Are you accepting new students?
Yes! We are currently enrolling students in the Fall 2023 semester!
Do you teach my specific method?
All students learn differently, and we are committed to creating an individualized curriculum for each student which will help you on your road to success. However, we strongly encourage participation in the core curriculums (Faber & Faber and Royal Conservatory for piano, and Hal Leonard for guitar).
What about missed lessons?
We make every effort to offer multiple ways to "make up" missed lessons - substitute teachers, additional time during next lesson, and online zoom lessons are all options. In extreme cases, we may offer a pro-rated tuition the following month. Unfortunately, if the teacher arrives for a scheduled lesson and the student is a "no call - no show", the fee is forfeit for that lesson.
How come some months I only get 3 lessons for the same tuition?
The lesson year is planned out in advance. There are 48 scheduled lessons for every year. This means, on average, you will receive 4 lessons every month. Some of those months will only have three scheduled lessons. Some will have five scheduled lessons. Most will have the average of four scheduled lessons. This is done to simplify billing. Each month will be billed the same, no matter how many actual lessons are scheduled during that month. You can see all scheduled lessons for your day of the week on the Calendar Page, as well as any planned breaks or holidays.
How quickly can I expect to learn to play?
Every single student learns at their own pace. Having said that, an average student should be progressing through about 1 lesson book per year. In the Faber & Faber series this means about 7 years study to attain "proficiency" on the piano, and another 6 years to attain "mastery" of the instrument.
Can I buy a single lesson at a time?
I am currently booking for the Spring Masterclass. Click here for details or to make your booking.
Can I pay for a full year of lessons up front?
Yes you can! Go to the Payments Page and click on any of the "1 Year" options to set up a recurring payment.
Do you do recitals? Do I have to attend?
Yes! I host two recitals a year. You can see them listed on the Calendar Page. The Summer Recital is always hosted over Zoom, and students perform from their own homes, live over the internet for a Zoom audience. The Winter Recital is hosted by Ronald United Methodist Church (175th & Aurora Ave), where students perform in-person, live on a real stage, on a grand piano. While I won't force students to perform, attendance is mandatory, and all students are highly encouraged to perform at one or the other recital. There is no additional charge for recitals.
Do I need to buy any other books or materials?
NO. All lesson materials are included in the monthly fee and provided at lesson time by the teacher. This includes: books, theory materials, worksheets, handouts, and recital sheet music. The only things not included in the tuition fee are a spiral bound notebook for the teacher to write assignments in, and any metronomes or optional devices a student may wish to use.
Do I need a real piano?
Digital pianos have come a long way during the last few years, and it is perfectly acceptable to begin your musical journey on a keyboard or other digital instrument. However, the student should ensure that the instrument meets the following minimum specifications: full sized keys, full sized keyboard with 88 keys, weighted keys, and at least one pedal. In addition, at the intermediate level, students may find their keyboard limiting, and may wish to upgrade to a real piano at that time. At the advanced level and above, keyboards and digital pianos are not recommended.