Studio FAQ's
What is the process for new students?
It’s As Easy As 1-2-3!
- Book a FREE virtual Meet ‘n Greet: You’ll meet me on Zoom, try a few piano activities, and learn about the program best suited for you or your child along with current scheduling options.
- Reserve your lesson spot: Once you submit your registration form and pay your initial invoice, your spot is reserved!
- Start creating music: Begin your ongoing online piano lessons and watch your skills and confidence grow!
Tuition is paid monthly, by semester or annually.
How much is tuition and what does it include?
Current tuition rates are listed on our Online Piano Lessons page.
- All fees, including tuition, are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
- All new families pay a one-time $25 registration fee.
- Tuition can be paid annually, by semester, or monthly.
Your tuition includes:
- All music, recordings, tutorial videos, and activity materials
- Studio-licensed music and programs used for lessons and recitals
- Original compositions created specifically for skill-building
- Between-lesson support and communications
- Professional development and curriculum planning
Starting lessons after our September start date? No worries! Tuition will be prorated for students who join later.
Want to learn a specific song outside our regular programming? (Like a favourite pop song or movie theme?) You’re welcome to purchase level-appropriate arrangements. We’ll help you find the right one!
Which curriculum do you use?
I use a flexible, personalized approach rather than following a single method book.
- Original compositions I’ve written specifically for skill-building
- Studio-licensed music from publishers like TopMusicSheets and more
- Music tailored to your interests and learning style
This flexible approach means you’re not locked into one book’s sequence. We adapt to what works best for YOU.
All curriculum materials are typically included in your tuition.
Do you need a piano at home before starting lessons?
Yes. Just like any other skill, playing piano regularly is what leads to progress. If you only play once a week, it will take much longer to master than if you spend a short time multiple days per week.
- Must-have’s:
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- 88 weighted keys
- At least one pedal
- Sturdy stand for the keyboard: Avoid ‘X’ stands – they’re very uncomfortable
- A music stand attached to the piano
- A piano bench
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- Things to consider:
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- If you don’t want to budget for piano tuning twice a year, a digital piano is a much better option.
- Yamaha Clavinova series, Roland and Casio brands are excellent digital piano brands.
- Invest in the best instrument you can afford so you have a positive playing experience.
- You should expect to spend anywhere from $1000 -$2,500 for a new high-quality instrument.
- You may be able to find a better price on a used digital piano. Test it first.
Most important: Does it sound good to YOU? If the sound is tinny or unpleasant, you’ll avoid playing. Trust your ears when making your decision.
How long does it take to learn the piano?
There are many factors and it also depends on what you consider “learn the piano”. Your specific goals change this answer.
Practice is encouraged. However, it’s about the quality, not time spent at the piano playing. Short, regular, focused practice leads to much higher progress than a long practice right before lesson time.
You’ll get regular updates on progress and how we are working to reach your goals.
Keep in mind: Progress is never in a straight line. Some things will come easily and you will fly through the activities. Other concepts or skills will just take time and it will feel like a plateau. This is completely normal and part of any learning journey.
What tech do I need for online piano lessons?
Online lessons can provide just as much (or more!) support than in-person lessons, especially when most of the tech comes from the teacher’s side!
- MUST-HAVES (besides a piano):
- Tablet or laptop (cell phones don’t have large enough screens)
- Webcam, speaker, and microphone (may be built into your device)
- Reliable internet connection (invest in the best you can afford)
- TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TECH WORK EFFECTIVELY:
- Avoid streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) during lessons
- Use devices no more than a few years old
- Always update your apps and software
- Position your device so I can see you or your student playing
- Test your WIFI by the piano using a free speed test tool
- Aim for download/upload speed of at least 100 Mbps
- Consider a wifi extender if needed
- Add a small Bluetooth speaker if your device speaker is too quiet
Should my child continue piano lessons during the summer?
Summer is a fantastic time for a relaxed family schedule. And, this can include piano lessons!
Much like school, stepping away from your piano for 2 months will mean a loss of progress.
Summer programming is offered each year that bridges the gap between a relaxed schedule and steady progress. Typically, this means fewer lessons over June, July, and August. Studio families will learn about summer options each April or May.
Will online piano lessons work for neurodivergent students?
Yes! I have specialized training in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, and other unique learning needs.
Online Lessons Offer Unique Advantages:
- Controlled environment reduces sensory overload
- Familiar home setting provides comfort
- Ability to focus on one thing at a time
- Clear structure with room for creativity
- Tools to minimize distractions
- Between-lesson support resources
We’ll determine the best approach during your Meet ‘n Greet. Regular, open communication ensures the right support for you or your child.
How does practice work?
Our goal is to create a “positivity loop”:
Having fun in lessons → Excitement to try it on your own during the week → Focused practice → Progress → More excitement to learn and explore → The loop continues!
Focused, short, regular practice is encouraged during the week because it leads to confidence and excitement for piano lessons.
You’ll receive resources to support exploring and playing piano during the week:
- Listening examples
- Backing tracks
- Videos
- Music to play
Is there an age limit for starting piano lessons?
TOO OLD? Never! If you’ve been thinking it would be great to learn piano, why wait? Today is a great day to start. I teach adults of all ages, including students in their 70s who are thriving as beginner learners.
TOO YOUNG? Children can start as young as 5 years old with parental support, but though many students are most ready in the 6-8 year range.
Children who already know “right” and “left,” numbers 1-10, and the alphabet may find it easier to progress at the beginning. However, we’ll do plenty of review during lesson time for beginners.
PARENT NOTE:
The younger your child is, the more hands-on support you’ll need to provide -both during lessons and during the week. However, the goal is to build student independence right from the start. We know you’d rather be listening to your child play piano than monitoring every moment!
Students and parents are encouraged to contact me during the week with questions or concerns. We want to solve these before they become big issues.
What People Are Saying
Ready To Create Music?
Book your FREE Meet ‘n Greet to see if our neurodivergent-friendly approach is the right fit for you or your family.