Health Guidelines
If I get sick, everyone misses their lesson. Please do not come into the building if you are feeling unwell or if someone in your household has or has been exposed to covid. Regardless of the type of illness, if a child is too sick for school, they are too sick for their lesson. Please choose an asynchronous lesson instead (see details below). Students and family members who come to the studio exhibiting cold, flu, or covid-like symptoms will be asked to wear a KN95, N96, or KF94 mask or to go home, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Practicing
I'll be very honest: no matter what your goals or reasons for taking lessons, you (or your child) will need to practice consistently -- ideally, daily. It may surprise you to learn that even professional musicians who love their instrument do not always enjoy practicing. Practicing is often hard work, and life gets busy. Still, it is impossible to obtain any of the positive outcomes of piano lessons without putting in consistent, quality practice time. So, how can we make it easier to get to the piano? Here are some suggestions:
1) Schedule practice time like any other appointment. At the beginning of the week, sit down with the family calendar and decide when you will practice. When can you practice 30 minutes (or more, if appropriate)? When can you practice 10 minutes? When can you squeeze in 5 minutes? Practicing is just like exercising; anything is better than nothing, and consistency over time yields better results than being a "weekend warrior." If daily practice isn't an option, remember that the most important days to practice are the day before and the day after your lesson.
2) Track your practice. Put colorful stickers on a calendar each day you practice, or join the 100 Day Practice Challenge! Tracking brings awareness, and putting that sticker on the calendar will feel so satisfying!
3) Think beyond the bench. Practice can include so much more than sitting on the bench for a certain amount of time. Listening to your pieces, using note reading apps, reading about the person who wrote your piece, watching YouTube videos of your piece, and playing music learning games are just a few examples of things that can count as "practice."
4) Switch things up. There are different types of practice sessions. Some days you'll work through every piece on your assignment; some days you'll play repertoire pieces; some days you'll focus in on one piece or even one particularly difficult section. Think about your goals for the whole week, then decide what you can do that day based on how much time and energy you have. In general, I try not to skip something two days in a row, so if you don't get to something today, make sure it moves to the top of tomorrow's list!
5) Use games effectively. A few years ago I gave all of my students physical "practice kits." These included dice, playing cards, Piano Tic Tac Toe, and various other games and activities to encourage creative practice. I'm happy to make digital versions of the games available to new students. These games are NOT a waste of time! They help students look at the music in a different way, which takes them off autopilot. Often the "game" version of playing the piece is more difficult than the "real" way, which is fantastic for the brain and body!
6) Keep a practice journal. This is particularly helpful for teen and adult students, but parents practicing with young children may find it useful as well! Every day, jot down three specific things:
7) Actively look for things that inspire you to practice. Go to live concerts. Listen to music on good speakers or headphones. Even watching YouTube videos can be inspiring! When I was growing up, recordings and concerts helped me understand how the piano could sound, and I wanted to learn to make that sound too! Listen to different genres and styles of music. Classical music is my passion, but I also know more 80's pop-song lyrics than almost anyone I know!
1) Schedule practice time like any other appointment. At the beginning of the week, sit down with the family calendar and decide when you will practice. When can you practice 30 minutes (or more, if appropriate)? When can you practice 10 minutes? When can you squeeze in 5 minutes? Practicing is just like exercising; anything is better than nothing, and consistency over time yields better results than being a "weekend warrior." If daily practice isn't an option, remember that the most important days to practice are the day before and the day after your lesson.
2) Track your practice. Put colorful stickers on a calendar each day you practice, or join the 100 Day Practice Challenge! Tracking brings awareness, and putting that sticker on the calendar will feel so satisfying!
3) Think beyond the bench. Practice can include so much more than sitting on the bench for a certain amount of time. Listening to your pieces, using note reading apps, reading about the person who wrote your piece, watching YouTube videos of your piece, and playing music learning games are just a few examples of things that can count as "practice."
4) Switch things up. There are different types of practice sessions. Some days you'll work through every piece on your assignment; some days you'll play repertoire pieces; some days you'll focus in on one piece or even one particularly difficult section. Think about your goals for the whole week, then decide what you can do that day based on how much time and energy you have. In general, I try not to skip something two days in a row, so if you don't get to something today, make sure it moves to the top of tomorrow's list!
5) Use games effectively. A few years ago I gave all of my students physical "practice kits." These included dice, playing cards, Piano Tic Tac Toe, and various other games and activities to encourage creative practice. I'm happy to make digital versions of the games available to new students. These games are NOT a waste of time! They help students look at the music in a different way, which takes them off autopilot. Often the "game" version of playing the piece is more difficult than the "real" way, which is fantastic for the brain and body!
6) Keep a practice journal. This is particularly helpful for teen and adult students, but parents practicing with young children may find it useful as well! Every day, jot down three specific things:
- One specific thing that went well in practice
- One specific thing to improve tomorrow
- One specific strategy to make that improvement
7) Actively look for things that inspire you to practice. Go to live concerts. Listen to music on good speakers or headphones. Even watching YouTube videos can be inspiring! When I was growing up, recordings and concerts helped me understand how the piano could sound, and I wanted to learn to make that sound too! Listen to different genres and styles of music. Classical music is my passion, but I also know more 80's pop-song lyrics than almost anyone I know!
Instrument
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Every student must have a piano in their home. Suzuki students are expected to have an acoustic piano whenever possible. For Individual and Group Instruction students, a high-quality digital piano is an acceptable alternative to an acoustic instrument. I myself use a Kawai digital piano in my own home; Kawai's CN, CA, and DG lines are excellent instruments. If you plan to purchase a digital piano, be sure it has 88 touch-sensitive, weighted keys and a functioning set of pedals (una corda and damper). Keyboards with fewer keys, no pedals, or those placed on an X-stand are not appropriate for piano study.
Acoustic instruments purchased from a reputable music store (such as Schmitt Music) will last a lifetime and beyond with proper care. If you choose to obtain a piano from another source (such as an auction or Craigslist), it is wise to pay a professional to look over the instrument first. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least twice a year (a few weeks after the air conditioning comes on in the spring/summer, and a few weeks after the heat comes on in fall/winter). See the Resources page for a list of qualified tuners and technicians. |
Helpful videos by Merriam Music:
Digital vs Acoustic Pianos - What Should You Buy How to Choose a Digital Piano for Beginners |
Supply List
In-Person Lessons: Please bring all of your current books each week, even if there wasn't an assignment in every book. Suzuki families may use whatever organizational and note-taking system they prefer. Everyone should use the restroom and wash hands before lessons. In the winter, wet shoes/boots should be left outside in the hallway. Cell phones and tablets must be silenced while you are in the studio. If you must make or take a call, please leave the studio to do so.
Online Lessons: Gather all your books, and be sure you have sharpened pencils with good erasers, colored pencils or highlighters, and note-taking materials nearby. Check the camera angle so I will be able to see both you and your hands on the keyboard. Typically, it works well if the camera is on the left or right side of the piano, as if I were sitting next to you in the lesson. I will hear the best possible sound if you use an external microphone like a Blue Snowball and you will hear the best sound if you use headphones or external speakers. Families, please do your best to minimize household noise during the lesson. If we are using Zoom, please be sure "original sound for musicians" is enabled AND turned on. Without this setting, I am often unable to hear the piano at all.
Home Practice: Please keep the following near your piano: sharpened pencils with good erasers; colored pencils, highlighters, or highlighting tape; a metronome (I prefer a basic models like this Seiko metronome or this MetroTimer app); a music dictionary such as Alfred's Essential Dictionary of Music; practice kit (dice, counters, games, etc.); and a small notebook if you're keeping a practice journal.
Online Lessons: Gather all your books, and be sure you have sharpened pencils with good erasers, colored pencils or highlighters, and note-taking materials nearby. Check the camera angle so I will be able to see both you and your hands on the keyboard. Typically, it works well if the camera is on the left or right side of the piano, as if I were sitting next to you in the lesson. I will hear the best possible sound if you use an external microphone like a Blue Snowball and you will hear the best sound if you use headphones or external speakers. Families, please do your best to minimize household noise during the lesson. If we are using Zoom, please be sure "original sound for musicians" is enabled AND turned on. Without this setting, I am often unable to hear the piano at all.
Home Practice: Please keep the following near your piano: sharpened pencils with good erasers; colored pencils, highlighters, or highlighting tape; a metronome (I prefer a basic models like this Seiko metronome or this MetroTimer app); a music dictionary such as Alfred's Essential Dictionary of Music; practice kit (dice, counters, games, etc.); and a small notebook if you're keeping a practice journal.
Student Absences
Because specific times are reserved for specific students and my teaching schedule is full, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Be assured your tuition pays for far more than the actual lesson time; I will use that time to plan for students' progress, research materials, reply to parent emails, etc. There are no refunds, discounts, or makeups given unless I am unable to teach the promised number of lessons. If you must miss a lesson, please let me know in advance and consider one of the following options:
Live Online Lessons: You are always welcome to have a live online lesson at your regularly-scheduled lesson time. I typically use Zoom for online lessons, though I may suggest we use Forte if Zoom's sound is unacceptable.
Asynchronous Video Lessons (aka Email Lessons): Prior to the lesson you will miss, email me audio or video of the student playing the week's assignment. Send pictures or scans of any assigned workbook pages, as well as any questions you have about the assignment. During your regular lesson time, I will provide written and/or video feedback and a new assignment. Please use Google Drive or YouTube to share videos with me, as the files will be too large for email.
Live Online Lessons: You are always welcome to have a live online lesson at your regularly-scheduled lesson time. I typically use Zoom for online lessons, though I may suggest we use Forte if Zoom's sound is unacceptable.
Asynchronous Video Lessons (aka Email Lessons): Prior to the lesson you will miss, email me audio or video of the student playing the week's assignment. Send pictures or scans of any assigned workbook pages, as well as any questions you have about the assignment. During your regular lesson time, I will provide written and/or video feedback and a new assignment. Please use Google Drive or YouTube to share videos with me, as the files will be too large for email.
Teacher Absences
I am committed to my students and will make every effort to be ready to teach at your lesson time. In cases of severe weather, illness, or family emergency, I reserve the right to teach online. Any lessons I miss that cannot be taught online will be rescheduled or refunded. If you decline the offer of an online lesson at your regularly scheduled lesson time, no further make up or refund will be offered.