FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DO I NEED TO START LESSONS WITH MY CHILD?
1. A heart and spirit set on finding joy and growth through learning. This probably goes without saying, but it is important because it sets up your "Why", your reason for committing to practice and lessons. This same desire and commitment is what will carry you through the harder days of practice.
2. Open room in the schedule for setting up daily practice and lesson time. Unlike many activities children are involved in, music learning and growth mostly happens at home in the time you make for it.
3. Appropriate level of development in the child. Your child should be able to follow directions from you or another adult, and be able to concentrate on one activity for at least five minutes.
4. An appropriate instrument. It's important to have the best quality, and in some cases, the correct size instrument for your child. An acoustic piano or a high quality electric piano with weighted keys are necessary for success in Teach Ability Studio. You can ask your teacher for recommendations.
5. A great teacher! Every teacher brings their own personality and experiences to their teaching. It's a good idea to ask for an interview or introductory lesson, or even to observe the teacher with another student, before choosing to commit to lessons. Do you feel at ease with them? Do you think they are a good fit for you and your child? Ask any questions you may have about how lessons will work.
Interested in scheduling a Start Up Session with me? Sign up here. We'll schedule a time to meet, and I can tell you more about my teaching style.
HOW IS TUITION CHARGED?
Tuition is charged monthly or every 6 months, according to the plan you choose.
Payments are charged automatically and processed through Stripe.
As part of their regular studio participation, child students are placed in a monthly group class. On those weeks, your child attends the group class instead of having an individual lesson. In group classes we cover a broad range of topics including music theory, note reading, rhythm, music history, and composition using games and other activities. Group classes also offer an opportunity for low-stakes performances in a peer group.
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Adult students may be able to participate in occasional group jam sessions as a special addition to their 1-on-1 coaching lessons.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING GROUP CLASSES?
WHAT IS THE SUZUKI METHOD?
The Suzuki Method was developed by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. He observed how well children learn their native languages and worked to create a method for learning other subjects that imitates their natural learning habits. He found his mother-tongue technique applied well to learning music.
Children learn naturally and with great success when these factors are present:
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Music is present in their environment.
Listening to recordings of the pieces they are learning is essential to developing the language of music. Listening to a wide variety of music styles and genres is encouraged. -
Parents or adult Practice Partners are actively engaged in lessons and practice sessions at home.
While students grow in their ability to practice independently, the support of a Practice Partner ensures they will develop the skills and discipline they need to be successful. -
"Speak" first. Read second.
Children learn to play with good technique and musicality through rote teaching and listening. Once they have had time to develop basic skills at the piano, note reading is introduced. The time to note reading will change depending on the child's age. However, ALL Teach Ability Studio students learn to read music at some point during the first book.
WHAT SHOULD ADULT STUDENTS EXPECT?
Adult students can move at their own pace. The lesson book and online resources provide plenty of guidance to allow you to learn at home.
Sign up for a weekly 1-on-1 coaching lesson to get feedback on what you are working on as well as further challenges to improve your playing, note reading, and chording skills.
Work with your teacher to learn your favorite pieces.
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From time to time I may offer adult group classes or jam sessions where we can play together.