Have questions about our online group piano classes? Check out the answers to our frequently asked questions below!
What classes are available?
Classes are divided by age to facilitate learning with developmentally appropriate materials, games, and activities. We currently offer classes for:
-Grades 1-6
-Grades 7-12
How often are classes held, and how long is each class?
Classes are held once per week for 45 minutes. In between classes, student have access to Google Classroom, where they will find their weekly assignment, videos and recordings, and links to online games and activites.
How many students are in each class?
Classes must have at least 3 students enrolled to make it onto the schedule. Classes are capped at 10 students.
What class times are available?
Classes will be scheduled according to students' availability and age. On the enrollment form, you will be asked for your availability. Fill this out in as much detail as possible to ensure placement in a class. Once a class "makes" (has at least 3 students enrolled), then you will be notified of your class day/time. No payment is due until you are placed in a class.
How much does the class cost?
When you enroll, you are committing to one semester, which is 15 classes total.
Tuition for the semster may be paid in full at the beginning of the semester for a small discount, or can be paid in equal installments over the course of the semester.
Tuition for Fall 2024 semester: If paid in 5 monthly installments (August-December): $90/month; or $425 if paid in full by August 19, 2024 ($25 discount)
In addition to tuition, each student is charged a $20 studio fee per semester to help us keep our necessary class technology running smoothly.
The August installment and studio fee ($110 total) must be paid prior to the first class the week of August 19, 2024.
Parents are responsible for purchasing books & materials each semester.
What equipment do I need?
With an increasing number of services moving online, you likely already have everything you need! Here's what you'll need for a good basic setup:
-A tablet, laptop, or desktop computer (NOT a cell phone)
-A tuned piano or keyboard (88 weighted or velocity-sensitive keys is best)
-Headphones
-A Google account and Gmail address for Google Meet & Google Classroom
-A tablet stand or desk to hold your device steady
-Piano books and materials as required for your course
What books and materials are required?
Once enrolled in the course, you will receive a short book and materials list. Books will vary depending on the age and level of the student, but all books will be from major publishers and easily ordered on Amazon.
In addition to method books, students should have at each lesson:
-a black 1" 3-ring binder
-a pencil with eraser
-colored pencils
-stickers of their choice
-access to a printer for supplementary materials
What if I have to miss a class?
No makeups are given for missed classes, and students may not transfer to another class mid-semester.
All students are added to Google Classroom at the beginning of the course. Should a student miss a lesson, they will find the week's assignment as well as demonstration videos and recordings on their Google Classroom. The student should use these materials in their individual practice during the week to catch up and be prepared for the next class. Students may leave a comment to ask questions, if necessary.
Are students required to practice outside of class?
YES. Playing an instrument requires skill, and skill can only be developed through experience. It is simply not possible to make sufficient progress in the class without consistent practice outside of class. Because this is a group class, and the class progresses together, it is imperative that students practice on their own during the week.
Beginning students should practice for 20-30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week. The class does not count as practice; practice is done outside of class.
It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that students are practicing the assigned materials each week at home. Young students especially will need reminders to practice and guidance during their practice session to stay on task. All parents are invited to join Google Classroom so that they can easily access assignments and receive email notifications.
Can parents attend the classes?
Parents are always welcome to sit on our classes, off-camera. For students in the Grades 1-6 classes, I would actually strongly recommend that you attend, so that you can more effectively help them practice during the week.
I do ask that out of respect for our time and the other students in the class that parents refrain from asking questions or visiting with me during the class. You can always reach me via email should questions arise.
Are students expected to perform?
Students will have the opportunity to perform each class period, but no one will ever be put on the spot during a regular class. Students will be notified in advance when they are expected to play for the class, which will happen only toward the end of the semester.
Students are only required to perform live at the end of semester recital. This performance takes place during the last class of the sememster (Week 15.) The performance will be streamed live on YouTube so that parents, family, and friends can tune in and watch! Leading up to this performance, students will be required to submit videos of their assigned recital piece via Google Classroom for individual feedback. Students will have a live practice performance just in front of their classmates the week before the performance (Week 14.)
I'm interested in group classes, but my child has had piano lessons before. Can I still enroll?
We are currently enrolling for:
-new beginners
-beginners with less than one year of previous instruction
-students in Grades 7-12 who had lessons when they were younger but quit and don't remember how to play/read music
If your child doesn't fall into one of those categories, or you aren't sure, fill out the contact form with your question and we'll find the right service for you!
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