Piano Lessons

IN-STUDIO PIANO LESSONS

In-person lessons are available for Utah students. Students should bring all required books to every lesson and have their lesson assignments completed. No food or gum is allowed in the studio. Nails should be trimmed short. Studio instruments include a Boston grand (for students) and a Kawai upright (for the teacher). The student waiting room includes a Yamaha upright for students to warm up. The performance room has a Shigeru Kawai grand piano.

VIRTUAL PIANO LESSONS 

For students who live outside of Utah, we use a music platform called Rock Out Loud Live for virtual lessons. Students use a laptop computer connected to the internet router via ethernet cable. At the time of the lesson, students should be prepared with all of their piano books at the piano, a pencil, 1-inch Post-it notes, and a metronome. Students who live outside of Utah who take virtual lessons will participate in studio performance classes, workshops, and recitals virtually.

MISSED LESSONS

If you need to miss a private lesson please notify me by 9am the day before the missed lesson in order to schedule a lesson on the next available make up Saturday (see the Calendar for make up lesson dates). There are no make ups for missed performance classes, workshops, or recitals. 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• access to a piano for daily practice, which is in good repair and tuned regularly (at least annually)
• metronome
• 3-ring binder for lesson assignments
• music bag to keep all materials, books, flashcards, etc.
• music books  

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

A regular daily practice schedule will ensure long-lasting and steady progress. It is expected that students will practice 6 days a week and parents will provide a quiet, focused atmosphere for their child’s daily practice. Students should follow the practice instructions carefully, completing any assigned charts for each piece as outlined in the notebook. I do not believe that excessive practice produces positive results in the long-run. I teach students how to practice correctly and efficiently and if students follow the practice instructions from their lessons, they will achieve desired results in less time.

PERFORMANCES

Students participate in studio performances which include recitals and performance classes and they perform on a beautiful Shigeru Kawai grand piano in our performance room. There may be additional performance opportunities throughout the year including festivals and competitions. Check the Calendar for event dates.

EVALUATIONS/EXAMS

Students have the opportunity to participate in one of these annual exams:

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM): Based in Toronto, these performance and theory exams are in-person available throughout North America, in all major U.S. cities including as well as virtually through Zoom. RCM exam fees range from $65-$310. For more information go to https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations

Achievement in Music (AIM): Utah’s music exam program. Exams are in three parts and include performance repertoire, technique/sight reading, and theory/ear-training. Our evaluations are in person in American Fork, Utah. The fee is $35. For more information, go to https://utahmta.org/students/programs/aim/#

Certificate of Merit (CM): California’s music exam program. Fees range from $85-$110 based on the level. It is now an online program where students submit videos and take an online theory test and it is open to students who live outside of California. For more information, go to https://www.mtac.org/programs/cm/

STUDIO CHALLENGE

Each fall an annual challenge is presented to students and they have the school year to complete the challenge. For the 2024-2025 year (Aug 2024 – May 2025), we are doing the Piano Olympics challenge. Students who learn 40 pieces throughout the year earn a Bronze medal, 50 is a Silver medal, and 60 is a Gold medal.

CONCERT ATTENDANCE

Students are encouraged to attend public concerts and/or recitals at least twice a year. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available to highly motivated, committed students and are based on financial need.  

PIANO PROGRAM

SEMESTERS: Fall (Aug-Dec) & Winter/Spring (Jan-May) tuition includes:

• 18 Private Lessons each semester
• Performance Classes
• Theory/Ear-Training Workshops
• Studio Recitals 
• Community Service Performances

Tuition for Fall and Winter/Spring semesters includes all private lessons, performance classes, workshops, recitals, and community performances. Tuition may be paid monthly or by semester for a discount.

SUMMER (June-July)

Students need to schedule a minimum of 4 private lessons in the summer (June and July) in order to reserve their spot for the fall. Summer lesson dates and times are flexible and can be scheduled around students’ summer camps and family vacations. Tuition for summer lessons is on a per-lesson basis and is due at the beginning of each month.  

PIANO PROGRAM FEES

STUDENT-TEACHER-PARENT RELATIONSHIP

I believe in maintaining mutual respect between the parent and the teacher. I will work hard to develop the type of relationship with each student that will make them feel encouraged, motivated, and inspired. Open and honest communication between myself and the parents is essential.

I encourage parents to develop a healthy and positive relationship regarding their child’s daily practice regime. They should be cheerleaders for their children and strive to keep the daily piano practice regimen an enjoyable and uplifting experience.