How long are lessons?

Lessons are either 30 minutes or 45 minutes long. For most students I recommend starting at 45 minutes, and reserve 30 minute lesson times for students younger than 5 years old. I recognize that some parents may be concerned about their student attending an entire 45-minute lesson, however, I have found that this length of time gives students the best benefits. I won’t ever ask your student to sit at a piano bench and focus intensely for 45-minutes at a time! Instead, I integrate a variety of high-level and low-level thinking activities that are done both on the piano bench and off. I have taught many students with ADHD, as well as students who “can’t focus” or “won’t sit still.” If this length of time is still a concern, we can always chat about it!

Where is the studio located?

The studio is at Sutton Station: 5836 Fayetteville Rd, Durham NC 27713. It is in Unit #102, and housed in the same space as Kerry Henry’s Piano Studio.

When will my student be able to play *insert famous music piece here*?

A student’s progress depends on the age of the student, the time spent outside of the lesson working on their goals, and their natural learning speed. While there are many videos of young children playing hard repertoire on the internet, I try and foster a learning of musicality and piano with a well-rounded musical education, and avoid “just teaching pieces.”

Do I need a piano at home?

Yes, you will need an instrument at home. At the minimum, students are required to have a 72-key electric keyboard (with the expectation that they will eventually need an 88-key keyboard). An electric keyboard should have weighted-keys. Acoustic pianos of course are always acceptable, however, I understand they are costly. Students will always have the experience playing on an acoustic piano during their lessons at the studio.

How long will my student be expected to practice each week?

Practicing itself depends on the individual student, their skill level, and their personal goals. Each student is expected to practice at home between lessons, and after each lesson each student is given instructions on what to practice, and how often. This could be a time limit, such as “practice this piece for a total of 10 minutes a day,” or a number of repetitions, such as “play this rhythm exercise at least 5 times this week.” Again, everything is tailored to the specific individual.

How much do lessons cost?

Tuition for the 25-26 year is $174/month for 45 minute lessons. This number is based on many factors, such as number of lessons in a year, my expertise and certification levels, area pricing, rental space, and more. For a more detailed outline of how tuition is covered, see the studio policy above.