New to Piano Lessons

This page is a resource for parents of students who have recently started taking piano lessons with me. 

Besides an instrument, what materials are needed/used for piano lessons?  

Books:

I usually purchase the books for students after checking with parents first. The books I use most frequently are:

  • Piano Adventures: Lesson & Performance
  • Royal Conservatory of Music: Technical Requirements, Repertoire, and Etude

In the second half of the school year, I like for students to get an additional book (or two) containing pieces that could be shared during our end-of-year recital. 

Metronome:

A metronome generates an audible beat at a tempo that can be adjusted. There are many options for metronomes (you can even Google "metronome" to access an easy-to-use, free version of this time-keeping tool). Eventually, it is ideal for your child to have a metronome at home that can be operated without adult assistance. Expect to pay $25+ for a metronome. I like the Seiko SQ50-V because it is sturdy, easy to use, has two relatively-pleasant tone options, and has tempo terminology on the dial face, but other good options can be found at a local music store (I shop at Music & Arts nearby) or online.

Tote Bag:

Consider using a dedicated tote bag for transporting piano books to/from lessons. 

Folder or Ringbinder:

Occasionally, I photocopy songs for students. If I photocopy a song or songs for your child, I will ask you to bring a folder or ringbinder for storing them. I usually use photocopies when:

  • I have not decided what I think would be the best level book for the student to use
  • I think the student would benefit from more and/or different material than is included in their current Piano Adventures level book(s)
  • When considering possible songs for recital.

Videos:

Some things I assign for practice are not a book. I often teach exercises and “pattern pieces” by rote from Piano Safari Repertoire 1 Level https://pianosafari.com/repertoire-1 . Here are reminder videos for the Piano Safari songs I most often teach beginning students:

Here is a short overview video (for parents and teachers) explaining the Piano Safari Animal Techniques and reminder videos (for students) for each exercise:

Audio recordings:

Playing duets teaches students the importance of timing in music. I have purchased the Piano Adventures duet recordings for all songs (with duet parts) in their Lesson books. For each song, there is a "slow" version and a faster, goal-tempo version. I can send recordings by email for students to play along with at home. 


What are the practice expectations?

Successful piano lessons depend upon regular, fruitful practice at home. Playing a song beginning to end is part of practice, but mostly, practice is work on specific, challenging spots in the music and technique. I ask students to aim for daily practice, prioritizing frequency over length of practice sessions (10+ minutes). Students are rewarded (a pick from my treat basket) after 3 weeks of 5 practices per week. After a piano practice habit is established, the length of practice sessions should gradually increase.

What are the opportunities/expectations for performing?

I encourage all my students to participate in an end-of-year recital held at The Center at Belvedere. I plan several recital dates/times to keep the recitals short and to fit everyone's schedule. Other performance opportunities in 2024-25 include Wednesday Music Club (WMC) Young Musicians' Recitals (October 20, January 12, March 9, and April 13) and the Charlottesville Music Teacher Association (CMTA) Youth Recital (November 17). These recitals are also held at The Center at Belvedere and are free and open to the public. (Teachers can send two students per recital.) Attending one of these recitals is a great precursor to participating in one. In addition, I encourage my late elementary and intermediate level students to participate in CMTA's Festival (February 15), a recital where students receive feedback from other piano teachers (judges).