- Students learn not just piano skills, but also some history and theory behind the music that they are playing
- Students learn to be strong music readers as well as using listening skills, so they can become more independent musicians moving forward into the future
- Students are introduced to new styles of music, as well as finding their favorite songs to incorporate into their music education
- I make use of technology to provide additional learning opportunities, such as music notereading apps, online learning aids, and online lessons via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype.
Virtual or in-person lessons
- For people who live outside of the Bay Area.
- Easier to fit lessons into a busy schedule, because you can have lessons from home and at odd times.
- Great option for makeup lessons or if you are not feeling well.
- Saves on gas, no driving involved!
If you have not tried virtual lessons before, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised how well it might work out for you.
How do I get started?
New students may enroll at any time during the year, and monthly tuition will be prorated to reflect the number of lessons the student will receive in that first month of lessons.
- For young children, enrollment will be considered after a FREE personal mini-lesson with the student to assess the child’s readiness for piano lessons, and meeting with the parents to chat about piano lesson expectations.
- For adults, it's never too late to start! Try a FREE introductory lesson and see what it's all about.
All students need an instrument at home for daily practice.
- For piano, either an acoustic piano or a digital piano (preferably not a keyboard).
- For harp, either a lever harp or pedal harp is suitable.
A digital piano is acceptable if it meets the following requirements:
- 88 keys (77 keys minimum)
- Touch sensitive
- Weighted keys
- Sustain/damper pedal
- Bench of an appropriate height
- Either self-contained or on a keyboard stand (not a table or desk)
If you want help purchasing or renting an appropriate digital piano or harp, I will be glad to provide links to a variety of suitable options.
Students in kindergarten and above may enroll in piano lessons, depending on their readiness. We can assess whether a young child is ready during our first meeting.
I always encourage quality practice over quantity, and practice instructions will be given in each lesson to help each student make the smartest use of their practice time. I definitely don't recommend trying to cram a week's worth of practice the day before the lesson; this is usually frustrating and discouraging for the student.
These general time recommendations will help students achieve more consistent progress. You should plan on practicing at least 5 days a week.
- 5-7 years old: 15-25 minutes
- 8-10 years old: 25-35 minutes
- 11-14 years old: 35-45 minutes
- 15 and older: 45-60 minutes
Private lessons are held one-on-one, once per week.
If you have circumstances that make a weekly lesson difficult (either because of scheduling or finances), we can discuss a-la-carte lesson options.
Lessons can be 20-minute (for very young children), 30-minute, 45-minute, or 1 hour lengths. Lesson length depends on age, attention span, and level. I can help you decide which is best.
- 20-minute lesson: $35
- 30-minute lesson: $45
- 45-minute lesson: $65
- 60-minute lesson: $85