Please read these before contacting me.
Q: Must I own a piano to take lessons?
A: You must have access to a practice instrument. Daily practice is the cornerstone of progress. For organ, you will need to make arrangements with a church, or be willing to transfer your technique between piano and organ.
An electronic keyboard is actually an ideal way to get started in organ technique.
Q: Will an electronic keyboard be okay?
A: Many of my students have electric keyboards. I myself have a couple Yamaha portable grands and a Casio Privia (88 key). It's best to buy one with weighted, touch-sensitive keys. I also strongly recommend models
with at least 5 octaves (61 notes) and a jack for a sustain pedal attachment.
Q: How much do lessons cost?
A: $20.00 per half hour. Best deal in town! Payable monthly. (45 min. for $30 and an hour for $40 are also available.)
Q: When and where do you teach?
A: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Franklin. Tuesdays through Fridays at Eagles Nest Academy on Del Rio Pike in Franklin (near downtown).
Q: What if I don't like lessons?
A: You may stop at any time without penalty.
Q: How young should a child begin?
A: I recommend they have some socialization like kindergarten before starting a discipline.
Age 4 is the youngest I'll start a child. BTW, music can make your child smarter!
See PIANO LESSONS for interesting facts.
Q: Do you participate in Piano Teachers Guild?
A: Used to. See Why I don't participate in PTG for an explanation.
Q: Can I learn to play by ear?
A: Playing by ear is an aptitude. I can guide you if you possess the gift. But I can't give you the gift.
Q: Can you teach me jazz?
A: Sure, but it will be method-based with a solid theory foundation. Jazz is not free form--it's highly structured.
Q: Can I learn to play in a short time?
A: Absolutely not! Music is a language and playing an instrument is a physical skill. You wouldn't expect to be proficient in
German or ballet after just one year of study.
Q: What about learning organ--do I need a background in piano?
A: Definitely! Organ is a complex instrument requiring established keyboard skills. It's like
operating an audio control board while playing piano at the same time.
Q: What else do you teach?
A: I offer instruction in theory, ear training and composition as well as vocal coaching.
Q: What should I ask at my first meeting with you? Q: Do you teach adults? Visit me on:
A: Please see Parent Questions for a guide.
A: Yes, but in my experience, working adults often discover they can't find practice time. Studies show it's also harder to learn music if one hasn't had a foundation during childhood.
I ask prospective adult students to seriously weigh these two factors before beginning lessons. It may spare you disappointment down the road.
Q: If my question isn't answered here, is it okay to email or call you?
A: Sure--please do!
EMAIL
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