FAQs

complete. Each semester builds upon what was learned in previous semesters, and the curriculum was specifically designed to give children the opportunity to master beginner skills and be well-situated to begin private instruction.

 

Q: What ages do you teach?

A:  Children can begin the program when in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade. Children who begin the program can continue taking classes until they complete the program. It is possible classes for other grades could be added in the future - join the Mailing List to be kept in the loop about class offerings. 

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Q: How many kids are in a class?

A:  3 students. On rare occasions, 4.

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Q: But will my child learn and get enough attention in a group class?

A: Most certainly! Students receive instruction as a group in addition to receiving individualized attention from the teacher. Students in this program LOVE the group format and connection they make with the teacher and students.

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Q: Why should my child take group lessons instead of private lessons?

A:  So many reasons! Group lessons are an excellent entry point for young children to build foundational skills prior to private instruction because they are: 1) simply more FUN than private lessons! Students learn through various games which are way more fun to play as a group as opposed to only one-on-one with a teacher; 2) MOTIVATING. Group lessons motivate children to focus and do their best as they have to play together and for one another; 3) more AFFORDABLE than private lessons; 4) a SOCIAL and COMMUNITY-BUILDING experience. Classes are very interactive and students play games with each other.

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Q: Do you offer a trial class?

A:  Yes. I hold a trial class (for the time being, on Zoom) prior to the start of a new semester. The link to sign up can be found on the home page. If the link isn't there, it means a trial class is not currently scheduled...In which case - sign up for the mailing list to be notified of future ones and other info! 

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Q: Is there a discount for siblings?

A:  No, I'm afraid there is not. But families who have a child currently enrolled in the program receive priority registration to enroll the sibling. This is a big benefit because the most popular time slots fill almost instantly.

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Q: Does my child need to have a real piano or is a keyboard good enough?

A:  If budget, space, (and neighbors!) allow, I will always advocate for a real piano that's in good shape. Nothing can truly replicate one - the feel and weight of the keys, the sounds you can produce, or the action of a pedal. That said, I understand this is simply not an option for most families in NYC, so please don't let that stop your child from taking lessons!  If possible, try to avoid digital keyboards and opt for a digital piano that has 88 weighted keys instead. The Yamaha P-45 (with wooden stand) is a great digital piano and is what is used in the studio alongside the Steinway grand piano. Please note it is required for all students to have at a minimum a 61-note keyboard. Piano Storytellers students can receive a 10% discount toward the purchase of a piano/keyboard at Guitar Center - contact me after registering for more info. 

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Q: What is the make up policy?

A:  Make up classes are not available. This is due to there being only 3 keyboards in the classroom, and each student needing their own keyboard. If a student will be absent, they are expected to "catch up" by using the weekly practice videos, available to all enrolled students.

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Q: Will you still hold a class if only 1 student is enrolled in it?

A:  No. The minimum enrollment for a class must be met for it to be held. If a class is canceled due to under-enrollment, you will be notified by the second class session, and a full refund will be given.

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Q: The class I'd like to register my child for is full. Can I be added to a waitlist?

A:  Yes indeed! You may be placed on the waitlist here.

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Q: How much should my child practice?

A:  To get the most out of the program, help your child develop a love of piano from the start, and build your child's confidence in playing, practice is absolutely, 100%, without a doubt essential! I actually think practice is almost more important than lessons! For ages 5-6, a minimum of 2-3 times a week, 5-10 minutes is expected, and for ages 6-8, a minimum of 2-4 times a week, 10-15 minutes. I know that being a parent = being busy...all the time! And kids are busy too - with school, homework, activities, family, and more. It's hard for kids to fit in time to practice, or for parents to have the energy and time to encourage and help them practice. I totally get it! This is why all students have online access to weekly practice videos which act as a "practice pal" - it's like the teacher is sitting with the student at the piano, guiding them through the entire practice session. Not only do these videos make it easier on students and parents, but students also learn how to practice so one day, they can become self-reliant. 

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Q: Do you teach private lessons?

A:  Yes, BUT...  1) only on a semester-by-semester basis, 2) only to students who graduate from Level D, and 3) only for one semester during the semester after they graduate. 

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Q: Are classes held during the summer?

A:  No. 

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Q: Where are the classes held?

A:  In-person classes are held in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn near the 77th St. subway stop in a home-based studio. Online classes are held via Zoom, live from Brooklyn, NY!

 

Q: My child is too young to enroll. What can I do?

A:  Join the Mailing List to receive an email when registration opens for future semesters when your child is old enough! And in the meantime, have fun listening and dancing to a lot of music at home and/or join a general group music class.