STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS

STUDENTS NEED

  1. A well-maintained acoustic piano (an 88-key digital piano with weighted action is accepted the first two years)
  2. A three-ring binder + metronome + music dictionary + music sheet notebook
  3.  The Piano Student’s Guide to Effective Practicing
  4. Short fingernails – to be trimmed 1-2x a week, especially before lessons
  5. Willingness to learn, improve and practice every day!

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

  • Consistent practice and repetition play an essential part in the piano learning process. A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons.
  • In order to make significant progress, technically and musically, piano students need to commit to a regular practice of 30 minutes or more, every day.
  • Thorough preparation of assignments and completion of homework for each lesson is expected. Mid-week video checkpoints are also required.

PARENTS of young students can assist in the following ways:

  • Attend your child’s piano lessons and take notes regarding practice strategies.
  • Keep a practice log: make a little week’s schedule showing specific piano practice times for each day.
  • Keep the room quiet: do not allow phone calls, visitors, TV or other distractions.
  • Supervise the practice: read the practice assignment each week and praise new achievements!

“Musicians work out just like athletes. They do exercises and routines like dancers. But there is a myth that practicing technique is simply mindless repetition. Actually, it requires just as much imagination and alertness as practicing repertoire; and when that attention is given, it is just as enjoyable.”
― Nancy Breth, pianist and teacher