Frequently Asked Questions
How much do piano lessons cost?
Individual half-hour lessons are $37.50, and are invoiced per school term, payable by the end of the first week of the term. Longer lessons are recommended for more advanced students.
What happens if my child can't attend the lesson?
Tuition fees secure an exclusive lesson time slot in my schedule each week. Should a student not attend, for any reason, please appreciate that reselling the time slot to another client is very unlikely. Furthermore, finding a suitable time to give a make-up lesson means forgoing time that I have set aside for other activities, usually family time.
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice shall be charged. However, students suffering from colds or other infectious illnesses should not attend their lesson. With regard to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, I will use my discretion when you contact me about needing to cancel a lesson.
How old should children be when they start piano lesson?
It's never too young to start to learn piano provided the child is keen. Initially, the approach is aural and imitative. Progress may not be so rapid with very young children. Children can more easily learn to read music from about age 7.
Do we need to have an acoustic piano at home?
Ideally, yes, but many students begin on digital keyboard piano and can progress well. Digital pianos must be touch-sensitive with 88 weighted keys, and be of a reputable brand.
Should my child do exams?
Working towards examinations can be very motivating for some students. If this is the case they are encouraged to sit for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) qualifications as they progress. See below for more information.
What is the Taubman Approach?
The Taubman Approach is a study of the biomechanics of piano playing necessary to move efficiently at the instrument. It enables pianists to play faster, stronger, softer, easier, and more expressively, without the risk of injuries that have afflicted an alarming percentage of pianists. Unfortunately, some commonly accepted concepts still used in traditional piano pedagogy are far from ideal for playing. However, many pianists with long term playing-related injuries have used this healthy technique to rid themselves of their problems, and return to pain-free playing.
Every year many people sit AMEB music examinations for a variety of reasons. For example, they may enter exams on the advice of their teacher, as a prerequisite for tertiary entrance, as a benchmark of their education, or for recognition of their year’s hard work and achievement. If you are interested in achieving piano qualifications, either in practice or theory, while learning piano, please discuss with your teacher what is required.