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Piano - probably the most popular instrument to learn. The versatility, ease of use and the simple progression of the instrument all contributes to its reputation as a music staple. Children as young as four can be introduced to the beauty of music through the piano since it is a very visual instrument and doesn’t initially require memorization of multilple fingerings. My approach to piano lessons is that each lesson should reflect what the student wants to learn. I myself am willing to try any method or approach in place of or in addition to the methods which I already employ. Most children find it easier to learn familiar songs right away, and focus on reading later. One of my students however came to me with the ability to play by ear and so the focus of her work is to go that route with music reading as supplementary. I do offer Royal Conservatory Exam Prep as an option, however I believe that the student decides when they are ready to do the exam. Technical exercises and theory are introduced at appropriate places as well as music theory for those who wish to learn the mechanics. I prefer activities, games, and fun exercises over workbooks. As a general rule I encourage students to pick out their own music. Music is a lifelong journey, and as such it should be fun and enriching rather than strict and uncompromising.
Below, I have compiled a list of FAQ’s that I most commonly receive:
1. How old must my child be before he/she starts lessons?
A: That depends. While some children have success beginning in their preschool years (age 3-4) others are better suited to beginning when they are in school full time. The child’s aptitude for learning new things as well as their attention span and enthusiasm are all contributing factors. Typically, girls can start earlier than boys, but this is not always true. The best thing to do is talk to your child and try a few lessons. See how things work out.
2. My child has no musical background - is this okay?
A: We all had to begin somewhere. Often a child with no music training whatsoever finds initial lessons easier than one with some training. This is because there are no habits to unlearn. In fact the majority of children beginning piano have little or no previous knowledge, and I myself enjoy working with beginners the most.
3. Am I (the parent) allowed to be present during the lesson?
A: By all means if parents want to be there and be involved, I encourage it. Younger children especially find it comforting to have a parent there, and the parent then knows what is being learned and can help with it at home. Beginner students are more successful with parental involvement. Older children or those who have been studying awhile will often prefer to have their parents leave the room during lessons and that is fine too.
4. I don’t really want to buy a piano right away in case my child doesn’t stick with lessons. Is a keyboard okay?
A: A keyboard works fine for the first years of lessons, and many parents find it a little easier on the pocketbook, and often the promise of a real piano is what motivates some students to progress. If you do want to buy a keyboard, make sure it has the full 88 keys, and that the keys are touch sensitive (that is, the harder they are pressed, the louder they sound). Weighted keys are also good, but may be harder to come by.
5. How do I buy a good piano? What is the cost going to be? What kind of maintenance can I expect? What do I look for in a piano? Is used okay?
A: I can assist with advice and tips on buying pianos, and as a generally rule am available to help out with selecting one, but please also read the helpful articles on my Resources page.
6. What should I bring to the first lesson?
A: A plain notebook (for writing in practice and reminders), excitement, and any previous sheet music that has been studied or that you wish to study.
7. Which lesson books should I buy?
A: I can teach any educational Piano Method (both child and adult). My recommendation for the youngest of beginners with no background is Piano Discoveries Off Staff Starter. For school aged (Grade 1 or higher) Piano Discoveries On Staff Starter or Alfred’s are the most popular. The books are fun and friendly to children. For adults, Alfred’s Adult course is more based in keyboard style playing and chords at the beginning, while it uses pieces from the children’s series for practice. Faber and Faber Adult Piano Adventures focuses more of a harmonic approach moving to keyboard chords later on. Music for Young Mozarts is fantastic for preschool children or those who would prefer a slower progression.
8. How much should practicing should be done?
A: Here is the real bone of contention between students and parents. I believe and have seen the first hand results that it is not some much how much practice time is spent, but the quality of time spent. A preschool or kindergarten child may only be able to put in 10 minutes at a time a few times a week. A good guideline for beginner students in Grade 1 and higher is about 30 mins a day four or five times a week. As a student progresses, additional time will be required. Of course, if your child is the type that practices for large amounts of time frequently, by all means do not discourage them. You know your child best. Practice should never be scheduled when there is a favourite TV show on or so late in the day that the child is too tired.
9. What should be the focus of practice time?
A: Well the answer there is that whatever gives the most difficulty should be practiced the most. I usually recommend warming up a little with technical work or finger exercises, and then plunging into the material that was assigned for practice. The end of every practice session should be to go back a play a favourite song or exercise previously learned - that way the ending is on a positive
note. As well, don’t discourage exploration. If that student says they are trying something out on their own, encourage it. Improvisation and enjoyment can both come as a result of “playtime” during practice.
10. I want my child to follow Royal Conservatory Requirements and take exams. What does this involve?
A: If RCM exams are your goal, then I would prefer to sit down and meet with you and your child and I can walk you through the requirements, books needed, marking system, and other details. This way I can answer any questions and so that both you and your child have a good idea of what to expect, as well as develop an outline to accomplish your goal.
That about sums up the FAQ’s as well as the introduction to the world of piano playing. I will update this section every so often, so check back. There are many more things I could write here, but the best way to find out is to come out and try!!!
If you have any other questions, feel free to refer to my Resources page, or Contact me in person.
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