FAQ
Piano Lessons Ashburn (20147, 20148), Lansdowne (20176), River Creek (20176) and Leesburg (20175, 20176), VA
FAQ
Flute Lessons Ashburn (20147, 20148), Lansdowne (20176), River Creek (20176) and Leesburg (20175, 20176), VA
Do you offer a free trial lesson and interview before I commit to music lessons?
Piano teachers are in high demand. Currently, I have a studio of over sixty students and simply do not have the time to offer free lessons. I provide the same quality lesson that you would receive if you were a member of my studio. Your other option is to schedule one trial lesson and an interview with me. I charge $40 for a 30-minute trial lesson, $45 for a
45-minute trial lesson and $55 for a 60-minute lesson. The trial lesson is invaluable because it allows you or your child to experience my teaching style and see if the two of us are a good match. I also offer a 10 to 15 minute interview in which I gather information about you or your child's musical background. The interview is also an opportunity to ask questions about my teaching and musical background. Additionally, the interview provides an opportunity to clarify my studio policy.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
The prices listed on the tuition page are provided to give you an idea of what I charge. They are non-negotiable. They have already been significantly discounted. I do not offer additional discounts on top of what has already been provided. If you have at least three children taking lessons in thirty minute increments, you would pay the 90-minute rate. If you have two siblings taking two thirty-minute lessons, you would pay the hourly rate. If you have one sibling taking a 45-minute lesson and another sibling taking a 30-minute lessons, you would pay the 75-minute rate. Rates are based upon my expertise and skill in music and the amount of time you reserve with me.
My child is a beginner with no previous piano or flute experience. Do you offer a discount for beginners?
No. Actually, it is harder to teach beginners. I have consulted with many colleagues on this subject and we all agree that it is more challenging to teach a beginner. How do you get those tiny fingers to curve, to remember to count, to sight-read treble and bass clef and to develop a strong sense of rhythm?
Do you offer recitals? What is the benefit?
Yes. I offer one studio recital at the end of the year. I also participate in Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, National Federation of Music Clubs, Music Teachers National Association, Virginia Music Teachers Association, and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, which provide additional competitions, music festivals, recitals, performance exams, aural training exams and theory exams. Recitals are an excellent educational and motivational tool for piano and flute students. Performing at a lesson, in the privacy of your home or in a recording studio is not the same as performing in public. The student needs to get used to playing in front of an audience. Yes, it can and might make you nervous. The serious music student who participates in ongoing recitals eventually learns how to become competent and perform even when they are nervous.
What kind of instrument do I need to purchase for piano lessons and/or flute lessons?
You must have an acoustic piano or a digital piano with 88 keys (weighted and touch-sensitive) and three pedals. A digital piano is different from a keyboard. A keyboard may have 88 keys, but it is flat and comes in the shape of a piano keyboard. You must purchase a separate keyboard stand and a piano bench for a keyboard. A digital piano looks and feels like an acoustic piano. The majority of digital pianos have hammer-action which works and responds in the same way as an acoustic piano. You must have at least a student model flute for flute lessons.
Why do I need 88 weighted and touch-sensitive keys? Some keyboards have 66 keys. Will this suffice?
No. For beginner piano lessons, it is important to train the fingers properly from the start. A pianist's fingers are strengthened by playing and pushing down weighted keys. There must be some type of resistance so that the piano student can control the quality of sound. A pianist can not control the quality of sound or touch on a keyboard that is not weighted or touch-sensitive. Touch-sensitive keys also allow a pianist to control the dynamic level of the keys. There is a difference between playing piano (soft), pianissimo (very soft), forte (loud) mezzo forte (medium loud) and mezzo piano (medium soft).
Where can I purchase or rent a piano or digital piano?
The first thing to ask yourself is what you are looking to accomplish through piano lessons and how much you are willing to invest in the instrument. There are many stores that rent acoustic pianos and digital pianos. If you are interested in purchasing a high quality instrument, visit the Steinway Piano Gallery at Tyson's Corner in McLean, VA. Currently, they are offering specials on uprights and grand pianos. Please contact Helen Koo, Senior Representative at Steinway and Sons. You may also contact Lee's Pianos in Centreville, VA.
Where can I purchase or rent a flute?
I highly recommend renting a flute from Music and Arts Center in Sterling, VA for beginner flute lessons in Sterling or Ashburn. Music and Arts Center also has numerous locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Is there a materials cost for piano lessons and/or flute lessons?
No. My tuition rate now includes the cost for music books and one recital. This is a huge savings.
Should I take lessons once or twice per week?
It is advisable to take beginner piano lessons in Ashburn (20147, 20148), Ashburn Farm, Ashburn Village, Belmont Greene, Belmont Chase, Belmont Meadows, Belmont Ridge, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, Leesburg (20175, 20176), Potomac Falls (20165) and Great Falls, VA twice per week in the early stages of piano lessons in order to progress at a faster rate. The benefit is that the teacher can sit with the student during the second lesson, provide advice on practice techniques and monitor their technical advancement. Once the teacher is confident that the student can practice on their own, piano lessons will be provided once per week.
See a clip of "Jennifer." Jennifer started piano lessons in October 2009 when she was six years old. For six months, she took piano lessons twice per week for forty-five minutes. View a recent performance by Jennifer:
