FAQs
What age groups do you teach?
We teach students as young as 4 years old all the way to 18 years old. Although we have some students that are 4 years old, we do some tests to see if it's right for them to start at that age. They are also required to have much parental help at home.
Do you teach adults?
Unfortunately, at this time, we are not teaching adults
What are the benefits of semi-private piano lessons?
Below are just some of the benefits students experience learning with others:
* Traditionally, piano lessons are a very solitary experience – students come to lessons on their own, and then go home and practice on their own. Yet music is to be shared. The shared lessons allow for and encourage this.
* Students get comfortable playing in front of others, even when they don't have a song down perfectly, or something is still in the process of being learned.
* Most things we learn to do in life, we learn with others.
* Private lessons underestimate or undervalue the importance of observatory learning.
* Private lessons can be a little intimidating – the student has to come up with all the answers on their own for the whole lesson – this means they can be nervous and feel they are having to perform for the teacher. In the case of shared lessons, the students get a chance to sit back and observe, allowing them to be in a relaxed state and just take in what they are watching. The students take turns at being the volunteer at the piano. The students are not nervous when they are observing.
* Shared lessons are very dynamic, interactive and fun. There is an energy present in the room when students work together! They feed off of each others learning and apply it to their own.
For more advantages on group lessons, continue to the bottom of this page.
Where are lessons held?
117 Theresa Avenue, American Canyon, CA 94503
We are located in Calvary Baptist Christian Academy. Just ask for Phillip or give me a call (707) 243-3544.
Do I need to practice outside of my lessons?
In order to receive the full benefit of piano coaching, you will need to practice at least 10-15 minutes a day. As pianists progress, 30 minutes a day about 5-7 days a week. It is very important to have a strict practice time at home. Try to practice at the same time every day. If it is possible, practice in the mornings (There have been studies that practice in the morning is equivalent to up to double the practice at night!).
Do I have to own a piano?
Yes, a weighted, full size, 88-key digital piano will work. And, of course, an acoustic piano will work too!
What should I look for in choosing a piano or keyboard?
When choosing a piano or keyboard, budget is often an important factor. Almost all pianos have 88 keys, and have all of the preferred benefits and features. A local piano tuner can provide valuable advice, and can often assist when considering purchasing a used acoustic piano.
When choosing an electronic keyboard, there are certain features to look for. The more features, the more the cost. Use the following guidelines (in order of importance):
More Questions? Feel free to give us a call at (707) 243-3544.
Or Click on the "Contact Us" page.
What age groups do you teach?
We teach students as young as 4 years old all the way to 18 years old. Although we have some students that are 4 years old, we do some tests to see if it's right for them to start at that age. They are also required to have much parental help at home.
Do you teach adults?
Unfortunately, at this time, we are not teaching adults
What are the benefits of semi-private piano lessons?
Below are just some of the benefits students experience learning with others:
* Traditionally, piano lessons are a very solitary experience – students come to lessons on their own, and then go home and practice on their own. Yet music is to be shared. The shared lessons allow for and encourage this.
* Students get comfortable playing in front of others, even when they don't have a song down perfectly, or something is still in the process of being learned.
* Most things we learn to do in life, we learn with others.
* Private lessons underestimate or undervalue the importance of observatory learning.
* Private lessons can be a little intimidating – the student has to come up with all the answers on their own for the whole lesson – this means they can be nervous and feel they are having to perform for the teacher. In the case of shared lessons, the students get a chance to sit back and observe, allowing them to be in a relaxed state and just take in what they are watching. The students take turns at being the volunteer at the piano. The students are not nervous when they are observing.
* Shared lessons are very dynamic, interactive and fun. There is an energy present in the room when students work together! They feed off of each others learning and apply it to their own.
For more advantages on group lessons, continue to the bottom of this page.
Where are lessons held?
117 Theresa Avenue, American Canyon, CA 94503
We are located in Calvary Baptist Christian Academy. Just ask for Phillip or give me a call (707) 243-3544.
Do I need to practice outside of my lessons?
In order to receive the full benefit of piano coaching, you will need to practice at least 10-15 minutes a day. As pianists progress, 30 minutes a day about 5-7 days a week. It is very important to have a strict practice time at home. Try to practice at the same time every day. If it is possible, practice in the mornings (There have been studies that practice in the morning is equivalent to up to double the practice at night!).
Do I have to own a piano?
Yes, a weighted, full size, 88-key digital piano will work. And, of course, an acoustic piano will work too!
What should I look for in choosing a piano or keyboard?
When choosing a piano or keyboard, budget is often an important factor. Almost all pianos have 88 keys, and have all of the preferred benefits and features. A local piano tuner can provide valuable advice, and can often assist when considering purchasing a used acoustic piano.
When choosing an electronic keyboard, there are certain features to look for. The more features, the more the cost. Use the following guidelines (in order of importance):
- 88-key digital piano or keyboard with weighted keys.
- A sustain pedal (not a sustain 'button')
- Touch sensitive key
- If in stock, we offer digital pianos for rent for just $25/month!
More Questions? Feel free to give us a call at (707) 243-3544.
Or Click on the "Contact Us" page.
More Advantages of Semi-Private Lessons
Musical
The dynamic group environment accelerates musical learning.
- Multiple types of learning through observation and experience.
- Variety, physicality and group dynamics are energizing and fun for students and teacher, dramatically increasing students’ attention and engagement.
- Questions and comments not all students would think of on their own.
- Interactive discussion can deepen learning.
- Pairings and mentor groups increase in-lesson educational support.
- Classmates provide opportunity for out-of-lesson educational support.
- Presence of others facilitates singing along, providing more holistic musical learning.
- Playing and singing together gives ensemble performance experience.
- Playing in front of others provides public performance experience.
- Constructive peer pressure – groups increases students’ sense of accountability and can speed up those who would have been slower.
Social
Music becomes a natural, joyful and cooperative activity.
- Students develop social skills and engage in teamwork.
- Group dynamics create room for each unique personality.
- Appreciation for multiple perspectives – everyone learns from everyone, not only from the teacher.
- Community, camaraderie, friendship – within piano learning and potentially beyond as well.
- No student is on the spot with the teacher for the entire lesson – opportunity to hide when needed based on personality, mood, etc.
- Students learn to teach others – faster students in particular can take on a leadership role.
- Parent/coach gains support from other students and parents/coaches.
- Many of the musical advantages are social ones as well.
Economic
The return on investment increases dramatically.
- Classmates can help students catch up when a lesson is missed.
- All the musical and social benefits would be missed in private lessons.