Frequently asked questions

What age should my child start lessons?

This is such an important question to ask, and the short answer is, it depends.

Each child is unique. However, I generally find that by age 5, many kids are ready for beginner instrumental lessons, as long as those lessons include sufficient fun and activity (young children are not built to sit still on a piano bench for long periods). Lessons with a teacher not well equipped to teach young learners, will be better suited to beginning age of 7 or 8.

Some good indicators that your young learner might be ready to start lessons are: 1) beginning to read words on the page
2) can identify patterns and shapes reliably
3) shows a natural interest in music or a specific instrument
4) focuses on tasks for longer periods of time (10-30 minutes), or can sit through a story time at school or the library without interruption
5) possesses sufficient finger strength to press keys on an acoustic piano with one finger at a time, or shows some mastery of fine motor skills such as sorting small beads with fingers or glueing small objects to a piece of paper.

The best way to answer this question for your child is to come meet me at my home studio for an interview/trial lesson. I will be able to work with him/her and give you my honest thoughts about it all!

Request a FREE Interview/trial Lesson here.

How long are lessons? And how often?

Lessons are offered weekly in 30, 45, or 60 minute increments. Beginners will start with 30 minute lessons. After students have been playing for 1-3 years, I may recommend we move to 45 or even 60 minute lessons. Advanced students will need 60 minute lessons due to the demands of the repertoire and skills they will be studying.

How much does it cost?

Check out my Lesson Handbook for all the nitty gritty details about lessons

Do you teach adults?

Yes, absolutely! I love working with adult musicians! Whether you are just starting out on the flute or piano, or returning to your instrument after some time, I would love to work with you. Send me a message to schedule an interview/trial lesson!

Do you teach advanced piano?

No. My primary area of expertise is flute teaching and playing at all levels, beginner through advanced. My piano "niche" is in teaching beginner to intermediate piano lessons (to kids and adults), especially with young learners (ages 4-7). I love helping piano students develop a solid foundation in piano, including music theory, ear training, and sightreading. When the time is right, I will let you know when your student would benefit from a new piano teacher to take them through the advanced repertoire.

FAQ’s - need to add

What kind of instrument should I buy/rent:

What will my child learn?
What books are used?

How are lessons structured?

How much practice time is required?

I do not require students to practice a certain amount of time each day. Instead, I encourage students to focus on achieving goals or repeating trouble spots a prescribed number of times before moving on. However, good rule of thumb for number of minutes students might aim for is as follows:
Age 5-6 - 5-10 minutes daily
Age 7-9 - 15-30 minutes daily
Age 10+ - 30-60 minutes daily

I do HIGHLY recommend students plan to practice at least 5 days per week. Regular daily practice in small chunks is more effective than one longer "cram" session each week.

Do I need an instrument before starting lessons?

Yes, you do. This is one of the things I would talk to you about at our Interview/Trial lesson. If you do not have an instrument yet, I will give you all the info you need to purchase or rent an instrument so we can get started!.

Not seeing an answer to your question here?

Check out my Lesson Handbook for even more info. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to send me a message!