I have a few times open in afternoon and evening.
A child may be ready for piano lessons as young as four, but most beginners are ready at about ages 7 - 9 years old. For students ages 4-6, I offer the "Music For Little Mozarts" Preschool program. While some preschool age children may demonstrate an interest in music lessons, parents should keep in mind that progress will be very slow, their motor skills are not as developed as an 8-year-old and parents must be willing to contribute many hours to ensuring the child completes assignments at home (additionally--I encourage parents of preschoolers to attend each private lesson).
You will need unlimited access to a piano with 88 keys, pedals, and a bench. Simply knowing someone with a piano [who permits you to come over to practice] is not the same thing as having one in your home. Acoustic pianos (the traditional instruments with strings) are the still the best, but digital pianos have improved dramatically in the last 10 years. Small portable keyboards are not suitable for piano lessons as they do not have pedals, are not full sized and do not have the same "touch" as a real piano. Here's a tip--if the keyboard is sold in the 'toy department' of your discount store and takes batteries, it is not acceptable for piano study. The difference between them is enormous; comparable to driving a lawn tractor versus driving a car. Both have steering wheels, tires and gasoline engines but function very differently.
Yamaha DGX 640 Digital Piano. These are excellent and available at Mitchell Piano Works in Stevens Point. You will also need to purchase an M-Audio SP2 sustain pedal and also a ProLine Bench.
Twice a year, students produce CDS for family. There are many performing opportunities: Fall Classical Music Festival (SPAMTA), WMTA and WSMA auditions, civic recitals and community outreach events. My studio has one required formal recital in the spring, which is held on the first Friday in May.
Yes, I have several adult students. Adult students are welcome any time! I offer adult students an 'a la carte' option for lessons which helps out with those 'snowbirds' enjoying the freedom of travel without the encumbrances of a weekly lesson.
I offer lessons in voice, guitar,woodwind and theory instruction. As with piano, daily home practice is necessary in order to see results. Guitarists need to have a suitable guitar at home, voice students need a CD player and/or MP 3 for home practice, etc. Many stores in the area offer affordable monthly rental options for keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments.
I teach the standard classical repertoire but also integrate pop, jazz, hymns etc.; all repertoire is customized to the student's personal preferences and skills. I teach traditional music instruction which incorporates note reading from the beginning lesson.
Beginning instruction is once weekly private 30 minute lesson; as the student progresses, families should expect their lesson time to increase to 45-60 minutes, once weekly. The cost of tuition is explained in detail in the studio policy. In order to encourage discipline, appropriate technique and ensure the student is practicing 'the right way', it is imperative that students make a commitment to attend lessons--ALL YEAR.
Beginning instruction is once weekly private 30 minute lesson; as the student progresses, families should expect their lesson time to increase to 45-60 minutes, once weekly. The cost of tuition is explained in detail in the studio policy. In order to encourage discipline, appropriate technique and ensure the student is practicing 'the right way', it is imperative that students make a commitment to attend lessons--ALL YEAR.
It is optional (but recommended!) that parents of students under the age of 10 periodically attend lessons with the child. This gives the parent valuable insights on how to work with the student at home. Even older children benefit when the parent attends the lesson. Children of all ages will benefit greatly from parental support, gentle nudging and input (parents do not need to know anything about music to be supportive in the learning process!).
Mike Mitchell is a very professional and reliable piano tuner. His phone number is 715-341-4908.
First-fourth year students - 20-30 minutes per day; fifth year students - 45 - 60 minutes per day. More advanced students will need to practice more when preparing for recitals, auditions, festivals and competitions.
If the student cancels a lesson it is not made up nor is the tuition amount adjusted. Short-term cancellations and 'no-shows' are not made up. In the event of poor weather and unsafe driving conditions, it is your decision whether or not to attend your lesson. Because of the spontaneity of this situation, instructors are not obligated to adjust payments if you choose to cancel due to the weather. However, if the instructor has made the decision to cancel the lesson, he or she will do their best to reschedule by SKYPE or at the end of summer (August). On occasion, instructors may have to cancel lessons due to illness, workshops, conventions, competitions or performances.
If, at any point, you are unhappy with your lessons, please discuss this problem with your teacher (and sometimes a simple conference can remedy the situation). Regardless of the reason, as a courtesy to your instructor, please provide as much notice as possible if you plan to discontinue lessons. You may stop at any time, but keep in mind that you will not receive a refund for any remaining paid lessons. A student may be removed from a teacher's schedule if the student has significant behavioral problems, refuses to cooperate, is verbally abusive, is disrespectful or consistently shows little or no progress. Students may also need to be suspended if they miss many lessons or are behind in their financial commitments.
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. This is professional certification from Music Teachers National Association. I am also a member of Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and the Stevens Point Area Music Teachers Association.