Piano Lessons should be FUN and EXCITING...says Art Scott, 40 year Music Educator / Teacher
949.454.1221
I get several calls a week about Piano Lessons. Parents are often perplexed, wondering what to expect, especially if they never took lessons themselves as a child. I am happy to answer on this forum the 16 most commonly asked questions. For more information, feel free to contact me directly by phone or by email;
Studio Phone 949.454.1221
Email mraspiano@yahoo.com
Main Website: musicbyartscott.com
1) How long are the lessons?
Usually for students who are mature enough mentally and academically, 30 minutes.
Occasionally when children are younger and not ready for 30 minutes, I will offer a 15 session when I am already teaching an older sibling in the same home. This way the younger sibling is involved and part of the process of learning and will grow up want to play and participate more.
2) Do we need to get a piano or keyboard?
Yes. A student who aspires to get better and progress needs an instrument to play on. If Tiger Woods were to teach me how to play golf, I would need a set of golf clubs. I offer free advice to all families on how to shop with great knowledge both on name brands, fair pricing and it is my privilege to explain the differences.
3) Do we come to you or do you make house calls?
I only make house calls. Most parents enjoy not having to haul their kids all over town, waste gas and then wait for the lesson to be over.
4) How much do lessons cost?
This varies depending on where you live. I have not raised my basic fees in over 12 years, so I can keep lessons affordable for all families.
5) How expensive are pianos and keyboards?
A basic Yamaha Keyboard that is TOUCH SENSITIVE, also called VELOCITY SENSITIVE current runs around $150. This is a great value; 20 years ago, this price point was around $700 or more; technology and the price of chips and electronics has been greatly reduced.
6) Where is the best place to shop?
Call me and I will tell you based on demographics, if you like to shop on line or in person. I can literally help you find a store on line or in person anywhere in the world. For instance, if you were living in Estonia, I would refer you directly to the owner of Estonia Pianos who is a friend of mine.
7) Do we need to have weighted keys?
For younger beginners, weighted keys are not necessary. As a student progresses, weighted keys would be needed as they play more advanced pieces.
8) Do we need a full keyboard with 88 keys?
No. Only after several years of study is this necessary.
9) How long each day should my child practice?
At least 30 minutes. A good teacher will customize daily and weekly goals so they can be achieved along with homework, sports and other activities.
10) Do you support and participate in the Certificate of Merit program?
No. Absolutely not. This is an unnecessary, expensive methodology I do not recommend. In the long run, the structure and philosophy of this teaching causes a child to HATE THE PIANO and feel LIKE A FAILURE. I know this from my own experience as a child. See my main website for more details;
www.MUSICBYARTSCOTT.com
11) Do you give recitals?
I attempt to sponsor at least one recital a year and sometimes more. This is contingent up family schedules and students willing to participate.
12) What if we miss a lesson?
Children get sick and emergencies come up, this is just part of life. I offer make up lessons and teach 7 days a week. If too many lessons are missed, it might necessitate putting lessons on hold until things calm down.
13) What type of method books do you use?
I use many different publishers including Schaum, Thompson, Willis and FJH, Baisten. I have over 3,000 books on file so a parent will never to have to go to a store; I take this as my responsibility. My parents reimburse me for the books as needed.
14) If my child gets really good, can you still teach them?
Yes, I am qualified to teach all three realms; beginning, intermediate and advanced. Since I have a BS in Music Education with Piano being my major instrument, I can bring any child, teenager or adult through advanced pieces that they would be assigned at any college, university or conservatory in the world.
Monitoring a child's progress, keeping them motivated and helping them advance is one of my best attributes.
15) What is the best age to start a child?
I do not base readiness on a child's age but on their attention span. If a child can sit still and read a book with mom or dad for 20-30 minutes, they usually will do very well at the piano. If a child is not ready for the intensity of one on one lessons, then I recommend trying group lessons where children will learn some basic music education skills such as feeling the beat, learning basic notation, body movements, dance and using rhythm band instruments.
16) What if my child doesn't like it and wants to quit?
This is a fair and reasonable question. A child will not be any more dedicated to sticking with lessons and being committed than the parent is. This means that as a parent you should say to your child, we are making a one year commitment to study piano with Mr. Scott and after that mom / dad will consider renting or purchasing another instrument for you. A parent can explain in words that are meaningful to their child that a good music student needs to be able to read music, count, understand where to place their hands and learn how to coordinate both hands together. Learning Music is a process and takes time and patience for every student to learn. There is no such thing as instant talent without paying a price.
I have over 50 websites, videos and blogs on line which deal with all aspects of pianos including;
Special Needs Children and why the deserve to express themselves through Music
Adults can enjoy taking lessons also
How to find a good piano teacher
How to buy a good piano / keyboard
http://pianolessonsorangecountyca.blogspot.com/2010/04/art-scott-piano-teacher-speaks-out-on.html
Type into Google: Art Scott Piano House Calls Music and you will find dozens of my websites / blogs and videos.
