I am a student and would like to take lessons. How do I start?
See the "Contact Us" page. Upon receipt of your email, we will contact you and work out a consultation time. There is no commitment required at this stage. The consultation is where we can get to know one another and decide together what your individual learning needs are and what you hope to achieve from taking lessons. If you decide to continue, then you need to book an ongoing, regular lesson time.
How can I pay for my lessons?
For the School Year Term, you will be billed according to the format you choose. Payments can be made by cash or cheque payable to Caroline Johnston. Payments may also be made via Interac e-transfer. Summer Term payments will operate on a monthly invoice schedule.
What if I get sick or need to miss my lesson?
Please see the missed lessons policy.
I want to learn piano, but I only have a keyboard. Is this OK to practice on?
It is recommended that, as a bare minimum, the instrument on which you will practice has 61 touch sensitive keys. Ideally though, you should have the full complement of 88 fully weighted hammer action keys available. A keyboard will be fine for learning, but a piano may be an investment that you want to look into down the road.
What music will I need?
As lessons are tailored to the individual learner. The music you need really depends upon you. If you have had lessons before, please bring any music you have with you and be prepared to demonstrate your current ability. Any music requirements will be suggested at the initial consultation and your instructor will be able to assist you with any necessary purchases.
How often do I need to practice?
Every day is the best answer; however, we all lead busy lives so it is up to you to do as much as you can to make your lessons worthwhile. You only get out of it what you put into it! Practicing is the homework for piano lessons. It is necessary to practice daily on all the assigned pieces and activities, including technique. Students who practice daily enjoy piano more because it is easier for them to learn to play piano. They can easily see their achievements and want to continue learning more. For every day skipped in practicing piano, two days of progress are lost. Cram practicing works poorly for piano. Too much information is forgotten and fine motor coordination will not develop. Students who habitually don’t follow required practicing requirements or assignments won’t learn how to play piano easily or well.
I signed up for vocal lessons and was told I needed piano lessons as well. Why do I need to study piano if I just want to sing?
Piano study provides singers with reinforcement of theoretical knowledge and music literacy. But, most importantly, it also provides singers with the independence to learn their vocal lines without the assistance of the instructor or other pianists.