piano lessons in ancaster

Are the lessons group or private?

Most lessons are private. For beginners, group lessons (2) are available.For the young beginner, a parent may sit in to help with remembering assignments.

 

What age do you teach?

4 years old to senior citizens

 

How long are the lessons?

Lessons range from approximately 20 minutes for 4-5 year olds, then 30 minutes,45, or 60 minutes depending on the individual's age and skill level.

 

Where do you teach?

In my home studio. Students will play on a 6' grand piano in a sound proof, comfortable, and work friendly atmosphere.

 

When do lessons start and finish for the year?

The regular year is from September until early/mid June. A summer term is available for interested students.

 

Can I start at any point during the year?

Yes, a student may start at any point. As the lessons are private and individually paced, start time does not matter. It is easier to get a lesson time, however, in September as time slots tend to fill up then.

 

How do you charge for the lessons?

The lessons are billed at the beginning of the year. 4 postdated cheques are requested at this time.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

Within the first term (approximately 9 weeks) a full refund is given, except for any lessons taken.

 

Do you make up missed lessons?

If 24 hours notice is given, a student may have 3 makeup lessons per year.

 

How do you select students?

The student(s) and parent(s) will come for an interview after the initial inquiries, whereupon placement and music books are determined.

 

What methods do you use?

As there are a multitude of piano method books available, it will depend on the student's age and level. As these are private lessons, method book selection is just the beginning. Lessons are tailored to the individual. Each student moves at a different pace, and it is the teacher's job to choose a method and work with it so that the student is enjoying the work, challenged, and always advancing.

 

What do you do about students experiencing lack of enthusiasm?

Unfortunately, in our fast paced world, everyone wants instant gratification. Too often people give up at the first sign of hard work. It is the teacher's job to forsee this frustration and try to 'change course' by introducing supplementary materials. For example, an obvious and welcome supplement is holiday themed music. Easing back into the 'task at hand' seems easier after such distractions. The key is to change the learning and not to stop it.

 

Do you teach Royal Conservatory or Conservatory Canada?

Yes. I am very familiar with the requirements of Royal Conservatory and Conservatory Canada and how to help a student successfully pass through any neccesary examinations along the way. I have prepared many students for exams from preliminary to ARCT over the years.

 

Do you only teach Royal Conservatory?

No, some students do not want to follow the formal requirements which lead to the Royal Conservatory Examinations. Therefore methods and repertoire are chosen to suit the individual and ensure musical growth and enjoyment without the stress of tests.

 

Do you teach theory?

Yes.   All levels of theory - rudiments,harmony and history. Sometimes these are group classes and sometimes they are private.

 

Is it too late to start lessons as an adult?

Absolutely not. As each lesson is individually paced, it is just a matter of finding the right pace and music to keep the mature student interested and advancing.

 

What type of instrument do you recommend for a student to start with?

An acoustic piano is always best. Keyboards are fine as long as they have 88 keys, for the novice, but ultimately it will not be sufficient as the touch is not that of any acoustic piano. Touch is a very important element of learning piano, and a student should have an instrument with which he can develop a good sense of touch. Most keyboards do not allow for this.

 

Is it necessary to purchase a new piano?

Pianos need not be purchased new. With a little research, an instrument could be purchased for a modest cost. Be sure to consult a piano tuner/technician to have the instrument looked at before the final sale. They will see things that an amateur will not.

 

Do you teach other instruments?

I teach only piano, but in the studio we offer woodwind lessons. The link to the woodwind studio is :

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