Frequently Asked Questions

What is the earliest age to begin piano?

Generally, the minimum age for individual lessons is around five, which is when most children develop the ability to follow instructions and maintain focus on a single task. Children under the age of five can best benefit from group activities such as singing, rhythmic clapping and various musical games. The method known as Orff Schulwerk is a particularly effective approach for early childhood music education.

Can adults and seniors learn piano with no prior experience or training?

This is an emphatic YES! In fact, adult beginners of any age usually learn very quickly because of their mature intellect and ability to concentrate. They also know from experience how their own individual learning process works and are able to apply this knowledge to the piano. It is not uncommon for adult beginners in their first or second year to play third or fourth year repertoire.

What is the cost of classes?

While the majority of students pay the standard tuition, we also offer a sliding-scale payment program for qualifying families. No applicant is ever turned away strictly for financial reasons. We currently offer a reduced tuition for the following applicants:

• Residents of Pacifica, Daly City, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Millbrae and Coastside
• Adult students
• Home-schoolers
• Weekday classes before 1pm
• Sibling enrollments
• Parent enrollments
Please contact us for additional information or to request a free, no-obligation interview.

Does the student need to have a piano before taking lessons?

No. Access to a piano would be ideal, but a simple electronic keyboard is usually sufficient for the first two years, provided it has 60 keys or more and the keys are full-size. It is sometimes difficult for a student to adapt to the piano after getting used to a keyboard with smaller keys. Other features such as weighted keys and damper pedal are useful but not essential for the early beginner.

How long and how often are the classes?

For most students, classes are 30 minutes each, once a week. Longer and more frequent classes are recommended for more advanced levels.

Do you offer classes on Saturdays?

Yes. However, Saturday classes fill up very quickly, so we recommend that you set this up with your instructor as early on in the school year as possible.

Does the student need to practice in between lessons, or is it enough to just come to class each week?

Similar to learning any other skill, playing the piano requires repetition. Sufficient practice in between lessons will greatly improve the student's progress. Of course, it is understood that in some weeks the student may be unable to practice due to work, school, travel or other conflict. In general, learning music should be regarded as an ongoing process, so the amount of practice in any given week is not as important as the student's overall enthusiasm and long-term commitment.

How much practice time is required each day?

For optimal progress, the student is recommended to practice a minimum of five times per week, reviewing each assignment at least three times at each practice session. Frequency and regularity are more important than the length of time, so shorter but more frequent practice sessions are more effective than fewer and longer ones. Naturally, as the student becomes more familiar with the pieces and exercises after each class, it takes less time to go through the assignments. Also, it is important to practice as soon after the lesson as possible while the information is still fresh in the student's memory. Skipping practice during the first day or two after the lesson is more detrimental than skipping later in the week before the next class.

Do you offer a university-level Bachelor or Master of Music degree?

No. However, our program aims to prepare students for admission into a university-level music program by the time they finish high school.