We’ve compiled a list of answers to actual questions that we get asked everyday.
Don’t see your question? Drop us a message here.
Tuition & Equipment
How are payments made?
Invoices are automatically paid on the 1st of each month by the card on file only. This way, we can focus on making music together and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting or late fees!
Do you provide lesson books?
Yes, I will give you all the lesson books you need when you come for the first lesson so that you are ready to go and don’t need to search for anything!
What do I need to start piano lessons?
First of all, and most importantly, you must want to start piano lessons.
After that, you’ll need to have either an acoustic piano or a digital piano with 88 fully-weighted keys and a bench with sustain pedal. You’ll need your lesson books (which we provide) and a pencil. You’ll also need time in your schedule to devote to lessons and practicing.
How much do piano lessons cost?
Please contact us for tuition details.
What kind of piano do I need?
We highly recommend purchasing a quality digital or acoustic piano for your child to practice on at home*. Students progress much faster if they are able to play piano outside of lessons. (*Instruments are required for online lessons.)
Digital piano characteristics to look for:
- has all 88 keys (count them, don’t just assume :))
- has a sustain pedal (metal pedal preferred)
- has weighted keys (mimics the action of acoustic instrument and allows your child to play softly and loudly)
- comes with an instrument stand (please, please, PLEASE do not set it on the kitchen table!), a music stand (you don’t want a crick in your neck from straining to see your book!) and bench (no kitchen chairs!).
Anything less than the characteristics on this list amounts to a toy, not an instrument. Without them, your child will not be able to learn proper technique and ergonomics, and they will be uncomfortable during their practice.
Preferred brands: Roland, Yamaha, Casio, Kawai
Some families are reluctant to make a purchase before they are sure that their child will love lessons. We totally get that! The last thing you need is another hobby collecting dust! Check out the local music stores – most have appropriate instruments you can rent, often for around $50/month.
ABOUT LESSONS
Do I really need to do an Intro Lesson?
Yes. The Intro Lesson allows you to check out the studio, get your questions answered, and take a sample lesson, so you can see if this is the studio for you.
It also allows me to get to know you better so I can make design the right program for you, and make sure that you learn the music that interests you the most.
No matter your skill level, every new student takes an Intro Lesson.
What will I learn during the Intro Lesson?
If you’re a beginner, your first 30 minute Intro Lesson will cover all the basics you need to know before you start playing – like hand position, keyboard geography and beginning notation – and then you’ll play your first 4-6 songs… all in the first 15-20 minutes!
Then we’ll spend the other part of the lesson getting to know each other and talking about your goals.
If you’ve taken lessons before, come prepared to play a few of your favourite songs. This will help the teacher get a good picture of your current level. Your teacher will also ask you some questions about your previous lessons.
How much do I need to practice?
All the heavy lifting of practice is completed in the lesson. Students actually learn most or all of their songs during their lesson, where they have access to their teacher for help! This means that all they have to do during the week is review what they already know.
Lab practice is so effective, even kids who don’t have time to practice during the week make faster progress in this format than in traditional one-on-one lessons! So imagine what happens when kids practice at home too!
Ideally, home practice should take place at least 4-5 days each week. Beginners should spend 10-15 minutes playing through their songs. As they learn longer and more complicated songs, practice will begin to take longer, up to 30 minutes each day.
However, if students are unable to play at home, they are completely welcome to work on music during the lesson! We never shame students, and meet students where they are at, with encouragement and support.
What if I need to miss a piano lesson?
It’s best to choose a lesson day and time that you can consistently attend, but life happens – we get it!
Unlike most piano studios, we allow students to reschedule their lessons. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours’ notice are issued a “makeup credit” which can be used to join another class at your convenience.
How are lessons customized for me?
Every student is unique, with different goals, interests and motivation.
Everyone learns the basics from their lesson books, but you get to pick your supplemental music!
My child has never played piano before. Is that OK?
Absolutely! We’ll help your child get started, and work with them every step of the way.
How long are piano lessons?
All lessons are 55 minutes long, whether in the you are in the Accelerated Piano Lab or Elite Lessons.
Unlike most other studios that only give beginners 30 minute lessons, you’ll get almost twice the amount of time to learn! Think what you can accomplish compared to just 30 minutes!
When are lessons?
Monday closed
Tuesday 3:30-9:00pm
Wednesday 3:30-9:00pm
Thursday 3:30-9:00pm
Friday 3:30-6:30pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed