Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do I need?
A piano or full-size keyboard (88 keys) with weighted keys and pedal is required! A good piano/keyboard will keep your student more engaged and allows us to practice proper technique. A metronome is highly recommended - this is a great one! A practice notebook and music will be provided at the first lesson. Students will be required to purchase additional music as needed.
Do I have to have a real piano, or is a keyboard ok?
Second to having a great teacher is a good instrument to play on! One of the main reasons I tout a good home piano is a desire I have for my piano students to be able to play with expression. True enjoyment on the piano comes from getting something “back” from your instrument. Here's a great article on how to choose a keyboard or piano for beginners, with a great sports analogy! I also like these books: The Piano Book: Buying and Owning a New or Used Piano and this guide for pricing.
What curriculum do you use?
My curriculum is primarily classically based; beginner and intermediate students use the Faber & Faber method books. These may be supplemented from time to time with classical, jazz, pop, folk or something of the student's choosing! I teach with excellence in mind while guiding students to become well-rounded musicians!
What can I expect in a lesson?
Each week your student will given an assignment to practice, along with a practice goal. During lessons we review the past assignment together and isolate challenges before moving on to the next pieces! We may focus on technique, practice strategies, or theory depending on individual needs. My goal is to help your student become a confident and independent music reader who can eventually play anything they want to!
Do you teach adults?
Yes! Whether you took lessons as a child and wish you never quit, or never played but always wanted to, or want to learn in order to support your child, I can help you reach your goals. Adult lessons are offered during the day at my home studio.
Are there other benefits to learning the piano?
Studying piano has also been shown to amazingly improve memory — particularly verbal memory — and build good habits like focus and perseverance, diligence and creativity. Children who had a few years of piano study under their belts could remember twenty percent more vocabulary words than their peers. Check this out: 15 Benefits of Learning Piano Backed By Science!
Do you have recitals?
Yes! Students will have a chance to hone their performance skills all year long at Performers Academy in preparation for an end-of-year recital held in the spring! Being a member of the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association), Texas Music Teachers Association, and local Mid-Cities chapter allows for my students to participate in additional festivals, recitals, and competitions if interested.