Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to practice?
Practice is measured in results, not in minutes. Students need regular practice (at least 5 days each week). Part of my job is teaching students how to identify and fix problems when they practice. Voice students can practice with their recorded lesson. Piano students can expect to practice 20 to 40 minutes per day. It is best to devise a regular practice schedule and consider practicing in 2 shorter sessions rather than one long session per day.
Can I bring music that I already have at home?
Yes - I often use music that students already own, as long as it is pedagogically sound. I also get discounts on music that I purchase and pass the savings on to my clients.
Do I have to perform in recitals?
No - However, I encourage all school-aged students to perform twice a year. It is of great benefit to work toward a performance, share music with family and friends and to learn to deal with nerves that come from performing for others. In special cases, I will allow students to study music without performing.
Am I too old to take voice or piano lessons?
No one is too old to learn music. Adults often have high expectations of progress and less time to practice than younger students. However, with a little patience and time adults benefit from learning something new and creating their own music.
Can I take piano lessons on an electric keyboard?
Yes and no. Electric keyboards may look like pianos, but they are not the same instrument. Even the fanciest keyboards don't feel or sound the same as an actual piano. Many students choose to begin lessons on a keyboard and purchase a piano after a year of piano study. Just be sure that your keyboard has all 88 keys and is touch sensitive (you can change the volume of a key by playing it heavier or lighter).
How often do I need to tune my piano?
Pianos need to be tuned regularly in order to maintain pitch. If you neglect your piano for too long, it won't stay in tune when you get it tuned. The most important thing is to regulate humidity in the area by your piano: avoid putting it by a door, a heat source or an outside wall. It will stay in tune longer. If you do this, you can probably go a year before you need to tune it again.
Why do pianists need short fingernails?
Pianists need to curve their fingers when they play. If fingernails are too long, the fingernails touch the keys and make a clicking sound. Pianists who play flat-fingered cannot play scales well, cannot play fast and run the risk of injuring the tendons and muscles in their wrists and arms.
Can I take voice lessons before the age of 10?
I usually don't start voice students younger than age 10 because young children have limited reading ability, attention span and physical development (especially breathing and abdominal muscles). I suggest young students sing in a choir at church or school or in the community until they get older. Also, it is a great benefit for singers to be able to read music, so piano lessons would be a way to begin music study.
Can I take voice lessons if I'm "tone deaf"?
I have yet to meet someone who is truly "tone deaf". I have had students begin vocal study with major pitch issues. These issues can be improved and resolved through exercises and practice. If you want to get better, it is possible!
Practice is measured in results, not in minutes. Students need regular practice (at least 5 days each week). Part of my job is teaching students how to identify and fix problems when they practice. Voice students can practice with their recorded lesson. Piano students can expect to practice 20 to 40 minutes per day. It is best to devise a regular practice schedule and consider practicing in 2 shorter sessions rather than one long session per day.
Can I bring music that I already have at home?
Yes - I often use music that students already own, as long as it is pedagogically sound. I also get discounts on music that I purchase and pass the savings on to my clients.
Do I have to perform in recitals?
No - However, I encourage all school-aged students to perform twice a year. It is of great benefit to work toward a performance, share music with family and friends and to learn to deal with nerves that come from performing for others. In special cases, I will allow students to study music without performing.
Am I too old to take voice or piano lessons?
No one is too old to learn music. Adults often have high expectations of progress and less time to practice than younger students. However, with a little patience and time adults benefit from learning something new and creating their own music.
Can I take piano lessons on an electric keyboard?
Yes and no. Electric keyboards may look like pianos, but they are not the same instrument. Even the fanciest keyboards don't feel or sound the same as an actual piano. Many students choose to begin lessons on a keyboard and purchase a piano after a year of piano study. Just be sure that your keyboard has all 88 keys and is touch sensitive (you can change the volume of a key by playing it heavier or lighter).
How often do I need to tune my piano?
Pianos need to be tuned regularly in order to maintain pitch. If you neglect your piano for too long, it won't stay in tune when you get it tuned. The most important thing is to regulate humidity in the area by your piano: avoid putting it by a door, a heat source or an outside wall. It will stay in tune longer. If you do this, you can probably go a year before you need to tune it again.
Why do pianists need short fingernails?
Pianists need to curve their fingers when they play. If fingernails are too long, the fingernails touch the keys and make a clicking sound. Pianists who play flat-fingered cannot play scales well, cannot play fast and run the risk of injuring the tendons and muscles in their wrists and arms.
Can I take voice lessons before the age of 10?
I usually don't start voice students younger than age 10 because young children have limited reading ability, attention span and physical development (especially breathing and abdominal muscles). I suggest young students sing in a choir at church or school or in the community until they get older. Also, it is a great benefit for singers to be able to read music, so piano lessons would be a way to begin music study.
Can I take voice lessons if I'm "tone deaf"?
I have yet to meet someone who is truly "tone deaf". I have had students begin vocal study with major pitch issues. These issues can be improved and resolved through exercises and practice. If you want to get better, it is possible!