Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child old enough for private piano lessons?

The ideal age to begin private piano lessons varies for each child. While some students are ready as early as five, others may benefit from waiting a couple of years. The key is readiness, not just age.

For a child to be ready for lessons, they should be able to:

Focus for a 30-minute lesson
Follow simple directions
Sit still
Demonstrate an interest in learning music
Be willing and able to practice daily

Parents also play a crucial role. Their commitment to ensuring daily practice is just as important as the child’s readiness. Starting at a young age with a solid foundation of consistent practice sets your child up for long-term success and a lifelong love of music.

What kind of instrument do we need for private piano lessons?

For a successful and rewarding musical journey, an acoustic piano is a requirement before beginning private lessons. While a keyboard may seem like a convenient and affordable option, it can hinder a student’s progress and technical development.

Here’s why an acoustic piano is essential for serious piano study:

Superior Technique: An acoustic piano’s weighted keys and sensitive action are crucial for developing the finger strength, control, and nuanced touch required for proper piano technique. A keyboard’s lighter, spring-loaded keys don’t offer this same resistance, which can lead to poor habits that are difficult to correct later. A digital piano’s plastic keys also don’t offer the same feel and touch.
Rich, Authentic Sound: The rich, resonant sound of an acoustic piano, created by hammers striking strings and its wooden body, cannot be replicated by a keyboard’s electronic speakers. Learning on an acoustic instrument trains a student’s ear to produce beautiful, expressive tone, a skill that is vital for all musical performance.
Long-Term Success: Students who practice on acoustic pianos are better prepared for performances and exams, where they will be playing on an acoustic instrument. This experience gives them a significant advantage, as they are already comfortable with the instrument’s unique feel and sound. This is why students who consistently receive top marks from judges are typically those who have an acoustic piano at home.

Investing in an acoustic piano is an investment in your child’s musical future. It provides the strong foundation needed to truly excel, ensuring they get the most out of their lessons and develop a lifelong love for music.

I’m not sure if my child will like piano lessons. Can we start with a keyboard instead of a piano?

It’s understandable to be cautious about a new activity. However, starting with an acoustic piano is crucial for a child’s success and enjoyment.

Learning on a keyboard can create unnecessary struggles and a poor foundation. The feel of the keys, the resistance, and the subtle nuances of sound are vastly different on a keyboard. This can be compared to starting swim lessons in a t-shirt and shorts while other students have proper swimwear—it makes it harder to learn and keeps your child from progressing as quickly as others.

To truly succeed and enjoy piano lessons, it’s essential to start with the right instrument. A proper piano provides the necessary foundation for developing excellent technique and musicality, which ultimately leads to a more rewarding experience. A long-term commitment to lessons and the right instrument will help your child build confidence and skills that will last a lifetime.

Do we have to buy a brand new piano?

No, you do not have to buy a brand new piano. While a new instrument is a wonderful investment, there are many affordable options for finding a high-quality, used acoustic piano.

Here are some tips for finding a great pre-owned piano:

Rent-to-Own Programs: Many piano stores offer rent-to-own or rental options, which allow you to have a high-quality piano in your home for a reasonable monthly fee. A portion of your rental payments may even be applied toward the purchase price if you decide to buy.
Seek Out Reputable Piano Technicians: Many piano technicians also sell restored or well-maintained used pianos. They can help you find an instrument that is in excellent condition and will serve your family for years to come.

Check Neighborhood Listings: Many families are selling their pianos. Some are giving them away for free! Check sources such as Facebook Marketplace and NextDoor.

Look for Well-Known Brands: Stick with established piano brands that are known for their quality and durability.
Get It Inspected: Before you finalize your purchase, have a professional piano technician inspect the instrument. They can check the soundboard, keys, hammers, and other internal components to ensure it’s in good working order and worth the investment.

You might be surprised at how many great-quality used pianos are available for a reasonable price. This approach allows you to provide a high-quality instrument for your child’s musical education without the expense of buying new. Also, many piano stores include the cost of the piano move and a tuning with the purchase of an instrument.

How much will my child be expected to practice?

Consistent practice is the cornerstone of learning the piano. It’s simply not possible to make meaningful progress without it. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30-45 minutes, five to six days per week. Daily practice is ideal, as it reinforces what was learned in the lesson and builds the muscle memory necessary for success.

For new or very young students, we build up to this amount gradually, starting with 10 minutes a day and increasing over several weeks. This approach helps to establish a consistent and positive practice habit from the very beginning.

What do you teach, and what materials do you use?

At The Piano Spot, we believe in a well-rounded music education built on a strong classical foundation. Our curriculum is designed to develop solid technical skills while also recognizing that every student has unique goals and preferences. We use a variety of method books and materials tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience.

For beginners, Irina Gorin’s Tales of a Musical Journey is used, utilizing a blended Russian methodology of piano teaching. Other method book series such as Bastian, Faber, and Alfred are used after that. In addition, students learn Classical pieces as soon as they’re ready, as well as supplemental music from the Jazz and Contemporary genres. Technical exercise books and theory books are also used.

The Piano Spot is committed to using only copyright-compliant materials. All necessary books and music will be purchased. This ensures that we are supporting the music community and providing students with high-quality, legitimate resources.

A Note on Piano Exams (e.g., ABRSM & RCM)

You may have heard of piano exams from organizations like the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) or the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). These are performance-based exams where students play a few pre-selected pieces and technical exercises for a judge to receive a score. While these exams are often marketed as a comprehensive way to measure a student’s progress, we’ve chosen not to participate in these systems for a few important reasons.

One-Size-Fits-One Approach: We believe that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for piano students. Every student has unique strengths and weaknesses. The pre-determined piece lists for these exams may not align with a student’s individual needs, which can hinder their overall development. We prefer to select music that specifically challenges and supports each student as an individual.
Encouraging a Love of Music: Students in these exam systems often report disliking the required music and the preparation process. To prepare, they must spend many months on just a few pieces, which can lead to burnout, boredom and a loss of passion for piano. This narrow focus can also weaken other essential skills like sight-reading and rhythm development. At The Piano Spot, we prioritize exploring a wide variety of music to keep students engaged and excited about playing.
Holistic Assessment is Key: Judging a student based on a few pieces and exercises provides only a tiny glimpse into their overall progress. It’s like judging an athlete’s skill based on a single type of exercise. We believe a truly qualified piano teacher is best equipped to offer a holistic assessment of a student’s development. We consider every milestone and aspect of their growth as a musician. This is why we encourage our students to also get feedback from other professional pianists and professors through local judged events, providing a more well-rounded and meaningful evaluation of their skills.