FAQ

Attending lessons in a professional studio environment means that the teacher and student are free from home distractions (TV's in the next room, door bells and after school friends, siblings, and pets). Students tend to take their music study a little more seriously when they are coming to a situation other than their own home, bringing their books and materials to the lessons each week. Also, students gain excitement about the music making process when they meet other people of all ages engaged in music learning. Many students come back year after year. Also, we can offer many group music learning opportunities and twice-yearly recitals that most in-home teachers cannot provide.

Is my teacher qualified?

Yes. Having studied piano for many years, Kristin is an experienced professional with a love of teaching and ability to relate to the students. She is currently pursuing her music degree at Portland Bible College. She has spent years developing her skill on the piano and in vocal training and studied with many master teachers.

Do you offer discounts on music lessons if I put more than one child in?

Yes, in a way. Although there is no discount for lesson time, we require just one yearly registration fee per family.

Can I, the parent, sit in on the private or group lessons?

We have an open door policy for private lessons. It is your choice when to sit in. Some students find it distracting and some work better with Mom or Dad in the room. After getting to know the student better, I will be able to give some advice on this. Feel free to ask questions on the progress of the class or lesson, but if the parents sit in every week it can be too distracting for the students. There are too many authority figures and they either lose class time looking for Mom & Dad's approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. Parents are encouraged to be available nearby. It is usually preferable for the child to attend the lesson alone. Some students may feel more or less comfortable with the parents present - every situation will be different. Please discuss your preferences with the teacher and student.

Can my two children have a music lesson together, or both myself and my child?

Yes. Parent and a young student can learn together at no extra tuition (parent tracks along with child's assignment). Two siblings can have a team lesson for an additional $10 per week (teacher addresses both learning levels during the lesson). The teacher will let you know when the students should start with their own private weekly lesson. Or. If you are looking for convenience, you can ask about scheduling them back to back.

Can we take lessons every other week instead of every week?

At first this might seem like a good idea, but we have tried this in the past and we do not recommend it (if you miss a lesson, it would be an entire month before you saw your teacher again!). It is really important that the teacher checks your progress and corrects your form every week. Also, attending weekly lessons will continue the learning momentum and generate mastering a skill more quickly.

Do we need a real piano at home to practice on? Would renting be alright?

Students should own or daily be practicing on (either) a real, acoustic piano (or) a digital, touch-sensitive piano with full-size keys (88-keys, same as a piano).
An acoustic piano is best (especially if it is kept tuned), but often, that is simply not possible (financial & space reasons). A digital keyboard is not acceptable, but a digital piano with 88 full-size weighted keys, pedals (sustain/damper), a bench of the correct height, and the ability to change in volume upon the depression of the keys (ask about the number of "Voices" - more is better). Electronic keyboards do not come close to the living, breathing, dynamic and very individual natures of real pianos. Just as there is a huge palette of sound available to you with synthesizers, there is a huge palette of nuance, dynamic range and expression with an acoustic piano that cannot be replicated. For that reason, please consider purchasing a quality, acoustic upright or grand piano by the time the student has taken 6 months of lessons. The sound of an acoustic piano is still valued in our modernized world and technically astute ears today.

How long will it take to learn to play the piano?

That varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how much practicing they do, and their age. Playing is a physical skill so it does take repetition to improve. Typically if you start piano in August or September, by December you will be able to play a recognizable Christmas carol. With something like guitar, in a few months an adult will improve dramatically. Most students take a minimum of one year.
As students advance and mature, the practice requirement should increase to one hour. Be aware that practice time can also include parent/child interaction, support with flashcards, music games, worksheets, and puzzles.

Note: Sometime during the course of taking piano lessons, your child may say something like, "I don’t want to practice," or "I’m too tired to go to piano lessons," or "I want to quit," etc. Especially for young students, be aware that their interest will probably not be consistent, but to be successful you will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to music instruction.

What is the earliest age at which my child can begin lessons?

Many students are ready to begin piano lessons as early as 5 years old and guitar as early as 8 years old. Please discuss individual placement with your teacher. Some students are developmentally ready at different ages.

Do you offer Suzuki piano?

We don't offer Suzuki piano. Suzuki piano is a method that was adapted from Suzuki violin and is therefore not used as an appropriate piano method alone.

Is a half-hour long enough for a private lesson for beginners?

Yes. In the beginning the half hour lesson gives the student a lot to practice at home. In a half hour they will get enough material to be able to learn well and develop proper technique. As they progress, at the advice of the teacher, you can go to a longer lesson time.

Will music theory be included in the lesson?

Yes. Students learn about how music is put together through music theory workbooks that go along with their songbooks (method books). We recommend our Conservatory Program (student attends an additional weekly one-hour theory and performance class) for beginners through advanced students who want to have more time devoted to music theory and also participate in our performances throughout the year. Adult students can focus on their individual goals at lessons, and can request that their teacher spends more time on music theory.

How much practice is required every week?

We recommend setting aside time for music practice at least 5 days out of the week. For beginning students the teacher usually assigns repetitions instead of a time amount. For example, do this scale 2 times a day, this song 5 times a day, etc. Younger children find repetitions easier than a set time amount. Typically, a beginning student practices 20 - 30 minutes a day and the practicing goes much better if the parent supervises. Students 4 & 5 years old must be supervised daily as they practice... a great way is to make it "family piano practice time".

Can we start in the middle of the year?

What do students learn in a piano lesson? What is the interview like?

At the beginning/intermediate level, in addition to the material in their piano lesson book which teaches them how to read music and play the songs, the teachers will cover the following: sight reading, ear-training and technique (scales, etc.).

The interview is very relaxed. It will give us a chance to meet each other. Transfer students (those with previous music education) will be asked to play a few pieces for me - this is not an audition, but rather a chance for me to hear your playing level and ability. Beginning students can look forward to having a short lesson in which they will learn fascinating facts about the piano (history, function, placement, and how to play the basics - you will go home ready to play a simple song or two).

Why do you charge a registration fee? Do you charge a materials deposit?

The registration fee is designed to hold your position and time in the studio, as well as to cover the extra paperwork and preparation upon initially beginning lessons. This fee is non-refundable.
As a service to our students, we provide all the materials needed for your lessons. Your materials deposit will be held in an account, especially for you. Deductions are made from this account as materials are purchased and issued to the student (includes music, materials, and any other fees). When materials balance reaches $5.00 or less, an additional $30 deposit is required. All account credits will be returned yearly, in the fall, unless the student is continuing, in which case you may choose to carry it over.

What local music stores do you recommend for instruments, books, and supplies?

Here is a listing of some of the music stores and instrument dealers in our area:

What kind of incentive programs are in place in your studio?

Students receive a piece of candy from the candy basket at the end of each lesson (if they have had a parent sign their completed practice chart - and have practiced a minimum of 5 days for the recommended time that week). They also have the opportunity to participate in the “Piano Points” program, in which they earn points by participating in or completing certain tasks related to music. With those “points”, they can get prizes at the studio.

What activities, functions, fundraisers, or events should I expect to happen through the studio during the year?

RECITALS - Studio Recitals are held at Christmas time (usually the second or third weekend in December, before Christmas) & in the spring (April or May or June). Please let me know well in advance of any dates that will not work for you during those months.
CHOIR - One more feature in the studio is a choir. Students learn vocal technique, singing & performing as a group, stage presence, and accompanying skills (for any intermediate-advanced students who wish to take on that role). This option is available for those in or out of the studio, but for specific age groups depending on the popularity. There is a small fee for this class, as it takes extra preparation, scheduling, and dependability on everyone's part. :-)
BARBEQUE - I hope to hold a barbeque for the families in the studio sometime in the summer as the completion of a school year and the start of a new one. More information to come...
PROFESSIONAL CONCERTS - We, as a studio, also attend classical concerts in the area. The cost is only $5.00 for students ($25.00 for adults) and will occur 3-4 times each year.

Do I have to purchase all the books I use? Do you stock music for me?

The studio has a lot of music in stock for purchasing or borrowing. I will do my best to fulfill any music book requests made by the student as soon as possible.
Students will need to purchase their lesson books, theory books, and any other method or consumable books we use throughout the year. The teacher may purchase them for the student and charge in the next billing cycle. The student may also need to purchase additional supplementary materials and music at various times. However, a great deal of music is available in the studio for the student to borrow and play. The books will have a date due and will be checked out as they are in a library. The student will be billed the full list price for any books that are damaged or not returned by the deadline. If the student writes in any of the books either with pencil or pen, he/she should consider those books theirs and will be charged.

What equipment should I have before I begin lessons?

The student must own a metronome (available through the studio for pre-purchase at $20.00-$25.00) for practice at home and have a canvas bag (available for purchase in the studio for $6.00-$8.00) to carry music books and supplies to and from lessons. The bags are available in several different solid colors. Students who do not currently have either of these will be issued one and billed on the next month's invoice.

What if I want to learn only a specific part of music and what is your opinion on "Learn the Piano in No Time at All"?

It's really best to learn an instrument while learning music theory. It is best to learn music theory, which is usually most easily visualized on a piano, while learning to identify musical concepts by ear. It is best to learn about the composers while studying and practicing their pieces and compositions. Each will support and work with the other.
Learning music is not something that promises immediate success. The physical skills involved can take quite a while to develop to a high level. The mental understanding of music theory and the language of music is likewise a long-term undertaking. I am no fan or "Get Rich Quick Schemes". Likewise, I believe it is completely false and dishonest for anyone to advertise or claim that someone can really learn to play a musical instrument in a very short time. However, if you enjoy the process of hanging out with an instrument and learning how to make it sing, you'll be well rewarded at every stage of your progress. There's no better way of finding out if you're well-suited to playing an instrument than beginning instruction now. What makes for successful music study is long-term, diligent practice. What makes for successful long-term practice is an abiding interest in and attraction to the instrument.

Why is having a teacher so important?

A teacher can help the student advance more efficiently, help him in graded steps, objectively comment on how to improve his playing, encourage him over walls and barriers in learning, help avoid technique errors, and more. A good teacher is money well spent. Remember the saying: two heads are better than one!

Do I, as the parent, need to know anything about music? What are your expectations as to my involvement at home?

Parents do not need to have any musical education background for the student to succeed. Success depends entirely on the student's level of commitment and the family's involvement and support at home. The parents and student should set up a regular practice time to be followed each day, free of distraction. Please note, however, that piano (any musical instrument) study can be very lonely to the student... it is best if the parents observe the student's practice time as often as possible (most students will thrive on it!), but without being the "teacher". Students who are young, who have difficulty reading or show a lack of progress/devotion to following the lesson assignments must have a parent assisting them in practice every day. You, the parents, will learn along the way too!
Parents should be sure to initial & sign the practice report each day/week before the lesson.

Do you have special instructions regarding hands, fingernails, jewelry, etc?

Absolutely. To avoid damage to the piano, please remove any bulky rings, bracelets, watches, or other jewelry and ornaments that may scratch or scrape against the keys or finish. Students should wash their hands before coming to the lesson to reduce the spread of germs. One more thing… nails must be kept very short (or the teacher may take out her “special” nail clippers).

What if I have questions or you have some news or studio updates to let me know about? How do you contact me with updated information and how do you prefer I contact you?

You may put your ideas in the bag labeled “Suggestion Bag” in the studio. My primary means of communicating with students is by email. Please let me know if this is not an option for you. If you wish to cancel or swap a lesson time or have an inquiry about your schedule or billing & invoices & tuition fees, have a question about lessons, the function of the studio, teaching methods, or have a problem you would like to address, please call me (Kristin) at 503-780-5986.

Do we need a real piano at home to practice on? Would renting be alright?

Kristin Phillips Copyright © 2007 [KristinsPianoStudio]. All rights reserved. Revised: 06/26/08.

Kristin Phillips
Copyright © 2007 [KristinsPianoStudio]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 06/26/08.