Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps you have a few questions about lessons.  Read through the following, and maybe your answer will be there!

1.  How much are lessons?

           Lessons are charged as a semester rate, based on the going rate for lessons in this area which is approximately $20 - $25 per half hour.  There is a studio fee of $25 per year which covers incidentals such as assignment books and binders, incentives, music library, photocopies and recital.

2 .  Do you give discounts?

          Yes!  There is a discount for illness and snow that amounts to about 2 - 3 lessons per year. It is to your advantage to attend all lessons.   There is also a family discount when a family or even ONE student signs up for 60 mins or more.

3.  How long are lessons?

          Generally lessons are 30 mins for beginners up to Level 2.  45 mins for Level 2 to level 5 and 60 mins for Level 6 and up.  Beginners that are 10 years old or adults are required to take 45 min lessons.

4.  Do I need a piano?

          Yes, definitely you need a piano or a full sized (88 key) keyboard.  Good used ones are available on kijiji.  You would be wasting your money, to not have a keyboard or piano to work on daily.  It would be like asking for skating lessons and refusing to buy skates.

5.  How long before my child will be playing songs?

          Children learn songs right from day one.  However, fluent playing and reading abilities only come with dedicated daily practice, and after about 3 - 4 years of lessons, depending entirely on how much your child works at it and how much natural ability they have.  Think of it like learning to read words... it takes daily practice with lots of books to make a good reader and an interested reader.

6.  How much practice is required?

            Children start with 15 mins per day and work up to 30 mins in the first year or two, depending on their age.  Anyone that is 10 and up should manage 30 mins per day easily.  As they progress to higher levels, practicing should increase according to the length of their lesson time.  A 45 min lesson should require 45 mins of practice, daily.

7.  What is the best age to start lessons?

           This is totally dependent on your child.  Some start at age 5 quite easily and some should wait until they are 7 or 8 years old.  And anyone can start at any age (ie you are never too old to start lessons)  Good indications for starting lessons are if your child can sit for 15 mins and focus on an activity, has a good knowledge of their letters and numbers and is interested in learning to read.  Some children show a particular musical talent, for example the ability to sing in tune, or the ability to pick out little tunes on a piano.

I hope this has helped to answer your questions.  Feel free to give me a call to speak further about lessons.  Mary  613-347-3428

Gearing up for Lessons!

It's that time of year again to begin getting ready for lessons in September.  If you are looking to take lessons, give me a call and we can talk. 

613-347-3428

Congratulations!

Congratulations

to all my students on a great Recital!

Have a great summer and 

I'll see you in September!

For those who would like to sign up for lessons, 

I'm taking names now for the fall.

Just give me a call and we'll talk!

Do You need a Piano to start Piano lessons?

Sometimes I am asked this question.  And here is a great answer.  Yes, you do need a piano to start piano lessons.  Most wonder why.  So this video will answer that for you... in a very funny way.

Enjoy!

Do You need a Piano to Start Piano Lessons

This being said, your piano can be an 88 key keyboard... 

Before the days of Computers

there were music engravers.... this video is fascinating.

Music engraving on metal plates for printing

Music and the Whole Child

Came across this shared on my facebook feed and just feel it is a good read for parents considering piano lessons... or music lessons of any kind.

Music and the Whole Child

This goes along with my line of thinking when I teach.  Good article - not too long a read either.

Recital 2015

Mark this date on your calendars:

Our Recital this year is

June 12, 2015

7 pm

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Martintown, ON

Everyone Welcome!

Come out and help celebrate a year of learning

and music!