The short answer is Yes! Before you begin lessons you will need to consider buying a piano if you do not already have one. An acoustic piano, digital piano or even a keyboard is necessary for students to be able to play at home. If you choose a keyboard remember that it should be considered a temporary measure (no more than 12 months). When choosing a piano look for one that is full size (88 keys), has weighted keys and is touch sensitive. The instrument does not have to be overly expensive or even new.
Do I need to worry about buying books?
You do not need to worry about buying books however the cost of books will appear on your account. This way students will always have the books or music they need when they need it and provides one less worry for parents. Green Point Piano studio also has a lending library which students may use for supplemental pieces so there is always plenty of music to play.
Do students need to do exams?
Absolutely not! But they certainly can if they want to. The main focus at Green Point Piano Studio is for students to enjoy their musical journey and at the end of it be able to play the music that they want to play. I do direct students to take exams when I feel they are ready and they are keen to set themselves a goal. When ready my students are prepared for the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) exams.
Is the piano a good instrument for children to learn?
I have often been asked by parents what instrument is best for a child to start with. Whilst I would not like to be biased (but after all I am a piano teacher) I would have to say that if your child shows no particular preference for an instrument then I would recommend that they try the piano first.
One of the advantages of learning to play the piano first is that a student must learn to read two lines of music simultaneously in order to play this instrument. It is then easier for students to transfer to other instruments where only one line of music is required to play the instrument.
Another advantage is that the piano is suitable for very young students which cannot be said for all instruments. A young student can find the keyboard an exciting place to begin with as they need only push down on a single key to make a sound. Students can also sing along with the piano and this is something that most very young students love to do.
However if your child has an absolute passion or keeps insisting that they want to learn the violin, flute, drums or any other instrument then please do not make them take piano lessons first. It is important to keep their passion alive and to take advantage of it when they feel it the most, otherwise they may lose any passion for music while going to lessons they really do not want to be at.
What are The benefits of learning piano?
Learning to play any musical instrument is a wonderful thing but did you know that there are also many additional benefits gained from music lessons such as:
- developing brain areas involved in language and reasoning;
- developing concentration and memory;
- the acquisition of time management skills;
- children learn to accept advice and constructive criticism;
- music provides children with a means of self-expression;
- music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and helps to build their self confidence; and
- playing the piano is an excellent way to strengthen eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.
These are just some of the benefits that children gain from music lessons.
Music lessons whether taken for a short time or for many years will be a gift that stays with them for the rest of their lives.
Why should i pay for missed lessons?
There are a number of reasons why a professional teacher will charge for missed lessons but one of the main reasons is to ensure that students turn up on a regular basis which is important if they are to progress.
Professional music teachers, like everyone else in the community, need to earn a living. They need to be able to rely on a regular income so that they can stay in the business of teaching.
You are not paying for a piano lesson you are paying for a reserved time in a Studio.
Teachers who charge in advance will have lessons well planned in advance so that no lesson time is ever wasted. Professional teachers do not just work during the time you attend a lesson, they are thinking of you throughout the week and know where you are heading as the year progresses.
The overall cost of learning to play any musical instrument should be considered in terms of years and not just a lesson or two.
What is Music lab?
Music Lab is an independent lesson time that allows a student to drill and follow up with what they are learning in their private lesson such as note names, intervals, sight reading and rhythm. In addition students can learn theory, practice ear training and work on their musical creativity. Each lesson is planned and structured just like their private lesson but students do their lesson independently with the computer, ipads, digital piano or good old fashioned pen and paper. Assistance is available if needed.
what are The Benefits of music lab?
By adding a music lab lesson to a private lesson students can learn and build their musical knowledge and abilities faster compared with a traditional private lesson.
With theory, ear training and sight reading etc being covered in music lab, private lesson time can be fully devoted to playing pieces and working on technique.
There are creativity activities to engage students whether beginner or advanced and this can be very motivational for students.
As students learn to work independently their confidence in their abilities grows and this will benefit other areas of their lives.
The big benefit to parents is that a private lesson with music lab (a full 60 minute lesson) is a more affordable way to learn! As students advance they will stay with a 30 minute private lesson time for many more years than they would with traditional lessons.
what does a free introductory lesson cover?
A free introductory lesson is a great way to meet each other. There is no charge and no obligation for you to book in. You can see where I teach and all the equipment my students get to use in private lessons and music lab. You can let me know your goals and I can answer any questions you may have about piano lessons in general. Afterwards students can enjoy a mini lesson with me. The introductory lesson goes for 30 minutes.
how long do lessons go for?
Students just beginning to learn the piano will have a 30 minute private lesson once a week. As students progress the length of the lesson may increase in relation to their commitment and their advancing level of playing.
If beneficial for the student it will be suggested that they also enroll for music lab which is an additional 30 minutes of independent learning. Music Lab can replace the need for a longer private lesson time.
A 45 minute lesson may be more appropriate after several years of learning or for students with special needs. It is also preferable for any student preparing for exams unless that student is enrolled in music lab.
The main thing is to spend as much time with your teacher each week as is needed to ensure that you have enough to go on with at home and that you understand what you are working on at home until your next lesson.
How is my child going?
It may seem at times that children are not progressing and sometimes this has parents wondering if they are losing interest. In reality they are merely taking time to process all of the information they have been taught to date or perhaps they are just having a little trouble with a new concept. There will be times when students progress rapidly and then seem to slow down. You will notice this when you start to hear them playing the same piece for several weeks. However you will find that if they stick with it they will start to progress more quickly again.
It is not an easy thing to learn to play a musical instrument but every student has the capacity to do so in their own time. There are many concepts involved in playing just a simple piece of music. Please remember that every child learns at a different pace and they should not be compared to anyone else.