FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do we have to have a piano at home?
A: No, a 61-key electronic keyboard is great. The 5 octave range of a 61-key keyboard is fine for the first 3-5 years of study. The children's curriculum carefully avoids any materials that would exceed the range of such a keyboard. 61-key keyboards are available at many "warehouse club" stores for between $100-$150. The technology with which these instruments are created is extremely advanced and serves the needs of beginner students quite well.
Q: Can students learn as well and progress as quickly in a group lesson rather than in more traditional private instruction?
A: In almost every instance, the answer is a very strong YES! Unless a student is either struggling to grasp the material or grasping the material incredibly quickly, group lessons are a great way to learn. While it's a bit counter-intuitive, students in fact learn better in a group setting for three main reasons:
Q: Why do group and duet lessons cost the same even though group lessons are longer?
A: It is our experience that students move through our piano curriculum at the same pace in a 30 minute duet class and a 60 minute group class.
In a group class, the 60 minute class time is generally broken down as follows:
In a 30 minute duet lesson, the class time is generally broken down as follows:
A: No, a 61-key electronic keyboard is great. The 5 octave range of a 61-key keyboard is fine for the first 3-5 years of study. The children's curriculum carefully avoids any materials that would exceed the range of such a keyboard. 61-key keyboards are available at many "warehouse club" stores for between $100-$150. The technology with which these instruments are created is extremely advanced and serves the needs of beginner students quite well.
Q: Can students learn as well and progress as quickly in a group lesson rather than in more traditional private instruction?
A: In almost every instance, the answer is a very strong YES! Unless a student is either struggling to grasp the material or grasping the material incredibly quickly, group lessons are a great way to learn. While it's a bit counter-intuitive, students in fact learn better in a group setting for three main reasons:
- In the group setting, students have to work very autonomously during the class. Working autonomously helps students to quickly develop their ability to practice independently while under the supervision and guidance of the teacher. It is also impossible for the teacher to "over help" or "over coach" a group student, whereas this can easily occur in a private lesson resulting in a piece being played properly, but not being understood.
- The music theory that is covered by the curriculum is more effectively presented via games. Theory games are more fun in the group setting, and most students respond really enthusiastically to them. (Please note: the games are always played as a whole class against the teacher or material, so in no instance is a student "beaten" by another student.)
- Students learn a tremendous amount by playing in ensembles. Private students can play duets with teachers, but since the teacher is experienced, the teacher can cover for a multitude of errors. Not so in a "student played" ensemble. The students learn very quickly how important it is to maintain a steady beat and to keep track of the music on the page they are playing. Ensembles really help to drive home the importance of repetition and practice.
Q: Why do group and duet lessons cost the same even though group lessons are longer?
A: It is our experience that students move through our piano curriculum at the same pace in a 30 minute duet class and a 60 minute group class.
In a group class, the 60 minute class time is generally broken down as follows:
- 10 minutes at the white board as the teacher provides instruction of core concepts in a question and answer format
- 30 minutes checking student progress individually (in a class of 6 that means about 5 minutes of individual attention per student)
- 10 minutes ensemble playing
- 10 minutes theory game wrap up
In a 30 minute duet lesson, the class time is generally broken down as follows:
- 10 minutes at the white board as the teacher provides instruction of core concepts in a question and answer format
- 10 minutes checking student progress individually (approximately 5 minutes individual attention per student)
- 5 minutes of duet playing
- 5 minutes of theory game wrap up
