Frequently Asked Questions
YES, you need to own some type of piano keyboard. You need some way to implement what you will be taught. If you do not and can not own a keyboard then I will teach you music theory. Piano lessons, on the other hand, require an instrument! This could be a smaller keyboard when you are first learning BUT my preference is a keyboard with weighted keys since you need the resistance to build up hand strength and these keyboards also allow for you to play loudly or softly without changing the volume level on the keyboard.
How quick and in depth do you want your child's experience to be? The majority of children flourish when parents take an active interest in their learning. The younger your child, the more involved you will need to be. Children under the age of 8 years old need someone sitting next to them when they practice. I use to place a keyboard on my kitchen counter so that I could make dinner while my child practiced by me. Even teenagers improve more when someone cares and compliments them on a regular basis. Mini performance requests by family members are wonderful for budding musician's confidence.
This is an interesting question. Everyone's definition of "learning the piano" is different. For some, they mean being able to sit down and play whatever they would like. For others it's simply understanding music theory, etc. A portion of the population might mean this to be the ability to write or compose their own music.
First, music is like math. You learn it in layers that build on each other. You don't expect a kindergartener to be able to do long division after just a year. Learning any instrument is the same. Knowledge and implementation builds over time.
Second, someone can read notes and know how to create sound but technique and artistry are different from simply learning to internalize the theory being taught. You can have two students at the same level of instruction but one has developed their technique and artistry such that their performance draws you in and the other student's performance leaves you feeling cold. Professionals talk about how they are still learning to play all the time.
Decide what you truly mean by stating, "playing the piano" and then I can try to answer your question. 🙂
No. I'm a laid-back teacher and promote a low stress environment. I do regularly test throughout the year and have guidelines for what I expect but I keep it low key and test in such a way that usually it isn't super obvious or stressful. When I do occasionally create a more stressed testing, I follow it up with prizes or treats so that the student has something positive to look forward to.
There are many teachers who are part of Federation Testing or other similar programs. I have chosen not to participate. If you are interested in adjudications, etc. then I am not a good fit as a teacher for you.
Yes! I try to have two a year. One is a more formal event and the other is very laid-back and it's usually outside. Performing for others is part of playing an instrument. Since this is stressful for most of us, I try hard to keep recitals fun and something to happily anticipate.
Yes! You need to implement what you've been learning. I request at least four or five days a week of practice. The time spent and the quality of that practice are very important. Music is like sports. There's muscle memory and eye hand coordination that needs to be developed. You won't improve if you aren't practicing. I understand that learning the habit of practice and learning how to be effective in how you practice is a skill. It takes time but I expect some improvement as maturity occurs. Eventually a child will learn how to self-motivate and be a self-starter but it takes time and family support.
No. Remove them if you already have them on as it creates an unnecessary handicap. I use colors and shapes to help your child learn to read notes more quickly and I wean them off of these pretty fast too. They don't need stickers. They need to understand keyboard geography. For another teacher's viewpoint on this topic please visit "Will piano key stickers help me learn to play piano? | Rebecca's Piano Keys (rebeccaspianokeys.com)