Lessons
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Taught in-person and online
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Individual curriculum based on the student's level and interests
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Simultaneous focus on the fundamentals of music structure and playing, so when they all go hand-in-hand, our students grow musically with confidence. Music-reading, music theory, technique and ear-training are incorporated in the lesson.
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Evaluation programs
Royal Conservatory Certificate Program (also known as RCM exam)
Certificate of Merit® Exam
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Performing Opportunities
Students are invited to participate in our yearly recitals
Live zoom recitals for online students
Carrollton Music Teachers Association music festivals and recitals
At-studio student meetings are organized several times a year, where students perform in a semi-formal setting, get coaching on performing, and share with their fellow students what excites them at the piano.
Method
We tailor our approach to each student based on their interests and goals. Our goal is to preserve for life the excitement each student feels when learning to play their first tune and to encourage and guide them in their musical discoveries. In each lesson we spend time on developing technique, ear-training, note-reading skills, music theory, a bit of music history, inspirational stories about the great composers, and much more. There is a lot to learn about the world through music.
As appropriate for each student's level, we help the student build a solid knowledge of the various musical elements. When students understand in depth the music they are learning, they will enjoy it more, and will want to learn more. With this knowledge and understanding of how music "works", the student's eyes and ears then open to the expressive side of music -- that is music's power to affect us emotionally, to make us feel something when listening or playing. Everyone has experienced the power of music as a listener, but to learn to play music musically takes time and work. Commitment to practice is important. With the help of parents, we help students build this habit. Click on for helpful tips on how to think about practice.
Policy
Studio Policy 2024-2025
General Expectations
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Students are expected to attend lessons regularly
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Students are expected to practice regularly and to come prepared for lessons
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Fingernails need to be clipped for maintaining proper finger and hand position
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Students are expected to bring their books, including the practice assignment notebook, for each lesson
Payment Policy
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School year mode - August 12 to June 2
- 40 scheduled lessons / 10 monthly payments / 4 lessons per payment
- Payment is due on the 20th of each month
- Go to below to find the lesson dates covered in each monthly payment and for information on important dates
- Cost of books and materials is not covered, will be added to the lesson tuition
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Summer mode - begins June 4
- Lessons will be scheduled based upon student's and teacher's availability
- Payment due at the end of the calendar month, based on the number of lessons taken
- A slot for the following school year is not guaranteed for students skipping the entire summer break
Attendance
If you can't take your lesson at the regular time, you'll be offered a make up lesson later. A make up lesson can be scheduled upon student’s and teacher’s availability on weekends, no school days, minimum school days, and when time slots become available due to cancellations. Taking the lesson online is a good option when parents can't give a ride or student has cold symptoms (but well enough to play), or unusually busy. Please note that your next monthly payment will not be prorated due to missed lessons. You will have the option to take a make up lesson which you can schedule on any day/week up to the end of the school year.
When the teacher is not available for the lesson, students will be notified as early as possible. A refund will be credited to following tuition payment. Make up lesson option might also be offered.
When the teacher is not available for the lesson, students will be notified as early as possible. A refund will be credited to the following tuition payment. Make up lesson option might also be offered.
If you need to change your lesson day/time permanently, please notify me as early as possible. I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. However, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to make the change right away as I'd rely on the other students to be willing or interested in switching their current slot.
If you would like to stop taking lessons, please notify me at least 30 days in advance.
Communication
I am happy to be teaching your child music. I am sure music and learning to play the piano can be a great source of happiness for your child, and it will be for sure, when the effort comes from all three sides – student, teacher, and parents. Please, feel free to share any suggestions or feedback related to your child’s musical journey, and to ask about the progress we are making together.
We must ask you to adhere strictly to the studio policies. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you!
Calendar
Detailed Tuition Calendar
2024-2025 School Year
Mondays
Aug.: 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/9
Sept.: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7
Oct.: 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4
Nov.: 11/11, 11/28, 11/25, 12/2
Dec.: 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13
Jan.: 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
Feb.: 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10
March: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7
Apr.: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5
May: 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2
No lessons on
9/2, 12/23, 12/30
Thursdays
Aug.: 8/15, 8/22, 8/29, 9/5
Sept.: 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3
Oct.: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31
Nov.: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5
Dec.: 12/12, 12/19, 12/26, 1/2
Jan.: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Feb.: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
March: 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3
Apr.: 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1
May: 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
No lessons on
11/28, 3/13
Tuesdays
Aug.: 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3
Sept.: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1
Oct.: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Nov.: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26
Dec.: 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7
Jan.: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4
Feb.: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4
March: 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1
Apr.: 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
May: 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27
No lessons on
12/24, 12/31
Fridays
Aug.: 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, 9/6
Sept.: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4
Oct.: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1
Nov.: 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6
Dec.: 12/13, 12/20, 12/27, 1/3
Jan.: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31
Feb.: 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28
March: 3/7, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4
Apr.: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2
May: 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30
No lessons on
11/29, 3/14
Wednesdays
Aug.: 8/14, 8/19, 8/28, 9/4
Sept.: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2
Oct.: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
Nov.: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
Dec.: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8
Jan.: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5
Feb.: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5
March: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2
Apr.: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
May: 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
No lessons on
12/25, 1/1
Saturdays
Aug.: 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7
Sept.: 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5
Oct.: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2
Nov.: 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7
Dec.: 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4
Jan.: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1
Feb.: 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1
March: 3/8, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5
Apr.: 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3
May: 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31
No lessons on
11/30, 3/15
Important Dates
August 12
September 2
October 1 - 31
November 28 - December 1
TBA
TBA
June 3
Fall lessons begin
Labor Day, no lessons
Certificate of Merit® Exam registration
Thanksgiving break, no lessons
Certificate of Merit® Exam media submission due
Spring Recital
Summer session begins
FAQ
These are answers to common questions we get asked by parents. If you need more information, please contact us with your specific question.
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What is a good age to start piano lessons?
For individual lessons, we recommend at least 6. Five-year-olds may be ready, but parents need to be involved and to help. If the child shows interest towards music at age 4 or 5, music group lessons might be a great way to spark the interest further.
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Where do you teach?
We teach at our home studio in Coppell, TX and online via zoom
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Do we need to have a piano?
A student will benefit the most from learning on a real (acoustical) piano which will promote a solid foundation for the student's finger touch in the important first months of lessons, and will bring the most satisfaction and pleasure from playing music. However, as it is a big investment and parents cannot be sure if the child will remain interested in learning the piano, there is the option to rent a piano until you decide that it is time to buy one.
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Is a digital keyboard okay?
A digital keyboard can be a substitute for a piano for the first few years of lessons if it is full size - 88 keys, has a weighted (sensitive) touch, and a damper pedal. Once the student advances to the intermediate levels, a digital keyboard will limit the student's musical development. Ask your teacher before buying a digital keyboard. We have seen keyboards with very low quality and their price is not that cheaper from some better models. at pianopricepoint.com explains in great detail the difference between playing on a piano vs. a digital keyboard.
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What level is my child on? How many levels are there?
Based on the technical challenges of the music a student plays, she/he can be Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced level. With level numbers, it goes like this: Levels 1-2-3: early, mid, and late elementary; levels 4-5-6: early, mid, and late intermediate; levels 7-8-9-10: early advanced to advanced.
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Do you teach adults?
Yes. And they have lots of fun learning!
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Can a family member stay and watch the lesson?
Yes, as long as the student does not get distracted.
Resources
For Parents
Books
Go to a live performance
Piano Stores
Piano Movers
For Students
Practice app
Note-reading trainer apps (Android/Apple device)
Rhythm apps
Music theory apps
Ear-training apps
Metronome apps
Get to know great composers of our time