Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of some frequently asked questions you can find answered below. If you have further questions, you may call me at 917-595-7137.
- How do I know my child is ready for piano lessons?
- Can I take piano lessons, too?
- How much must my child practice?
- Do I need a piano or can I use an electronic keyboard?
- Can my child still play sports?
- What if my child quits and I've paid in advance?
How do I know my child is ready for piano lessons?
Please carefully consider the following if you are planning to give your child piano lessons.
- Can your child sit still for 30 minutes?
- Is your child comfortable talking with adults?
- Is your child enthusiastic about music?
- Does your child care for his/her personal belongings and clean up after him/herself?
- Is your child prepared to practice daily and regularly?
I advise parents explain to their children what the commitment of piano lessons entails in terms of time, weekly practicing and the nature of long-term commitment. While students begin to play in the first 5 minutes, the true gift of making music at the piano is a lifelong journey of discovery and joy. I require all my students to practice daily and regularly.
All students must have an initial interview and trial piano lesson. Please call me at 917-595-7137 to schedule your interview. Interview and Trial Piano Lesson information here. I will evaluate your child and give you a comprehensive assessment of the child's readiness to take lessons with me.
Can I take piano lessons, too?
Absolutely, yes! Music making is therapeutic and rewarding both intellectually and emotionally. Also, playing duets with your children is the perfect way to spend quality time together working towards musical goals and exchanging musical ideas. Sharing music is also an excellent way to build new family traditions. In fact, I first learned piano from my mother. Almost 3 decades later, we played a duet in Carnegie Hall. Visit the Dreams Fulfilled page to see the pictures.
How much must my child practice?
I require my students practice daily. The focus of weekly practice is the list of goals we create at the lesson. Students are required to work in a manner that allows them to fulfill weekly goals. Music reading and finger/arm strength are intricate and need to be praciticed regularly. Therefore, depending on age and maturity of the student, I can offer the following general guidelines: a child from ages 5-9 will probably practice 10-45 minutes a day. As students get older and more mature, they should expect to practice 30-60 minutes a day. The serious minded students and/or career-oriented musicians will easily and enthusiastically practice 1, 2 or more hours a day. NOTE: Students who aspire to have professional careers in music and/or pursue music majors in college should be prepared to practice 3 to 6 hours daily as college entrance exams and competitions are rigorous and demanding. College and or conservatory life will be intense and students who aspire to this level of musicianship should be prepared to spend significant hours during the day practicing.
Do I need a piano or can I use an electronic keyboard?
It is best to study piano lessons on an acoustic piano. However, space and financial considerations might require an electronic keyboard. Current technology has produced high quality electronic instruments that are suitable for the beginning stages of piano study. You may view my keyboard recommendations at this link.
NOTE: If you use an electronic keyboard, you should acquire one that has full size keys and one that has no less than 88 keys. Also, the keyboard must have touch sensitive keys and preferably "weighted" keys which simulate the action of an acoustic piano. Anything less will be a waste of your time and money.
I am happy to offer free advice to you on piano or keyboard purchasing. If you are unfamiliar with pianos, please contact me for assistance before buying a used piano. I'm committed you get the best piano/keyboard for your money. If you prefer to educate yourself, I highly recommend "The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano" by Larry Fine (ISBN 1-929145-01-2).
Can my child still play sports?
Yes. In fact, playing the piano is both mental and physical and requires a lot of flexibility in the fingers, wrists, arms and shoulders. Sports also demand flexibility to avoid injury and can therefore be very beneficial to piano students. As for the serious minded youngster, it's simple. If you play tennis and hurt your elbow, you have to stop for a while. And if you play a sport and hurt your fingers, wrists, shoulders or arms, you have to stop playing piano until you've recovered.
What if my child quits and I've paid in advance?
If your child makes a request to quit...please tell me as soon as possible. Many times a change of music or practice regimen is all that is needed to get over a slump. All musicians experience slumps! Part of what we learn about ourselves through the discipline of music study is that we have the strength and ability to overcome difficult times.
If, however, after all attempts to identify the dissatisfaction, and your child still desires to terminate lessons, you are welcome to give any of your unused pre-paid lessons as a gift to a relative or friend. Download Yungling Piano Studio Policy Statement for important information about cancellations, missed lessons and refund policies.