F A Q
- What about summer lessons for my child?
Students have more time to practice in the summer and are much less stressed out with homework and other after school activities. Remember, your vacation was planned. Do the same with the child's lessons, treat them with as much importance, if not more, as you would with the vacation planning and you will see the results. - Is learning to play the piano difficult?
Playing the piano isn't anymore difficult then anything else you will learn in life. Practice during the week prior to actual class itself determines each persons level of difficulty. We are all creatures of habit, the more we practice the easier it gets. The better you feel about yourself the higher your self-esteem rises. - When is the best age to begin learning any instrument?
Four years old is a great time to start teaching any musical instrument according to many educators. This is a subjective answer of course, however it is an acceptable time to start teaching a child a musical instrument by many of the experts. The strength of learning is totally dependent on the parent at such an early age. Mrs. Davis chooses to start teaching her students around the age of six. - What are your teaching objectives?
Music to me is a journey. Young or old, cultural and hereditary background, moods and emotions are just some of the determining factors setting about our likes and dislikes of music. My objective is and has always been to be that one vehicle/person in each students life helping them to discover the beauty of music in its rawest form. Music is to be appreciated and not just listened to! If your flavor of music is Johann Sebastian Bach or Stevie Wonder, my job is simply to get you started on your musical journey. Remaining flexible in my teaching style to the student is a primary objective. This opens up more possibilities and a greater willingness to learn how to play a piano, guitar, or recorder for the student. - Why commitment is so important to learning. (Parents and Child)
Three words demonstrate the power of your or each students commitment levels - Practice makes perfect. O.K., everyone is not going to become perfect, no matter how much I try to get them there, so here are three other words demonstrating the point - Practice, practice, practice. Kind of redundant, isn't it! - How often should I practice?
I recommend daily practice of no less then 15 min per practice session over practicing once a week for an hour or even twice a week for two hours each. Daily habits create better results. - How long are the lessons? Lessons are generally a minimum of 30 minutes. If a person/child is late for their lessons, the lessons will end at the scheduled appointed time. The next persons lesson should not have to be delayed because someone was late.
- As an adult, can I still learn how to play the piano?
Absolutely you can! Just remember, I am only concentrating all of my teaching on beginners and intermediary lessons; so if you fall into that category, please feel free to sign-up for lessons today. There are truly some very fine instructors in Scottsdale who are willing to teach advanced students. - What type of piano should I purchase for my home?
Purchase the best one you can. However, if you are not looking to get a new piano, do purchase a used one. When you find one that you are interested in purchasing, and it may be slightly used, then I suggest you call up a piano tuner and pay him to inspect your purchase before you buy. - Holidays and vacations?
In my many years of teaching I have found that the students studies ought to be continuous and without end if they are to receive the most from their lessons. In other words life comes at us 24/7. It never stops and take time out just because of some holidays or vacation. The best way I have found to overcome this natural phenomenon is to take full advantage of the days and time that are given to us to practice. If the student places a premium on their study time (if they have a piano at home to do so), this will give them the best opportunity to advance in their lessons. Holidays and vacations now will not introduce any significant setbacks, plus the student will have created some good study habits. - I have not practiced, can I just miss that session and come the following week? It is not a good idea to miss your session just because you did not practice. I have found that by offering a few suggestions and advice, most students respond well and pick up the pieces the best they can.
- Encouragement?
The parent is the greatest encourager for the child, and if you are one of my adult students you are your own greatest encourager even if you do have a great mate encouraging you as well. Overcoming objections: If a child/person wants to quit, overwhelmed with other activities such as homework, jobs, and other extra curriculum activities. One of the best methods for overcoming this temporary temperament is to listen to the persons complaints, and then encourage them to walk another mile to get through the emotional drain they are now experiencing. Never, ever, ever give up!