F.A.Q.
The following are some of the most frequent questions I'm asked by people inquiring about lessons...
Q. Do I need a piano/keyboard
or flute to take lessons?
A. Yes. Once you have decided to start lessons, an instrument is necessary
for learning & practice.
Q. Is it alright to buy or rent
a keyboard instead of a piano?
A. Yes it is. I think it's an excellent idea to use a keyboard if you
don't already own a piano. It gives you a chance
to find out whether you or your child has a sincere interest in playing
an instrument without having to make a large
financial commitment.
Q. Where can I rent a flute or
keyboard?
A. I recommend Long & McQuade. The store is located at 1133 Markham
Rd & Ellesmere on the southeast corner of
the Red Lobster Plaza. The telephone number is 416-439-8001
Q. Do I have to take exams?
A. I only recommend exams to students who truly want to take them. If
you are studying piano or flute to gain a high school
credit then exams are necessary. If you are wanting to enter University
with music as a major or minor. then I'd also highly
advise you to take them.
Q. Do I have to practice?
A. If you want to improve your skills then practicing is necessary.
Q. Do I have to buy music books?
A. If you are studying for an exam then yes, you must purchase music books.
Otherwise, I supply all music.
Q. Can I choose the music that
I want to play?
A. Yes you can, though for young children I usually maintain a fair amount
of control until they have met a certain level of proficiency.
Q. Are parents allowed to sit
in and observe the lesson?
A. Yes, I encourage parents to be there if they can. Some parents sit
in the waiting room and others
just drop off & pick up their children. The choice is up to you.
Q. Do you teach students that
have learning or physical disabilities?
A. Yes I do though I like to make an assessment before taking on a student.
Q. How old should my child be
before starting lessons?
A. I have taught children successfully from the age of four though I am
more comfortable with six years of age and up.
I find that children have to be assessed individually to determine whether
they are able to focus their attention
for more than a few minutes.
Q. How often do I or my child
take lessons?
A. Lessons are given on a half-hour weekly basis.
Q. I have two children. Can I
alternate them from week to week?
A. No. I have tried this many times and it simply does not work well.
Q. I have more than one child.
Do you teach them all the same music?
A. Generally, no. To eliminate sibling rivalry I set up individual programs
for each child that would best suit their needs
and musical interests.
