3: K-12 Lessons/Policies & Costs for School Year & Summer
"A Piano makes Sound. A Pianist makes Music." - S.R.
Lessons for students K-12 are offered year round. New students begin as soon as openings become available in the teaching schedule. (Lesson times are currently available. Let's connect!) A set lesson day & time are reserved for each student, usually one lesson per week. Young children and teens begin with 30 minute lessons, progressing to 45 and 60 minutes as skill level and attention span increase. Private lessons for beginning through early advanced levels take place in the piano teacher's home studio, located in the Clintonville area of Columbus, Ohio. Free on-street parking and WiFi are available. Summer lessons are offered with flexible scheduling, allowing for camps, sports, family activities and vacations. Parents are always welcome to observe lessons.
Due to The Covid-19 Pandemic
Virtual lessons using FaceTime or Zoom are encouraged and preferred. In-person lessons will be considered when Alert Guidelines remain at Level 1 or lower for at least 3-4 weeks. Facial coverings and use of hand sanitizer are required. Piano surfaces and entry points are wiped with disinfectant before and after use.
A typical lesson for young children and teens includes note and rhythm reading, body movement, singing, composing, improvisation, solo and ensemble exoeriences with rhythm instruments, in addition to playing full sized acoustic and digital pianos with weighted keys. The correct body mechanics needed for proper piano posture, arm/hand gestures, and pedaling are monitored. All lesson content is age appropriate, with specific teaching materials chosen for each student based on their unique learning styles, individual needs and teaching goals. Scales, Technique and the Classics are always included, supplemented with Popular, Jazz, Sacred, etc.
At each weekly lesson music concepts and skills are presented, taught, practiced and reviewed. The teacher and student set weekly learning goals together and practice instructions are written, discussed and sent home with the student. Concepts taught and reviewed at every lesson by the teacher, plus purposeful practice at home by the student, plus positive support given by the parent can equal a successful music experience for all.
It is expected that each student will have an acoustic or digital piano with 88 keys in their home for daily practice. A keyboard with less than 88 keys is never acceptable. An intune acoustic piano in excellent playing condition is preferred. There must be working pedals, intact keys & strings, and a piano bench. A very good 2nd option is a digital piano with 88 full-sized weighted keys, on legs or X-stand, plus a pedal and bench. The best progress in piano skill is gained with consistent daily practice, 10-60 minutes 5-6 times per week, depending on age and music level. Acoustic pianos do need to be repaired as needed and tuned professionally at least once per year. Expect to budget $100-$150 per tuning payable to a Piano Tuner Technician of your choice. You can visit Pianos vs. Keyboards and Keys to Success for helpful information on these topics.
Safety first: Parents - If you drop your child off for lessons, make sure the student is safely inside the studio front door before driving away. Return for pick up on time. The student will wait for you in the living room or on the front porch. Siblings may attend lessons if they wait quietly in the living room or front porch and an adult is with them. Areas of the home open to students and their families include the piano room, living room, bathroom and front porch. All other rooms, plus the basement, garage and yard are off limits.
