Do we need to wear masks for in-person lessons?

Yes! I wear a KN-95 mask during lessons and I require students to mask as well. Because I am just me without the backing of a studio, I don’t really get “sick days”, just deferred work, and so I prefer to err on the side of caution!

Are you going to stop teaching online when you start back in person?

Nope! I have absolutely loved staying in contact with faraway students, as well as getting to know new people in all kinds of places! Online will be a part of my studio in some capacity for the foreseeable future.

Do online lessons work?

After teaching exclusively online for a year and a half now, I can say that I am sold on online lessons. Even my daughter is continuing her piano lessons online for the foreseeable future! First, there are resources I can use online that I wouldn’t have thought to use in person. We do more listening in lessons, we compose using Noteflight together, and I have access to more professional development resources that would have been only in person but are now online! Second, less driving! Third, lessons can continue without interruption through illness and bad weather. Another unforeseen benefit is the connections across long distances. Far-away relatives can attend Zoom recitals, and holding practice performances before exams is much easier!

Does my child have to attend group lessons / the recital?

No. But I absolutely think they should. Group lessons and recitals are opportunities for low-pressure, low-stakes public performances and I consider them an essential part of music formation. Students get to practice not only mastering their nerves and presenting something in public, they also practice giving feedback and support to their peers.

Does my child have to play at group lessons / the recital?

No! Again, being an audience member and giving feedback to your peers are hugely valuable skills that they will need to call on in many other situations. I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to practice these! Your child will play when they are ready to play.

I don’t want to fight about practicing! What do I do?

Developing a practice habit is an important aspect of learning to play the piano. I can try to teach your child something new every week regardless of whether they practice or not, but please trust me when I say that the more your child practices, the more they will enjoy piano lessons. Success builds on success. I can’t promise it will always be easy, but I can promise that I am on your side and I am here to help you find a routine that will work.

Should my child do an exam?

That depends! For some people, exams and other high-pressure situations are demotivating. On the other hand, some people thrive on challenges like that and enjoy having milestones to work toward. Exams can be beneficial to list on resumes and higher-level exams can count toward high-school credits.