...starting with the #1 most important question of all:
Q: Should my child want to learn piano or can I make him/her take lessons and hope the interest will grow?
A: A child who is forced to take piano (or any instrument) will likely not practice on his own.
Unless you have discussed lessons with your child and he/she is excited about the idea, it's probably best to let them develop their own interests.
Q: Must I own a piano to take keyboard lessons?
A: You must have access to a practice instrument. Just as in learning a foreign language, repetition is the key to learning in music.
Our weekly lesson is your opportunity to demonstrate the work done at home. Lesson time is NOT practice time!
Without a commitment to practice, progress and enjoyment will elude you.
Q: Will an electronic keyboard be okay for learning piano?
A: Many of my students have electric keyboards. It's best to buy one with weighted, touch-sensitive keys, like this 88-key Casio Privia played by Benya (at right). I also strongly recommend models
with at least 5 octaves (61 notes) and a jack for a sustain pedal attachment. Check here for my keyboard shopping tips.
Q: How much do lessons cost?
A: Single student rate is $28.00 per half hour ($31 at Safety Harbor Parks), payable monthly in advance. See my Rates page for full information and payment options.
Q: When and where do you teach?
A: Seven days a week online. In your home in a limited area around Clearwater. Fridays and Sundays at the Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center. Call me for openings.
Q: How often do I have to practice?
A: Regular practice is the cornerstone of progress. Beginners should practice their assigned lesson material 5 days a week, 15 minutes per session. By the time the student reaches Level 1 of the Faber method,
he/she should allot 30 minutes a day. For best results, each piece needs to be repeated several times daily.
Q: How young should a child begin?
A: I recommend they have some socialization like preschool or kindergarten before starting lessons. The child should have some concept of the student-teacher relationship, and that they will be asked to practice during the week.
Age 4 is the youngest I start children in piano, using a fun pre-reading method. If your child is a prodigy, like Helen at age 3 (shown at left), I'll make an exception.
Q: Do you take transfer students?
A: Yes, but from experience, most transfers need to back up a level or two for review and to fill in any gaps in their education.
Q: What if I don't like lessons or can't get my child to practice?
A: There are no contracts. You may stop at any time, but proper notice (2 weeks) is requested so I may fill your spot. If you quit mid-month, there will be no refund of tuition paid for the month, so it makes sense to finish out the remainder of the month.
Q: How do I know you are a safe person to leave my child with?
A: Firstly, parents are more than welcome to sit in during lessons, just like Maddie shown here with her mom. Secondly, as a parent of two kids, I am very conscientious about protecting your child's well-being and maintaining appropriate space...although I won't say no to a hug!
In Tennessee, my background checks are on file with the TBI, performed for the Franklin Special School District, and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, performed for employment with Parks & Recreation. In Florida, I passed background checks for employment with the City of Safety Harbor (2023).
Q: Do you participate in Piano Teachers Guild "auditions"?
A: No, I'm not involved in any juried or competitive events.
Q: Can I learn to play by ear?
A: Playing by ear is an aptitude. I can guide you if you possess the gift, but I can't give you the gift.
Q: Can you teach me jazz?
A: Yes, but it will be method-based with a solid theory foundation. Jazz is not free form; it is highly structured.
Q: Can I learn to play in a short time?
A: Absolutely not! Music is a language and playing an instrument is a physical skill. You wouldn't expect to be proficient in
German or ballet after just one year of study, would you?
Q: Do you teach adults?
A: Yes, such as Hiroko shown at left. However, working adults often discover they can't find practice time. Studies show it's also harder to learn music if one hasn't had a foundation during childhood.
I ask prospective adult students to seriously weigh these two factors before beginning lessons. It may spare you disappointment down the road.
Q: If my question isn't answered here, is it okay to email or call you?
A: Sure--please do!
EMAIL
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