- What is taught in music lessons?
- My child wants to learn music. How involved should I be?
- How old do you have to be to learn?
- How much do lessons cost?
- How do I pay my lesson fees?
- What is the policy on cancellations?
- What are your training and qualifications?
- What if I want to do exams?
- What if I don’t want to do exams?
- Can I choose the music I learn?
- How often do I practice and for how long?
What is taught in music lessons?
I will teach the student how to read music, how to play the instrument with good technique and posture, how to practice, how to prioritise time, how to set goals, how to perform in front of an audience, general musicianship, music appreciation and an enjoyment of playing and/or singing.
My child wants to learn music. How involved should I be?
As a parent, it is important to be involved in your child’s music education. At a minimum, parents need to peruse the practice journal in order to monitor progress, assist them to adhere to the goals set, remind the students to pack their books on lesson days and provide encouragement. Younger children will need their practice closely supervised. Sitting in on lessons can be beneficial for both parent and student, particularly if the student is of primary school-age or younger and all parties are comfortable with this arrangement.
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How old do you have to be to learn?
I take piano students as young as four if they have strong parental support, the ability to recognise numbers and letters and the ability to focus for a half-hour lesson. I take singing students from 12 years. Students younger than 12 who wish to sing are encouraged to learn piano and join their school choir. There is no detriment to starting specialised singing lessons this “late”. I started specialised singing lessons at 16. Adult beginners are welcome. Nobody is too old to start music lessons!
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Lessons are charged at $66 per hour. Lessons can be for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the age and level of the student.
Discounts offered:
- 5% discount for one month in advance upfront
- 10% discount for one term in advance upfront
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Upfront payment may be made by cash, cheque or direct deposit. If paying weekly, cash is requested. There are no EFTPOS or credit card facilities.
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What is the policy on cancellations?
Inability to attend a lesson should be advised as soon as possible. At least 24hrs notice is required. Failure to attend a scheduled lesson, without notification or reasonable cause, will result in the full fee being charged for that lesson. Lessons cancelled with notice will be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable time.
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What are your training and qualifications?
I studied piano and singing at the Queensland University of Technology, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Music. I later completed a Master of Teaching in music and drama at the same university. I have an Associate of Music on piano from the AMEB and have completed up to and including 8th Grade AMEB singing (with Distinction), which is the level below Associate. I am a former high school performing arts teacher and a professional performing artist.
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You can! I have put many students through exams over the past 14 years with a 100% pass rate. I know how to best prepare a student for a music exam.
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What if I don’t want to do exams?
You don’t have to do exams if you don’t want to. An exam is one way of setting goals, monitoring progress and getting performance practice but there are many other ways. Playing or singing for pleasure is a legitimate reason to learn music.
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Can I choose the music I learn?
We will work together to find appropriate repertoire for the abilities and tastes of the student.
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How often do I practice and for how long?
It’s not the quantity of practice, but the quality that is important. I teach students to plan their practice, set goals and aim to achieve each goal set by utilising many and varied techniques. The answer to the question is: as often as you can and until your goals are met.