Frequently Asked Questions



 

​Q:  How young is too young?



A:  It depends 100% on the child.  Definitively I can say probably about 2 years old is too young.  However, it really depends on the child's attention span, level of enthusiasm for learning the piano, and energy level.  Can your child sit down and be invested in a project that they enjoy for a full hour?  What about just 45 minutes?  Does your child have a genuine interest in learning piano? Will we be able to make any progress during the lesson, or will we just spend every week reviewing and getting nowhere?  I'm happy to schedule and open-ended first lesson and we can evaluate it together after that.



Q: What kind of piano/keyboard should I buy?

 

A: Whatever you enjoy playing the most.  It can be a grand piano, or a little teeny toy keyboard.  Whatever you can't keep your hands off of, get that.  My entire childhood I NEVER practiced the piano because I hated the feeling of the keys on the keyboard we had.  But anytime I was in a place with a real piano, you couldn't peel me off of it.  It wasn't til high school that I realized having a real piano is essential for me, because nothing gives me the same feeling as the bounce of those wooden keys.  Go to a music store and just play. Play around until you find something you can't keep your hands off of, and try to ignore any stigmas that are associated with it. 
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Q:  How often should I practice?

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A:  As often as you want.  I know this sounds weird for a teacher to say, but if the pressure of practicing turns you off from the piano, then don't.  However, just know that the more you practice, the quicker you will be an amazing piano player.  I've had students who were playing professionally in a band within a year because they practiced everyday.  I design my lessons so that we are not just reviewing the previous week and never getting anywhere.  Even if you haven't practiced at all, we should still be able to make some progress within the hour that we are working together.



Q:  ​Does the lesson have to be an hour?  What if I want to split the lesson with my two kids, or pay for a shorter lesson?



​A:  ​​I am very hesitant to change the one-hour lesson format.  One hour gives us so much time to review what we've already learned, cover the new stuff, and practice together.  Especially for those who don't have a lot of time to practice, this time is very valuable.  Also, since everyone is different, and I mold my lessons based on the individual, there isn't really a way to share a lesson.  If you have a very young child who has a very short attention span, then maybe we can work something out, but I find very few instances where less than an hour is beneficial at all.  If you insist on less than an hour because of scheduling, etc.  I will have to charge for the entire hour.  



Q:  What do I need to prepare for my lessons?



​A:  ​I have two books that I work with primarily that I will require you to get at our first lesson.  These are books that I am familiar with, and have material that I can stand by.  They are very inexpensive, and I will let you borrow them until you get yours.  Please have a piano or keyboard at home that you can practice on.  I can rent out my space to you for practicing during the week, but it is not recommended.  



Note:  If you are a parent looking for lessons for his/her child, there are a few things you need to know.  I do not support lessons that are forced upon children.  My students have to WANT to be there.  If they have no interest in the piano, and you just have always dreamed of a child who could play, then that will show within our first few lessons, and I will discontinue the lessons. Also, please don't force your child to practice.  As I said before, I don't want to associate the piano with punishment, or any sort of chore.  I'd like the piano to be a positive creative outlet for them, so please help me in not sucking all of the fun out of it.  It's ok to explain  to them that the more they practice, the quicker they'll be awesome at it.  The moment they start dreading lessons is the moment we are being counter-productive. Please trust me on this.  I know this from my own personal experience as a piano student.



Q:  Why aren't you a professional pianist?​



​A:  ​I'll be honest, I have extreme stage-fright. Sounds funny coming from an actor/dancer/singer, but when it comes to piano I completely freeze up.  I just did my first show last year accompanying a friend in his comedy show, which was a huge step for me. Please do not ask me to play for you in our lessons.  This is not a showcase, and I promise you will have plenty of opportunities to hear me play, as I will be practicing with you and working with you.  If for some reason you doubt my credentials, I guarantee your money back if I can't teach you anything.  I only do that because I'm confident you will learn a lot from me.



​Q:  I bought a voucher, but I have special circumstances. Can you adapt?



​A:  Of course.  I'm not teaching just for the money.  I do what I love and meet wonderful people, and as a result I am able to pay my bills.  I understand that life and people are not just black and white. Whatever you paid, or are planning on paying can be considered fairly for whatever the situation is. I'm not out to scam anyone out of their money.  I'm here to make relationships.  Want to hold on to your voucher until after your child is a little older? No problem. I'll still honor it.  Talk to me, and we'll figure out whatever the problem is.  I'll work to do what's fair for you, and I hope you'll treat me with the same consideration. :)



​Q:  What styles do you teach?



​A:  None. All.  Let me explain:  I teach you music theory, ear training, sight-reading, writing, ad-libbing etc.  I give you the strong music base you need, and we will see together what style speaks to you the most, and we go with that.  At some point I will ask you to bring in your own projects that we can work on together, and eventually you won't even need me anymore. You'll be able to teach yourself.  That's my goal.