Frequently Asked Questions  
What ages do you teach? I teach from Kindergarten age to adult. Do I need to have a piano to start piano lessons? Of course, having a piano is the best scenario, but it can be cost prohibitive, especially for new students who aren't sure if they want to make a long-term commitment. Some parents opt to purchase an electronic keyboard that has full-sized keys to start with. If you choose this option, be aware that eventually your child will need a piano. When that transition becomes necessary depends on the age of the student, their natural ability and most importantly, how much he/she practices. Often a keyboard will work for the first 12-18 months. Do you give lessons through the summer? Yes. I found when students took a summer break, they ended up spending the first three month of the fall reviewing what they already learned. Even if you cannot attend every week in the summer, some is better than none. Learning an instrument, unfortunately, is NOT like riding a bike. Even a week without practice and you start to loose a little. This is true even more for beginners. What kind of music do you teach? I teach a traditional piano method that is based in classical music. However, I always give students and parents the option of learning additional music that they are interested in. If a student knows and likes the song, they will be more motivated to practice. I believe firmly that there is value in learning a variety of music. Classical music will give a student a strong technical and expressional base. Contemporary music will give a student a strong rhythm base. Jazz music encourages creativity and improvisational (playing "off the cuff") skills. I also offer song-writing skills to my intermediate students. Most music today is set chord structure that the performer improvises on. What music skills do you teach? I teach how to read music, write music (optional), techniques of piano playing such as scales and arpeggios, and music theory (how music is built). A student needs a comprehensive music program. Knowing how to read the notes and which key to play is not enough to develop a strong musician. All of the components work together to help achieve the same goal. Do you give a recital? Yes. I hold an annual recital in the late spring. Every student is included. Each student must learn a piece of music of their choice, master it and memorize it. However, each student is given the option of whether to play it from memory or from the sheet music at the recital. In addition, while every student is encouraged to play in the recital, it is not mandatory. I will say that I have had many students who told me they did not want to perform in the recital. but each one changed their mind once they mastered their piece. If fosters an amazing sense of pride and self-worth in children to own such a demonstration of their creativity. 
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