FAQS

01/30/10

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my child take lessons?

What if my child wants to quit?

What age can my child begin lessons?

Is my child ready to begin piano lessons?

Where do lessons take place?

What methods do you use?

Do I need a piano to begin?

How can I get my child to practice?

What if I or my child just want to try lessons?
 


Why should my child take lessons?
Visit and read the information on the following websites. Learning the piano has amazing benefits for school-aged children.

Stroking the Ivories Can Improve Your Child's Analytical Abilities

New Studies Support Original Findings That Music Lessons Help Improve Math Skills


What if my child wants to quit?
Most parents sign their kids up for piano lessons because they think it is an important part of their education. The parent must decide how important it is. It typically takes three years for a student to become proficient as a piano player. If you just want the basics, then you should plan to commit for three years. It is helpful to speak with the instructor in order to work out difficulties a student might be having that cause him or her to want to quit. Often the problem is difficulty reading, which can be addressed, or difficulty scheduling practice time, which can also be addressed.

There are sure-fire periods when "Quitting Syndrome" kicks in.

For boys, it is normally middle school (6th - 8th grade). Get them through this and they will pretty much stick with piano.

For girls, it is normally high school. If you get them through this period, they will thank you.

For young beginners (those who started around 4 or 5) the syndrome will set in earlier and it is more of a "Burned Out Syndrome". Lessening the focus on practicing and piano and introducing newer concepts like composition or ensemble playing really helps.

Communication is definitely key. Don't hesitate to speak with me about any concerns.

What age can my child begin lessons?
The studio offers lessons for students as young as four.

Is my child ready to begin piano lessons?
The most important thing to consider is not the child, but the role of the parent. Because of the young age of many beginning students,  parents must be ready to take an active role in helping the child succeed in lessons. The parents must schedule time to practice. The parents must be supportive and willing to do things like sit with their child during practice time or help with theory homework.

The next thing to think about is whether there is a genuine interest in the piano. If there is then your child may be ready. If not, help facilitate the interest by buying a piano or keyboard and also by listening to piano music. If you need examples, please look at My Top Ten List. Another great resource is www.pandora.com. Most everyone has at least one favorite classical song. With pandora, you can input that piece and the website will generate songs based on your tastes.


IMPORTANT: If your child “hates” the piano, then lessons will not work. If your child is not interested and is forced into piano, then there will be resentment and again, lessons will not work.

After evaluating the previous points, your child's music readiness can be assessed. There are four main points to look for.
        
1.  Does the child have the attention span required for lessons?
2.  What is the frustration tolerance level? This is especially important for younger students (4-6). If the answer is low, then the parent should wait a year or two until the child has matured a bit. Lessons for this child could have averse results.
3.  Does the child know the alphabet?
4.  Can the child count to five? Does he recognize numbers 1-5?
5.  Does the child know left from right?

Where do lessons take place?
Studio lessons take place in a quiet office building off of Franconia Rd, just past Springfield Mall. There is plenty of parking and a waiting room.

What methods do you use?
I use a combination of original materials along with compositions of classical and contemporary composers. I strive to compose and find music that is fun and exciting to play.

Do I need a piano to begin?
Simply put, no. A keyboard will be okay for the first three – eight months, but after that students need a digital keyboard or an acoustic piano. Students will need to use the pedal and work on a full-sized keyboard. However, there are numerous rental programs that allow students to rent quality acoustic pianos. I can advise any student on this matter.
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How can I get my child to practice?
Establishing a routine is key. From the beginning, practice should be a regular and expected part of the day just like homework, chores, brushing their teeth, ect. Practicing should not be negotiable, just like homework, chores, brushing their teeth, ect.. Without practice a student cannot progress, period. He or she will spend years trying to read simple music.

To establish practicing habits for continuing students or students that are having difficulty, try :

 

Incentives. Incentives can be coordinated with the instructor or done as a special home treat.

 

Sitting at the piano with your child. Tell them you want to hear what they can play. Try to figure out answers to any difficulties that arise.

 

Creating a practice or piano lesson contract. State specifically the goals and expectations, whether it is practicing regularly or committing to lessons for a certain period of time.

 

Reading, Not Until You've Done Your Practice by Philip Johnston. (A studio copy is available for loan) for other ideas and tips.

          NEW!!! The studio has it's own practice incentive called "Practice Pints". Students receive ice cream after they complete certain practice goals.

What if I or my child just want to try lessons?
Fine. Students may opt to pay per lesson with out committing long-term to the studio.

 

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This site was last updated 01/30/10