FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing can be dependent on many factors, including level of expertise, how well the teacher can communicate new concepts to students, demand, reputation, and even how much effort they invest in a student during non-instruction time. It is a mistake to choose the cheapest teacher. Often a poor teacher dampens a student's enthusiasm for piano, and can also mean bad habits or gaps in learning that later need to be filled in by a future teacher. It makes more sense to learn once, correctly. I've taught many transfer students over the years who came in not knowing what they should've known for the amount of time they'd been playing. When it comes to professional services, there can be a tendency to be penny wise and pound foolish. The thing to remember is that you almost always get what you pay for. If you want excellent instruction, be willing to pay for the best. Then you'll learn it right the first time instead of having to backtrack. I don't cheapen the value of my services by discounting. With every student I deliver (and over-deliver) excellent value so that every dollar of your tuition is well spent. In addition, I am available to students to answer questions or problem-solve between lessons, I hand-select music just for each student, and I find ways to encourage them toward success every step of the way.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to have an initial phone conversation. I'll ask your goals for you (or your child's) piano lessons, what type of piano or keyboard you have, desired frequency and length of lessons, and I'll answer any questions you may have. If you've had previous instruction we discuss your experiences there. If you want to move forward, we'll finalize a mutually compatible time/day for lessons, and our start date. We'll discuss what type of payment method you prefer -- cash, check, Zelle, Paypal, etc. (I prefer Zelle because it's very easy and instant.) I ask students to complete the application form on my website so I have all your pertinent info. Then I'll invoice you for your registration/materials fee + your first month of lessons. For remote students, I'll send you your lesson book(s). But since they often don't arrive in time for the first lesson, I also send you the pages we'll cover in your first lesson, via email. It's best if you print them out. I'll also send you a Zoom link for your lesson. It's best if you set up your laptop (or largest screen you have available) to the RIGHT of your piano or keyboard for the best balance of sound. Log in to your Zoom link a couple minutes before your scheduled start time.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I had extensive classical training from kindergarten through senior high. By the time I was a high school junior the teachers in town were feeding me their overflow students, and I was teaching a dozen students my last two years in high school. I continued to teach most of my adult life... interrupted by several moves and a couple difficult childbirths. Teaching is a blast! I love to see students get turned on to music and piano... and even rediscover the joy of music later in life even if they hated it as kids. Music is supposed to be fun, uplifting, and enjoyable. I do everything in my power to convey that to all my students. And to shorten the learning curve so they can relax and enjoy it sooner. Join me in the musical adventure of a lifetime, playing piano. Reach out today and let's do music together!