. Why should I bring my child to you, rather than our neighborhood piano teacher?

If you want the best for your child, experience, education, a nationally recognized and proven track record, and student success will be among your first considerations in choosing teacher. I have studied with some of the top teachers in the world, and I apply their teaching techniques, in addition to my own, to your lessons, even if the goal is just to play well and have an appreciation for music, or if you want to learn music for a profession. Additionally, I travel to your home.

3. What is your teaching philosophy?
I teach students to read music right away. They are encouraged to learn all styles of music, in addition to technique and method studies. I try to keep them interested with songs they recognize and will enjoy playing. Each student will have an individually tailored course of study, and this can also include writing music, music theory, and singing. My goal is to give them the tools to be independently able to pick up a piece of music and enjoy playing it well.

4. What kind of commitment should I expect to make?
For a younger student, one should expect to make a commitment of 12 lessons or 3 months. This is a long enough time period to see if lessons are really working. I am open to comments from parents at any time, because I want to do whatever it takes for students to succeed!

5. How often will I (or my child) have to practice?
Ideally, practice for the week should be 5 times the length of the lesson, eg. two and a half hours for a 30 minute lesson. However, younger students may only be able to tolerate practice 10 to 15 minutes per day. It is important to be consistent with practice regardless of how much time you can devote to this endeavor. So, even if you can only devote a few minutes, but do it every day, you will still make progress!

6. How do adults benefit?
If you are a beginner, I can help you achieve that goal of learning to play; or if you already play, help you brush up on your technique and performance skills, and make recommendations to help you improve your playing.

7. How do I know if my child is ready for lessons?
If your child knows right hand and left hand, ABC's and counting numbers, then it is possible to start piano. Not every young child is mature enough to concentrate for 20-30 mins.

8. Do we need to have our own instrument?
Yes. You may have a relative or friend who can lend you a keyboard, guitar or flute in the beginning. I am happy to help you with recommendations for instruments and the best places to shop. Please ask!

9. Can I stay and listen to the lesson?
Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. Especially for younger children it is important for the parent to be somewhat familiar with the lesson assignment and teaching expectations.

10. How can I keep my child interested in music?
Learning an instrument, and being able to perform on some level, should be regarded as a great accomplishment. Have your child show off skills for visitors or relatives. Attend concerts of all styles. Listen to music in the car and at home. Sing along with songs that your child learns to play.

11. Do you have recitals?
Recitals are optional and are held usually twice a year. Recitals are designed to incur as little stress as possible. Students may memorize music, but it is not required. A recital gives the student a chance to showcase a favorite piece and to have a completed goal.

12. Are there educational benefits as a result of studying a musical instrument?
Studies have shown that besides building self-esteem, music increases the ability to focus, concentrate, achieve goals, and adds to study discipline. Students who study music tend to score higher on tests. Many doctors and scientists have music as a hobby because it is relaxing, functions as a creative outlet, and uses another part of the brain than is required in scientific work.

13. Are lessons offered year around?
Yes, with the exception of vacations during the school year and a couple of weeks in July or August.