FAQ
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Table of Contents
How do lessons in the studio differ from those in the students' homes?Attending lessons in a professional studio environment means that the teacher and student are free from home distractions (TV's in the next room, door bells and after school friends, siblings, and pets). Students tend to take their music study a little more seriously when they are coming to a situation other than their own home, bringing their books and materials to the lessons each week. Also, students gain excitement about the music making process when they meet other people of all ages engaged in music learning. Many students come back year after year. Also, we can offer many group music learning opportunities and twice-yearly recitals that most in-home teachers cannot provide. Back to TopIs my teacher qualified?Yes. Having studied piano for many years, Kristin is an experienced professional with a love of teaching and ability to relate to the students. She is currently pursuing a music degree at Portland Bible College. She has spent years developing her skill on the piano and in vocal training - studying with many master teachers. Back to TopDo you offer discounts on music lessons if I put more than one child in?Yes, in a way. Although there is no discount for lesson time, the studio requires just one yearly registration fee per family (upon renewal). The registration fee for each "new" student, however, is $30.00 - covers the application process and much more. Back to TopCan I, the parent, sit in on the private or group lessons?We have an open door policy for private lessons. It is your choice when to sit in. Some students find it distracting and some work better with Mom or Dad in the room. After getting to know the student better, I will be able to give some advice on this. Feel free to ask questions on the progress of the class or lesson, but if the parents sit in every week it can be too distracting for the students. There are too many authority figures and they either lose class time looking for Mom & Dad's approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. Parents are encouraged to be available nearby. It is usually preferable for the child to attend the lesson alone. Some students may feel more or less comfortable with the parents present - every situation will be different. Please discuss your preferences with the teacher and student. Back to TopCan my two children have a music lesson together, or both myself and my child?At this time, no. However, if the student is rather young, I do ask that the parent sit nearby and be willing/ready to learn - so the parent can assist the student at home. Back to TopCan we take lessons every other week instead of every week?At first this might seem like a good idea, but we have tried this in the past and do not recommend it (if you miss a lesson, it would be an entire month before you saw your teacher again!). It is really important that the teacher checks your progress and corrects your technique and pieces every week. Also, attending weekly lessons will continue the learning momentum and generate mastering a skill more quickly - encouraging the student to continue, rather than to be discouraged with a lack of progress. Back to TopDo we need a real piano at home to practice on? Would renting be alright?Students should own and daily be practicing on
(either) a real, acoustic piano (or) a digital, touch-sensitive piano with
full-size keys (88-keys, same as a piano). Back to TopHow long will it take to learn to play the piano?That varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how
much practicing they do, and their age. Playing is a physical skill so it does
take repetition correctly to improve. Typically if you start piano in August or September,
by December you will be able to play a recognizable, fun Christmas carol. Most
students take a minimum of one year until they can fully know if the piano is
meant for them.
Note: Sometime
during the course of taking piano lessons, your child may say something
like, "I don’t want to practice," or "I’m too tired to go to piano lessons,"
or "I want to quit," etc. Especially for young students, be aware that
their interest will probably not be consistent, but to be successful you
will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to music
instruction. Let me know if this sounds familiar or if you need ideas.
:)
Back to TopWhat is the earliest age at which my child can begin lessons?It depends on the teacher's focus, studio options, and teaching methods. The studio is equipped for students of all ages, but I prefer to start students no earlier than 6 (girls) and 8 (boys). It is never too late to begin lessons. Some of my most devoted, enthusiastic, and skillful musicians are those who began later in life. Please discuss individual placement with your teacher. Students are developmentally ready at different ages. The studio may hold group classes for young students who wish to start, but who are not yet ready for private, focused instruction. Group lessons, here or at any other studio, can be a great option for students who would like to try their fingers at the piano! :) Back to TopDo you offer Suzuki piano?The studio doesn't offer Suzuki piano. Methods used most in Kristin's Piano Studio are Piano Adventures (FJH), Alfred's Premier Course, Bastien, Celebrate Piano, David Carr Glover, Janet Vogt & Leon Bates. Back to TopIs a half-hour long enough for a private lesson for beginners?Yes. In the beginning the half hour lesson gives the student a lot to practice at home. In a half hour they will get enough material to be able to learn well and develop proper technique. As they progress, at the advice of the teacher, you can go to a longer lesson time. Soon, the studio may go exclusively to 40 & 60 minute lessons. 30-minute lessons are increasingly not offered in studios nationwide. With the longer lesson, students will not feel rushed, teachers will be able to cover more material more thoroughly, there will be more opportunity for music games and activities to create more interest in the students, and parents can run errands nearby! Back to TopWill music theory be included in the lesson?Yes. Students learn how music is put together through music theory workbooks - correlating with their method lessons books. Students will focus on their individual goals at lessons, and can request that their teacher spends more time on music theory - to accomplish those goals. Back to TopHow much practice is required every week?The studio asks that you set aside time for music practice at least 5 days each week. For beginning students the teacher usually assigns repetitions instead of a time amount. For example, do this scale 2 times a day, this song 5 times a day, etc. Younger children find repetitions easier than a set time amount. Typically, a beginning student practices 15 - 30 minutes a day and the practicing goes much better if the parent supervises. Students 4 & 5 years old must be supervised daily as they practice... a great way is to make it "family piano practice time". Back to TopCan we start in the middle of the year?Yes... enrollment continues throughout the year. Back to TopWhat do students learn in a piano lesson? What is the interview like?At the beginning/intermediate level, in addition to the material in their piano lesson book which teaches them how to read music and play the songs, the teachers will cover the following: sight reading, ear-training, technique (scales, etc.), theory, composition, music history, hymn playing, reading from a chord chart (contemporary Christian style & popular/seasonal/fun) and more. The interview is very relaxed. It will give us a chance to meet each other. Transfer students (those with previous music education) will be asked to play a few pieces for me - this is not an audition, but rather a chance for me to hear your playing level and ability. Beginning students can look forward to having a short lesson in which they will learn fascinating facts about the piano (history, function, placement, and how to play the basics - you will go home ready to play a simple song or two). There is no charge for the interview/meeting. However, if a student "misses" the interview without notice, an opportunity to reschedule will not be offered. If two interviews are "cancelled" (with notice), students will not be accepted into the studio. Reliability, consistency, and professionalism are expected when taking private music lessons.Back to TopWhy do you charge a registration fee? Do you charge a materials deposit?The registration fee is designed to hold your
position and time in the studio, as well as to cover the extra paperwork and
preparation upon initially beginning lessons. This fee is non-refundable. Back to TopWhat local music stores do you recommend for instruments, books, and supplies? *(in progress)*Here is a listing of some of the music stores
and instrument dealers in our area: (none of the stores below are recommended in
the purchase of a piano) Back to TopWhat kind of incentive programs are in place in your studio?Students receive a piece of candy from the candy basket at the end of each lesson (if they have had a parent sign their completed practice chart - and the student has practiced a minimum of 5 days for the recommended time that week). They also have the opportunity to participate in the “Piano Points” program, in which they earn points by participating in or completing certain tasks related to music. With those “points”, they can "purchase" prizes in the studio quarterly. Back to TopWhat activities, functions, fundraisers, or events should I expect to happen through the studio during the year?
RECITALS - Studio Recitals are
held at Christmas time (usually the
second or third weekend in December,
before Christmas) & in the
spring (April or May or June). Please let me know
well in advance of any dates that will
not work for you during those months. Back to TopDo I have to purchase all the books I use? Do you stock music for me?
The studio
has
a lot of music in stock for purchasing
or borrowing. I will do my best to
fulfill any music book requests made by
the student as soon as possible. Back to TopWhat equipment should I have before I begin lessons?The student must own a metronome (available through the studio for pre-purchase at $20.00-$25.00) for practice at home and have a canvas bag (available for purchase in the studio for $6.00-$8.00) to carry music books and supplies to and from lessons. The bags are available in several different solid colors. Students who do not currently have either of these will be issued one and billed on the next month's invoice. Back to TopWhat if I want to learn only a specific part of music and what is your opinion on "Learn the Piano in No Time at All"?
It's
really best to learn an instrument while
learning music theory. It is best
to learn music theory, which is usually
most easily visualized on a piano, while
learning to identify musical concepts by
ear. It is best to learn about the
composers while studying and practicing
their pieces and compositions. Each will
support and work with the other. Back to TopWhy is having a teacher so important?A teacher can help the student advance more efficiently, help him in graded steps, objectively comment on how to improve his playing, encourage him over walls and barriers in learning, help avoid technique errors, and more. A good teacher is money well spent. Remember the saying: two heads are better than one! Back to TopDo I, as the parent, need to know anything about music? What are your expectations as to my involvement at home?
Parents do not need to have any musical
education background for the student to
succeed. Success depends entirely
on the student's level of commitment and
the family's involvement and support at
home. The parents and student
should set up a regular practice time to
be followed each day, free of
distraction. Please note, however,
that piano (any musical instrument)
study can be very lonely to the
student... it is best if the parents
observe the student's practice time as
often as possible (most students will
thrive on it!), but without being the
"teacher". Students who are young, who have difficulty reading
or show a lack of progress/devotion to
following the lesson assignments must
have a parent assisting them in practice
every day. You, the parents, will
learn along the way too! Back to TopDo you have special instructions regarding hands, fingernails, jewelry, etc?Absolutely. To avoid damage to the piano, please remove any bulky rings, bracelets, watches, or other jewelry and ornaments that may scratch or scrape against the keys or finish. Students should wash their hands before coming to the lesson (or upon entering the studio) to reduce the spread of germs. One more thing… fingernails must be kept very short (or the teacher may take out her “special” nail clippers). Back to TopWhat if I have questions or you have some news or studio updates to let me know about? How do you contact me with updated information and how do you prefer I contact you?You may put your ideas in the mailbox in the studio (how fun!). My primary means of communicating with students is by email. Please let me know if this is not an possible for you. If you wish to cancel or swap a lesson time or have an inquiry about your schedule or billing & invoices & tuition fees, have a question about lessons, the function of the studio, teaching methods, or have a problem you would like to address, please call me (Kristin) at 503-780-5986 or login to your account on the homepage of www.kristinspianostudio.com. Back to Top
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