Frequently Asked Questions

Please feel free to contact me (below) if you don't find an answer to your questions here! I'm happy to help!

Do I have to have a piano for piano lessons?   

If you take private piano lessons, yes!  You can own a keyboard, but as you progress you will want to upgrade to a full size (88 key) weighted or semi-weighted keyboard.  Please make sure your beginner keyboard has at least 61 keys.  Mobile lessons require a full sized keyboard or digital piano with 88 weighted keys.  

How many lessons do I have per week?  

You will have one 30 minute lesson per week.  The other 6 days of the week, you should practice at least 30 minutes per day. 

Do I have to practice? 

Um, no. But do you want to get better and make the most of your lessons? If so, then I recommend 30 minutes of practice per day (or whatever you can reasonably do).  What is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary? You guessed it! PRACTICE!  :)

What if I can't make it to my lesson?

If you give at least 24 hours notice, we can schedule a makeup.  Less than 24 hours notice, and you must forfeit that lesson.  I reserve the right to modify this policy if there are habitual absences.  If I have to cancel to due sickness or emergency, I will absolutely allow you to schedule a makeup.  

Can I sign up for 1 week or a month to see if I like it?  

It's not really a good idea.  I prefer for you to give lessons a try for at least 3 months.  It takes a few lessons before we really get to the good stuff.    

How and when do I pay you?  

Tuition is due by the first lesson of the month.  You will be sent an invoice via email and you may pay by cash, check or credit card.  If tuition is not received by the 10th day of the month, a $15 late fee will be assessed and lessons will be paused until the account is brought current.  If you have questions about billing or need to make special payment arrangements, please feel free to contact me. 

Do you offer a recital or end of the year performance?  

Absolutely! We have an annual Spring recital in June! It is a wonderful experience for students, families and teachers!  I highly encourage all students to participate! 

 Also, at the end of our Fall semester, in December,  we have an outreach performance.  We have visited the Hammond Nursing Home and played Christmas music for the residents.  We have also put on a show for OPTIONS and visited with the participants afterwards.   I encourage our students to give their talents and gifts back to the community.  

Besides tuition and books, are there any other fees I have to pay throughout the year?  

As a parent of 4 kids who have done numerous extracurricular activities over the years, I understand the frustration of feeling like you're being nickled and dimed to death.  So, I try not to charge any other fees unless absolutely necessary.  I do not charge a registration fee, because your first month's tuition secures your spot for the semester.  I do charge a small recital fee with May's tuition.  With that being said, I do charge a late fee after the 10th of the month, if tuition is not paid on time.    

Do I buy my own music books?

Yes, I prefer for the student/parent to purchase their own books.  I will send links for the curriculum I have chosen for your student.  I have several different options and some custom curriculum that I will adapt to your interests and skill level.  If you have a book you would like to use, we can absolutely include it, if approved. There may be a rare occasion that I will purchase the book or already have them in my inventory, if that is the case, I will invoice for that book. 

Do you only teach Christian music and hymns? 

Absolutely not!  We teach all styles and types of music as long as it is encouraging and uplifting.  Classical, Pop, Blues, Hymns, Praise and Worship, Jazz, you name it!  Our students love to write their own music! I definitely encourage my students to be creative!    

What if I have a question or concern that isn't listed here? 

PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me below! I am happy to answer any questions you may have.