I don't have a piano yet but I'm interested in lessons. What should I do?
Great question! I actually have a page dedicated to where to find pianos. You will need a piano before you start lessons, but if you want to register, go ahead and fill out the form and just make a note that you don't have a piano yet. Also feel free to contact me for more ideas on where to find pianos.
I have an electric keyboard - does that work for practicing?
That depends. If you are starting out, a keyboard can be a great way to find out if you like piano without too much upfront expense. Also, they are a great start for beginners of all ages. However, at a certain point it is necessary to switch to acoustic pianos as you advance. But for beginning levels a keyboard is great. :)
I'm interested in Summer lessons but I will be going on vacation. What should I do?
I definitely understand wanting to go on vacation during the summer. There are so many fun places to go! Depending on how many weeks you will be gone, we can potentially figure out a way to do some make up lessons. Just contact me and we can see what we can do!
Why should I do Festival? Is it scary? Is there an age you have students start?
Great question! Festival is important for numerous reasons: (1) It gives you experience playing for a judge - this challenges musicians in a different way; (2) It gives you objective feedback - the judges are other teachers and college professors in the area; and (3) It gives students a goal to aim towards - pieces are supposed to be memorized and polished, and this gives them a goal to work towards with tangible rewards.
While there are nerves with every performance (even for professional musicians), many of my students have told me they enjoyed it! Festival is a very positive experience, and the judges are fellow teachers. All feedback is written and is not given at the time.
As long as they are taking private lessons, they are encouraged to start! There is no age limit for Festival - it even goes through Adult! The benefit about starting in the younger ages is that the more times they perform, the more the student has practice working with nerves; it is great to start practicing on the shorter pieces before the more complex ones. Plus... though this is not the reason we do Festival, but the more times you participate and earn points, the bigger your gold cup gets. :)
While there are nerves with every performance (even for professional musicians), many of my students have told me they enjoyed it! Festival is a very positive experience, and the judges are fellow teachers. All feedback is written and is not given at the time.
As long as they are taking private lessons, they are encouraged to start! There is no age limit for Festival - it even goes through Adult! The benefit about starting in the younger ages is that the more times they perform, the more the student has practice working with nerves; it is great to start practicing on the shorter pieces before the more complex ones. Plus... though this is not the reason we do Festival, but the more times you participate and earn points, the bigger your gold cup gets. :)
Should my child do group classes or private lessons?
It really depends on each individual child. This page covers this differences between the two styles.
Where can I get music?
First, I would highly recommend Dunkley Music - they have a fantastic selection and great prices as well as knowledgable staff.