Q: Who do you teach? Am I too old to start piano? 

A: Everyone is welcome in my studio regardless of age. I have specialized training in teaching young beginners in private and group lessons as well as older beginners in both settings. It's NEVER too late to start piano! I love teaching adults and sharing my love and passion for music with eager learners. I also teach intermediate-advanced level students of all ages and skill level. I customize my curriculum to meet the needs of each individual. 

Q: Is your tuition above average? What does tuition include?

A: Yes, I charge an above-average tuition rate. Tuition covers not only your weekly lesson time, but also daily practice check-ins,  15-60 minutes of lesson planning per week, and prompt and professional communication 24/7, email or text. Tuition must also cover the cost of maintaining a quality studio and instruments for students to use, as well as my professional training and organizations and participation in local and national conferences. The high self-employment taxes in CA and the high cost-of-living also factor in tuition assessment. See the Studio Policies page for a tuition schedule. Weekly enrolled students will have a $100 materials and technology fee included in their tuition, covering all necessary teaching materials and recitals and performances. 

Q: What age is appropriate for my child to start piano lessons?

A: I recommend starting between ages 5-7. I welcome younger students who demonstrate a higher level of musical ability, but first recommend a group music experience for early childhood through programs such as KinderMusik or MusikGarten.  I usually recommend a trial lesson for young beginners to determine if I am a good fit for your child - I believe your child's first teacher will be their most important as they introduce them to the profound experience of music making.

Q: How long are lessons? Do you offer variable length lessons?

A: I prefer that each of my students take an hour-long or 45 minute weekly lesson. Some young students may have needs for a shorter, 30-minute lesson, although beginning lessons usually involve a lot of movement and activity away from the piano to build musicality into the body, breaking up the lesson into manageable chunks. Some adult students may also prefer a bi-monthly lesson schedule or to purchase a lesson package rather than commit to tuition enrollment.

Q: Do you offer in-home lessons? Do you offer online remote lessons?

A: Yes, especially considering the circumstances with COVID-19. In-home lessons require an additional travel-fee to cover my travel time and vehicle expenses. The travel fee is $25/week for students within an 8-mile radius of the studio, and negotiable based on your location and number of students taking lessons. Online lessons through Zoom or FaceTime are also available at regular tuition cost. Students may wish to invest in a quality microphone and camera if choosing online lessons. 

Q: What do I need to take lessons?

A: Students must have daily access to a quality instrument, either an upright or grand piano or keyboard. Keyboards should be full 88-key models with hammer-action or weighted keys. A metronome is the other necessary item, but free metronome apps are perfectly fine. All music books and supplies are included in a Materials and Technology fee; this is a yearly fee of $100 included in weekly tuition rates. 

Q: How often do I need to practice?

A: It is essential that you spend time at the instrument EVERYDAY. However, rest is also essential and occasional 1-day breaks are encouraged. Adults and teens should schedule at least 30 minutes each day for piano practice, more advanced students require more time. Young beginners can shoot for two 15-minute practice sessions for 5 days, and one 15-minute session on lesson days (with one day off). Having a regular practice time each day (before breakfast, after dinner) is an effective way to begin a new discipline. You can track your practice and progress through MyMusicStaff.com, which I monitor daily to givefeedback and reminders.

Q: Do you use Yoga in your teaching approach to music?

A: Yes! I incorporate the principles I've learned from yoga practice to enhance the efficiency of practice, to alleviate stress and anxiety, and to tap into the inner joy always present within us. We don't do anything that is religious or impractical to learning the piano. We simply use these principles to prime the brain for learning, to stay healthy in posture and movement, and to have fun!

Q: Do you teach yoga online or offer private yoga instruction?

A: Absolutely! Most of my classes are taught live (not recorded) over Instagram Live. (link) These classes are at a variety of skill levels and are usually 60-minutes. Since music and sound are my passion, and all matter and energy in the universe is built from vibrations, these classes are usually accompanied by thoughtfully curated playlists. Private yoga sessions are also available, contact for more information.