Some must-have’s:

• 88 weighted keys
• At least one pedal
• Sturdy stand for the keyboard: Avoid ones where the stand forms an ‘X’ since these are very uncomfortable.
• A music stand attached to the piano
• A piano bench

Some other things to consider:

• If you do not want to budget for piano tuning twice a year, a digital piano is a much better option.  The Yamaha Clavinova series, plus Roland and Casio brands are excellent options for digital pianos.
• Invest in the best instrument you can afford so you have a positive playing experience.  You’re likely to avoid playing if you have a piano stand that doesn’t let your feet go under the keyboard, tinny or unpleasant sounds, trying to awkwardly prop music or a bench that makes sitting at the piano uncomfortable.
• You should expect to spend anywhere from $1000 -$2,500 for a new high-quality instrument (ah, inflation).   However, you may be able to find a better price on a used digital piano.  
• Feel free to send a link to the piano (acoustic or digital) you are looking to buy if you would like some guidance on whether it’s a good investment.

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.

Students and parents get regular updates on their progress and how we are working to reach their goals.

Keep in mind that 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.

Must have’s (outside of a piano):

• Tablet or laptop: A cell phone does not have a large enough screen for students to effectively see.
• Webcam, speaker and microphone: Most devices already include these.  You want to be able see, hear and communicate clearly during lessons.
• Internet connection:  Invest in the best internet connection you can afford.   Lessons are no fun for students when the connection is breaking up the whole time.

Tips to make your tech work effectively:

• Avoid streaming (i.e. Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, etc.) during lessons.  Prioritize your wifi connection for the person taking lessons.
• Age matters with technology.  Aim to have devices that are no more than a few years old.
• Always update your apps and software.  This helps keep your device running smoothly and safely.
• Make sure your device can sit or be propped easily and securely so your teacher can see you or your student playing.  Try to make it as easy as possible so it doesn’t become a chore before lessons.
• Test the wifi by the piano using this FREE tool.  If the wifi is not reaching the levels in your internet package, consider adding a wifi extender (plugs into the wall) or plugging the device directly into the wifi router.
• For your internet package, aim for a download/upload speed of at least 100 Mbps.
• Some devices come with quiet speakers.  If it is difficult to hear, a small, inexpensive Bluetooth or wired speaker can make all the difference.

Children can start as young as 4 years old with parental support.  But, some students are not ready to start lessons until they are 6 to 8 years old.

Children who already know “right” and “left”, numbers 1 – 10, and the alphabet may find it easier to progress at the beginning.  However, we will do plenty of review during lesson time for beginners.

Parents, the younger your child is, the more hands on support you will need to provide.  Both during lesson time and during week.  However, the goal is to build student independence right from the start.  We know you would rather be listening to your child playing piano than monitoring every moment.

Students and parents are encouraged to contact your teacher during the week with questions or concerns.  We want to solve these before they become big issues.

Much like school, stepping away from the 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 less lessons over June, July, and August. 

Studio families will find out summer lesson options each May.

Each activity has different difficulty levels.  Your teacher will encourage your child to challenge themselves with these first.  If they are successful at the more difficult levels, you will be contacted about switching to a more advanced class.

Another option may be occasional private lessons to work on a personal project such as composing a longer piece.

Each activity has different difficulty levels. Your teacher will encourage and guide your child to choose a level that best suits them.

Is practice happening during the week? If practice is not happening, your teacher will give you and your student ideas on how to get to the piano without it being a fight.

If you have worked with the teacher on the above steps and your student is still frustrated, there’s still hope! Your teacher can arrange for your child to try a class that better supports their learning pace.

In the Meet ‘n Greet, your piano teacher will get to know you and your student so she can recommend the best programming option.

If you need more review, each activity is designed for you to learn at your own pace while staying part of the group.  There are also supplemental videos that may be provided that would be fantastic review during the week.

Our studio programming is designed to be cyclical throughout the year.  This means that we will come back to the same concepts and skills in different ways.  If it didn’t click the first time, no worries!  You’ll come back to it later.

Regular communication will be incredibly important.  No question is silly.  Each concern is heard.  Your teacher will work with you to figure out the best approach and supports for you or your child.