Where do lessons take place?

Lessons take place in my home located in the Conservatory Green section of Central Park (on the north side close to Target).  The centerpiece of my studio is Yamaha Conservatory Grand Piano.  I also have a Kawaii CA99 upright digital piano with wooded-key action, grade weighted hammers and a real soundboard.  I am thrilled to offer my students the experience of playing on both a conservatory grand piano and a state-of-the art digital piano.  It’s the best of both worlds!

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes, I always offer a free trial lesson because finding a good fit for piano lessons is so important (for both of us)!  However, because my studio tends to have a wait list, trial lessons occur only after we establish a lesson day/time that works for both of us. 

Why don’t you offer 30-minute lessons?

Simply put, thirty minutes is not enough time to do all the activities I have planned during our time together.  It is also very important to me that my students show measurable progression in their piano studies.  The extra ten to fifteen minutes make a huge difference in what I can accomplish during our lessons and it allows me to build in conference time each week comfortably without compromising instruction time.  Don’t worry that your young child will not be able to concentrate for the full lesson.  I do so many physical and off-bench activities and games that the time flies by for everyone!

Am I required to buy materials throughout the year?

Little Paws Piano Program students (ages 6-9) will need to purchase the studio-required Piano Safari lesson books.  Materials can be purchased directly from Michelle Mark Music at cost, or from the Piano Safari website www.pianosafari.com.  Piano Pups and older students most likely will be required to purchase repertoire / theory / technique book(s), but that will be decided on an individual basis and materials will vary between students.  Most other repertoire may be borrowed or photocopied from my personal library. 

Do students get opportunities to perform?

Recitals are a place where students can showcase their hard work and build confidence and performance skills.   Therefore, at a minimum, I hold a yearly recital that all students are encouraged to perform in.  In addition, I often hold an additional showcase during the year. Many of my students also like performing in their school talent shows!

Why don’t you do weekly conferences with older students?

I don’t require weekly conferences for older students because they don’t need as much parental support to help them practice during the week.  Of course, I am always happy to discuss your child(ren) either built-into the lesson (either weekly, monthly or semesterly) or by setting up separate conferences throughout the year. 

Do I need to own a piano?

You will need either an acoustic piano or a keyboard at home to start lessons. 

Keyboards must have:

• 88- key length

• Weighted keys

• Sturdy foundation, (no x-crossed stands) preferably with three pedals built in

• Piano bench

• Foot stool (essential for younger students)

• Foam squares, or a way to help adjust piano height (even with adjustable benches)

If you’re nervous about piano setup, don’t be!  I do a video chat with each new family once lessons begin to help set up their home space and make sure you are set up for success.  I am also happy to offer keyboard recommendations at various price points to help you find a quality instrument that won’t break the bank.

Should I stay for my child’s lessons?

You are welcome to do whatever makes you and your child(ren) comfortable; although, most families choose to drop off their child(ren).  Since conference time is built-in to the last few minutes, you never have to worry that you’ll miss anything important if you do a Target run during the lesson.

How much practice is necessary?

This is a tough question for me to answer because you can practice for a full hour, but if you’re just mindlessly playing, it won’t yield great results.  On the other hand, you can sit down for a few minutes of targeted work using sound practice strategies and have much better progression in your studies.  I am a HUGE believer in quality over quantity in piano training.  That being said, like most things in life, you get what you put into it! 

 There are, of course, recommendations based on age for what practice length is suitable.  I am happy to go over them and modify if needed.  I also have practice packets with activities and games that add a little bit of excitement into a practice session if your child needs some extra coaxing to get to the piano, and I have other practice ideas, as well!     

I heard that kids shouldn’t start lessons until they are around seven because their hands are too small.  Is this correct?

Not at all!  There is so much research that supports piano lessons for preschool age kids BUT it needs to be done differently!  This means that I am not a big fan of a young student sitting on a piano bench for 30 minutes and working through a primer book.  I am not saying that there is anything wrong with primer books, but young learners require so much more during their lessons!  I currently take a limited number of 5-year-old students on a case-by-case basis if they show a readiness for piano.  Please check out my Piano Pups section to learn more about how I teach this age group.  

DO you take Adult students?

I love teaching all ages and I am happy to discuss tailoring a specific lesson program to your needs. Please contact me for more information.