Frequently Asked Questions

What is your music teaching method?
I am a firm believer in personalized teaching - that is, music lessons that are tailored to the individual's specific musical interests, goals and learning pace. While some students study seriously and in pursuit of a musical vocation, others learn the piano as a hobby or for pure enjoyment. No one student learns at the same speed or in the same way. Therefore, the teacher must adjust to the needs of the particular student, using different and sometimes new strategies to bring out the musicality in each pupil. My piano instruction is comprehensive and includes teaching the student to read music thoroughly in terms of musical notation, rhythm and dynamic and expressive markings. I believe in introducing the use of dynamics (soft/loud playing) from the very first lesson, as music should always be experienced by the student as a form of expression. Music theory and aural training is also covered in detail, and perfromance opportunities are available to students at all levels of learning.

How do I know if my child should receive piano lessons?
The student must have a genuine interest in learning music. Many parents wish their children to receive private music lessons for a certain number of years, as a part of their all-round education. This is recommended, as music lessons are known to improve memory, problem-solving and expressive skills in children. Also, learning the piano is an excellent basis for the study of singing, violin, flute, guitar and other musical instruments. Having said that, teaching an unwilling student whose interest clearly does not lie in music is a pointless exercise. Some children find sports, dance or drama pursuits more fitting to their personality. Some level of enjoyment by the student is crucial. If music learning is merely a chore to the child that is imposed by the parent, the unenthusiastic attitude that this produces will certainly hinder the child's progress.

How much should my child practice at home?
I will post guidelines for the minimum practicing required for each level shortly. Regular practice is absolutely essential. Just as one cannot properly learn a new language without the practice of speaking it, so too must a piano student revise what he/she has learned, and practice very often on the instrument for fluency. Not only will the student learn more rapidly, but it will increase their confidence on the instrument and therefore their enjoyment. It is a great opportunity and a gift to expose your child for a time to the wonderful art and discipline of music, and those that are meant to continue will need little persuasion.