Information for Prospective Piano Students
Beginners
Beginners should only request lessons if they can commit to several weeks of consecutive lessons. It is critical that beginners have consistent weekly lessons to maximize progress. A parent may be asked to attend lessons until I feel the child is able to practice productively on their own. Consistent practice and attendance at lessons is vital. Progress will not be made if the student only touches their instrument during lesson time.
Beginning students should plan on 30 minute lessons.
Instrument
Everyone requesting piano lessons should have access to an appropriate piano and/or electronic keyboard for at least five (5) practice sessions a week. Owners of acoustic pianos who have not had their piano tuned recently should consult a professional piano tuner.
Your teacher does not offer consultation for buying an instrument. Some helpful information on this topic can be found at http://marthabeth.com/rent_or_buy.html with more specific information on whether to buy a new or used piano at http://marthabeth.com/new_or_used.html. (Both links will open in a new window.) Do not buy a piano without hiring a registered piano technician to inspect it first.
Electronic keyboards are a good alternative to an acoustic piano. Some helpful information on what students should look for in an electronic keyboard can be found at http://marthabeth.com/electronic_keyboard_features.html. (Link will open in a new window.) Any electronic keyboard purchased should have at least 61 weighted keys that are identical in width to those on a piano. An electronic keyboard set up like a piano will have 88 weighted keys and 3 pedals, often resemble an upright piano and usually include a bench. Weighted keys are essential for the student to learn articulation and dynamics.
The best person to advise you in the care of your electronic keyboard is the dealer. Recommendations for care and maintenance should be included in the instructions.
Acoustic pianos need to be tuned periodically. These should never be placed against an outside wall or in an environment with quick changes in temperature. A professional piano tuner is the best person to advise you on the care of your acoustic piano.
Any piano or electronic keyboard used for practicing must be kept in playable condition.
Metronome
Students on trial lessons that have not played their instrument before studying with me are not required to have a metronome until after they have completed their three (3) trial lessons and committed to continuing lessons.
Most piano students who are not beginners should already have a metronome. Please bring it to the first lesson. I recommend purchasing a metronome that is physically separate from a cell phone or tablet. This allows the student to practice without added distractions. (All links will open in a new window.)
I recommend the following app for those who don’t want to purchase a metronome that is physically separate from a cell phone or tablet: (All links will open in a new window.)
Books & Other Materials
All students are required to have a spiral notebook for lesson notes at the first lesson. Spiral notebook should be 10.5 x 8 inches.
If a student has already studied with a particular method book or series, please bring them to the first lesson. Students should also bring music for the most recent work studied.
Students on trial lessons will be assigned alternative materials until they have completed their three (3) trial lessons and committed to continuing lessons. An Amazon.com link for a method book will be emailed to students after they have committed to continuing lessons. Please bring this book to the next lesson.
Please have a pencil for marking music and completing assignments.
Additional materials will be discussed as needed.