can you tell me…….
HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
The initial consultation is free. The fee for a 40 min lesson is $50, 55 min lessons are $65. Lessons are held weekly and fees are charged in advance in series of ten.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
Yes, you need an instrument to practise on at home. A touch sensitive keyboard is adequate for a beginner but a digital, or better still, an acoustic piano is best. It will need regular tuning.
WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE OF INDIVIDUAL LESSONS?
Personalised tuition - you can learn at your own pace without feeling the pressure of comparing yourself with others. You can collaborate with me over the style of music you learn and develop a personal tuition plan that may include any of the following - pieces, technical work, sight-reading, aural training, music theory, ensemble playing, performance practice, exam preparation.
CAN I TRY OUT BEFORE COMMITTING TO LESSONS?
You are welcome to schedule an interview with me and arrange for a 5 week trial period to help you decide whether this is for you or not.
DO I HAVE TO DO EXAMS OR PLAY IN PUBLIC?
No you don’t have to. If you are interested in maybe doing an exam we discuss the pros and cons and make a joint decision whether it would be useful or not. There are opportunities to play to other students if you wish to develop your performance confidence but this is entirely optional.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING FROM A SPECIALIST?
Adults face different challenges when learning the piano compared to children. They are better at understanding new concepts but sometimes struggle with coordination. A teacher who works solely with adult students understands this and can tailor lessons accordingly.
Also there is the opportunity to meet other folk with the same interest and passion for the piano and inspire and support one another.
WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC ARE TAUGHT?
Mainly classical with a sprinkling of jazz and popular styles.
A wide variety of music is taught in the first two years of instruction to help establish basic technique, rhythm and notation skills. There-after the focus is largely on classical repertoire. Skills developed here are easily transferred to a range of other styles.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I PROGRESS?
That depends on how much practice you are able to put in between lessons, and what your natural facility is. It varies a lot. But you will come to enjoy the process of learning and playing as much as the end product. An important part of lessons is learning how to practise effectively and efficiently and make best use of whatever time you have available.
HOW MUCH PRACTICE WILL I HAVE TO DO?
I suggest that beginners aim for five 30 minute practices a week. You can break this up into shorter segments. Any less than 3 practices a week will impede progress. As you advance on the piano be prepared to put aside more time to practise if you want to continue to make good progress.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO MISS A LESSON?
It is fine to miss one lesson from every series of ten, and provided you are able to give 24 hours notice no fee will be charged. Any further lessons missed from that series will be forfeited.
I do try to accommodate occasional requests to reschedule a lesson but unfortunately cannot guarantee I will be able to make up missed lessons. Five weeks notice is required of termination of lessons.
I HAD LESSONS AS A KID - WILL THIS BE MORE OF THE SAME?
No. The music taught is different and tailored especially for adult students and you have some input in choosing pieces. Plus there are optional CD backing tracks available for some of the easier pieces to help you get the rhythm. The teacher-student relationship is more of an equal partnership. And I don't rap you over the knuckles with a ruler…..
The initial consultation is free. The fee for a 40 min lesson is $50, 55 min lessons are $65. Lessons are held weekly and fees are charged in advance in series of ten.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
Yes, you need an instrument to practise on at home. A touch sensitive keyboard is adequate for a beginner but a digital, or better still, an acoustic piano is best. It will need regular tuning.
WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE OF INDIVIDUAL LESSONS?
Personalised tuition - you can learn at your own pace without feeling the pressure of comparing yourself with others. You can collaborate with me over the style of music you learn and develop a personal tuition plan that may include any of the following - pieces, technical work, sight-reading, aural training, music theory, ensemble playing, performance practice, exam preparation.
CAN I TRY OUT BEFORE COMMITTING TO LESSONS?
You are welcome to schedule an interview with me and arrange for a 5 week trial period to help you decide whether this is for you or not.
DO I HAVE TO DO EXAMS OR PLAY IN PUBLIC?
No you don’t have to. If you are interested in maybe doing an exam we discuss the pros and cons and make a joint decision whether it would be useful or not. There are opportunities to play to other students if you wish to develop your performance confidence but this is entirely optional.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING FROM A SPECIALIST?
Adults face different challenges when learning the piano compared to children. They are better at understanding new concepts but sometimes struggle with coordination. A teacher who works solely with adult students understands this and can tailor lessons accordingly.
Also there is the opportunity to meet other folk with the same interest and passion for the piano and inspire and support one another.
WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC ARE TAUGHT?
Mainly classical with a sprinkling of jazz and popular styles.
A wide variety of music is taught in the first two years of instruction to help establish basic technique, rhythm and notation skills. There-after the focus is largely on classical repertoire. Skills developed here are easily transferred to a range of other styles.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I PROGRESS?
That depends on how much practice you are able to put in between lessons, and what your natural facility is. It varies a lot. But you will come to enjoy the process of learning and playing as much as the end product. An important part of lessons is learning how to practise effectively and efficiently and make best use of whatever time you have available.
HOW MUCH PRACTICE WILL I HAVE TO DO?
I suggest that beginners aim for five 30 minute practices a week. You can break this up into shorter segments. Any less than 3 practices a week will impede progress. As you advance on the piano be prepared to put aside more time to practise if you want to continue to make good progress.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO MISS A LESSON?
It is fine to miss one lesson from every series of ten, and provided you are able to give 24 hours notice no fee will be charged. Any further lessons missed from that series will be forfeited.
I do try to accommodate occasional requests to reschedule a lesson but unfortunately cannot guarantee I will be able to make up missed lessons. Five weeks notice is required of termination of lessons.
I HAD LESSONS AS A KID - WILL THIS BE MORE OF THE SAME?
No. The music taught is different and tailored especially for adult students and you have some input in choosing pieces. Plus there are optional CD backing tracks available for some of the easier pieces to help you get the rhythm. The teacher-student relationship is more of an equal partnership. And I don't rap you over the knuckles with a ruler…..
