Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Schedule your free introductory session and we’ll connect! I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!
What age should my child begin taking lessons?
Generally speaking, 6 years old is the age most kids are ready for lessons. However, there are lots of factors that go into a child's overall readiness. Some might be ready for lessons before 6, some might not be ready yet when they are 6. I only teach children age 6 through high schoolers.
Do you teach adults?
Unfortunately, no. I only teach children age 6 through high school.
Where are you located and what days/times are available?
One minute east of Safeway on Highway 8 in Moscow, Idaho. (I do have a sweet old beagle, named Bailey!) Lessons are available Monday - Thursday from 11am - 6pm.
Will you teach lessons at my house?
Unfortunately, no. Each student learns differently, and it’s important that I’m able to adjust quickly in the moment with all materials and resources that I have collected with over 20 years of teaching. It is crucial that I am able to communicate concepts in a way that connects with a student, no matter the mode necessary. For example, if the student needs to learn the concept of 5th’s, there’s several ways of communicating the concept:
Tactile learning: Demonstrating black key, black key, then white key, white key (but with a couple exceptions so that gets tricky)
Aural learning: Hearing specific pieces they recognize hearing specific with 5th’s throughout (ie. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, etc.)
Visual learning: Reading a piece of music where only 5th’s are played throughout the piece
Can I teach all 3 during a lesson? Absolutely. But there are some days when an intense concept is just not going to work. Kids have bad and tired days, too! Perhaps that day, I realize that 5th’s will be too much for them, and instead we need to focus on something easier but still important for them to learn, like note values and what they look like on the staff.
Having to wait another week for the proper materials that will appropriately connect with the student will result in a slower learning process and possibly the need to correct an entire weeks worth of practice with incorrect information and/or form.
How often are lessons? Can I just do lessons every other week?
Lessons are one time per week at my home for 30 or 45 minutes, depending on the age and level of the student.
With the exception of busy teenagers, lessons must be held weekly. In my experience, if a student practices something incorrectly at home and that mistake cannot be remedied until 2 weeks later, that issue has already become solidified and very difficult to correct (practice makes permanent!). And, without new material, the student just gets bored! You as the parent are trying to get them to keep practicing, but after 7 days, they’re saying, "But I've already practiced everything!!" Weekly lessons are key for the sake of the student's success and enjoyment, for my sanity in correction, and for your sanity in enforcing consistent practice time.
How much is tuition?
Tuition is $34.50 per 30-minute lesson, $51.75 per 45-minute lesson. Tuition is paid annually or in automatic monthly installments which will be withdrawn on 1st of each month, prior to the month of lessons.
There is an annual $110 Enrollment Fee (paid in August or whenever lessons begin) which includes all binders, method books, technique books, repertoire books, and additional sheet music. This also includes all Christmas, Spring Recital, and Summer Camp events. For the actual breakdown of the costs, check out tuition.
How much practice time is required?
All students should practice a minimum of 5 days a week. Recommended practice times are:
Ages 5 - 7: Practice should be 5 - 15 minutes per day
Ages 8 - 9: Practice should be 15 - 30 minutes per day
Ages 10 - 11: Practice should be 30 minutes per day
Ages 12 & up: Practice should be 45 minutes per day
Outside of regular practice, students should be encouraged just to PLAY and have fun! Allowing them to be creative on their instrument creates a greater appreciation of the music and opens the door of beginning composition.
What options are there for missed lessons?
Because specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Options in place of a missed lesson include:
Lesson Time Transfer: A student's lesson time can be transferred to another person (ie. sibling, parent, etc.).
Group Classes: Along with fun music games and activities, students have the opportunity to perform for their peers and give encouraging feedback to one another.
Lesson Swap List: This optional resource enables you to swap a lesson with another student when a one-time conflict arises
There are no adjustments in tuition due to missed lessons.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! There are many performance opportunities, from small to medium-sized to big! (Students are not required to perform, however it is highly encouraged.)
Spring Concert: This performance is for the entire studio! Each year at the end of school, all the students have a ton of fun performing for all their family and friends!
Showcase: This performance is a seasonal, relaxed living-room style performance for a few students at a time and their families.
Group Classes: These classes are for students to perform for only their peers. This gives students the opportunity to learn from each other and give encouraging feedback to one another.
What kind of instrument is needed?
You will need a piano that is tuned with all keys in working order, or an 88-key keyboard that has weighted keys (it has the touch of a real piano). I am happy to meet with you to help you choose a piano or keyboard to buy. For more information, check out Buying an Acoustic or Digital Piano.
What kind of curriculum do you use?
Each student has an individualized curriculum and each lesson is tailored to each student. My expertise is in motivating students and making learning music fun. Every student is different, with different learning styles, different genre preferences, etc. and it's my job to use this information to better guide students through every element of music theory. Some students focus on classical music, others on movie soundtracks, others pop/rock music and others love the singer/songwriter style (and we work together to be able to sing and play at the same time!) etc. A wide variety of styles are used to capture the unique elements of each genre.