Frequently asked questions about music lessons

Q: Why group music classes?  Why not begin right away with private lessons?
A: The majority of children who begin private lessons too early become discouraged and quit within a few months.  Many children never return to playing a musical instrument again.

That’s why I developed my program for group music classes. In addition to developing musical abilities, this program prepares young kids for private piano lessons. My classes create a solid base which helps children in their private lessons. Instead of hating playing the piano, they enjoy it.

Q: How long should my child take group music lessons?
A: My music program for young children is continuous.  Musical concepts are taught using a step by step approach.  Your child will get the maximum benefits if he/she is enrolled in my music course from age 2 to 6.

Q: What if I find that my child’s musical talents are minimal?
A: You are giving your child much more than just music education.  Many other benefits make my programs worthwhile. Studying music helps kids to be better students at school.

Q: I am afraid my child is too shy to be in a group music class.  Can I still enroll him?
A: As a rule, shy children are the best listeners. The musical games we play are so enjoyable for children that even the shyest child cannot resist the fun for too long and starts participating. Usually, it takes not more than two classes. Often, I hear from the parents of shy children that they start talking about music and composers they learned as soon as they come home.

Q: I want to sign up my 2- year-old for your Music, Mommy & Me class. Can I also bring my baby?
A: By all means, bring your baby to my class. Even if your baby does not participate in the class, he/she will listen and observe all activities and benefit tremendously. Babies respond to music from a very early age. Your baby will absorb everything and will be ready for music classes earlier. From my experience, such kids become excellent students.

FAQ about piano lessons

Q: Why did my daughter quit piano lessons?
One day, my 4-year-old daughter Elizabeth came from her preschool and said: “Mommy, we learned a new song today.” She came up to the piano and, in a few minutes, figured out how to play the tune of “London Bridge.”  I was so impressed with her talent that I signed up Elizabeth for private piano lessons right away. In three months, she quit. Since then, she has never wanted to play any musical instrument. All family members (me, my husband, and three other children) play musical instruments.  Elizabeth (she is 20 now) is my only child who doesn’t.  What happened?

A: Elizabeth started formal piano lessons before she was ready for that physically and emotionally. The majority of students who begin private lessons too early become discouraged and quit within a few months.  Many never return to playing an instrument again. The best age to start formal piano lessons is 6-7.

Q: When can my child start private piano lessons?
A: Adults can start piano lessons at any time. Their progress is based on how willing they are to practice regularly.  For children, starting at the right age is the first step to their success.  Parents’ supervision is the next crucial element.

The sooner, the better attitude can backfire and create a negative experience. If children start lessons too yearly, they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop the lessons. You don’t want to turn your children off music by making the mistake of starting them in private lessons too early. The best approach would be to start a young child (under age 6) in my group music classes, which prepare children for private piano lessons.

Q: Do I need a piano?
A: All students need a piano for practice at home. You may purchase a new or used piano. I allow students to begin with an electric keyboard but encourage them to move to the better instrument. It can be an acoustic piano (upright, spinet, grand piano) or touch-sensitive digital piano.

Q: What else is required for private lessons?
A: Sheet music and method books are required for the student to make progress in lessons. It is not easy to find piano books in local bookstores. The stores have limited choices. That’s why I keep large piano books inventory and sell them to my students at the same price they would pay at the store or on the Internet.