Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you teaching in person or online?

ALL lessons are currently being held online. (I am looking into options for an in-person studio, so if you would like to be placed on a waiting list for in-person lessons, please let me know.)

Are you currently accepting new students and transfer students?

Yes, I am always accepting new students and transfer students, however, at times I may have a waiting list.

As of 4/6/2024, I do have openings. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

What levels do you teach?

Beginner through early advanced

What ages do you teach?

Ages 6-100+. I am in the process of developing new lesson types for younger ages, too!) I welcome you to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what might work for you! :)

Do you accept transfer students?

Yes

Do I need a piano at home in order to take piano lessons?

Yes, some type of well-functioning and in-tune piano or keyboard needs to be in the home where the student most often resides.

Is it okay if I only have a keyboard?

It is okay to begin with only a keyboard, but eventually (after a few months or so) it is best to have a full-sized (88 keys) acoustic or digital piano with weighted keys.

How often do we meet?

Generally, once per week, but it depends on the type of lessons you sign up for.

How much practicing must be done?

  • Any Lab-Style Lessons for kids or adults have no practice requirements.

  • Students ages 18 and under enrolled in Individual Lessons are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day for 5-7 days per week.

What is your teaching philosophy?

In order for a person to be successful at most any activity, s/he needs to feel good and enjoy him/herself the majority of the time that s/he is doing the activity. I have high standards for the students and will hold them to those standards, because playing a piece of music that you like or love and playing it really, really well is one of the best feelings in the world! However, I also try to make our lesson time together relaxed and fun because I want the students to enjoy themselves as much as possible during their process of learning.

What kind of music will my child be playing?

We will work out of a lesson book each week where your child will learn the musical concepts. Your child is also welcome to play any music that s/he is interested in...whether that's Disney tunes, Broadway tunes, movie/video game music, jazz, blues, funk, pop, rock, country, folk, classical, sacred, or otherwise. Most anything is welcome as long as it is within the student’s ability to play it! This is not a 'classical music only' studio.

How much do you charge for Lessons?

Cost for lessons is charged by the semester and depends which type of lesson you choose and what your start date is, however, for comparison purposes, rates will fall in the $28-$55 per week range.

Please note that the tuition and administration fee covers much more than just the time spent together in lessons...it also goes toward the time and expense of any and all of the following:

  • Answering questions received through phone calls & emails

  • Researching music literature for students

  • Researching teaching materials

  • Lesson planning

  • Professional association meetings

  • Professional development

  • Recital hall rental

  • Recital preparation and expenses

  • Unfillable missed lesson time

  • Instrument maintenance

  • Any other miscellaneous related time and expenses

How do I pay?

You may pay by cash, check, Venmo, or ACH; and payment for the full semester is due about a month before the first lesson of each semester. If other arrangements are needed, please ask.

Where are you located?

On Husson Avenue in Bangor, Maine. However, all lessons are currently being held online through Zoom.

Do you follow a certain school schedule?

Yes, I generally follow the schedule of the Bangor school system.

What are your hours?

Generally, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, during the 3 most requested days of the week (currently Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), but my schedule is primarily governed by the students' schedules.

How do I get started?

1) Read through the Studio Policy and Information page and any other parts of the website you are interested in.

2) Schedule a free Zoom consultation on the contact page. We’ll talk further and get to know each other a bit. I will answer any remaining questions you have and I'll fill out my new student form with some basic information.

3) Once we've decided it's a good fit for everyone and you'd like to officially sign up, we'll figure out some times and days that work best.