If you are interested in piano lessons in the Orange County area, I have taught piano to students of all ages for over ten years. Below you will find frequently asked questions about my teaching methods, location, prices, etc. Please use the contact form for more information or to schedule a lesson.

Q. How old does someone have to be to start piano lessons? Is there a minimum age requirement?

A. You are never too young or too old to start lessons. For children ages 5 and under, I meet with the parents and child on an individual basis and we decide if the child is mature enough to start piano lessons. If they are not quite ready, I recommend that we start with general music lessons, which include piano, singing, solfege, rhythmic training, and movement lessons.

Q. How long is the piano lesson?

A. The length of the lesson depends on the age and experience of the student. For younger beginners, usually ages 7-8 or under I recommend 30 minute lessons. For those who are ages 8-12 or have had a little bit more training and would like to push themselves to the next level I recommend 45 minute lessons. Finally, for adults and some teenagers, or those with much more experience, I recommend an hour lesson. Please remember that every person is different, therefore you individual lesson time can be decided on after our first lesson.

Q. How many times a week can I do the piano lesson?

A. As many as you want! Usually, you would want to have a couple of days between each lesson to practice and work on the assignment given to you at the previous lesson. Most people tend to take one lesson per week. Those, who need more help, are preparing for a concert or a competition, or simply want to learn at a faster pace can take up to 2-3 lessons per week.

Q. Do I have to have a piano to take piano lessons?

A. No. These days there are so many parents who want their child to learn the instrument, but don’t necessarily have the financial means to buy a used piano. Not a problem! Simply, go to your nearest music store, like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or even Costco or Sam’s Club, and find a keyboard. If you decide on getting a keyboard, I ask that the keyboard have these specifications: 88 keys (full size), touch sensitive, and weighted keys. If you want to buy a piano, check your local piano stores or in May, look for sales from your local college or university. Every year, universities and colleges receive new instruments and try to sell their old ones for a reasonable price to the public. Worth checking out. If you are set on  buying a piano, but aren’t sure what to look for, I am willing to drive out and give you my opinion on which piano would be best for your individual needs.

Q. I have an old piano that hasn’t been played in years. Do I need to get it tuned? Who do I call?

A. I would need to hear your piano first, but probably yes, you will need to have it tuned. To find a piano tuner, you can go to places such as Kim’s Piano or Fields Pianos and ask them for the names of piano tuners. I also have a couple of names of tuners I have used in the past. Contact me for those. Basic tunings run in cost from $85-$150 and should be performed about 1-2 times per year. (Once after the the coldest period of the year and once after the hottest period of the year). If your piano is close to a window, door, fireplace, or any other area exposed to significant climate changes, you might need to have it tuned more often.

Q. Do I have to practice and how long?

A. As with any sport, academic subject, or activity, you have to practice to improve. Usually, I like to say that practice doesn’t have a time limit. When you practice, you set a daily goal for yourself. You should practice until that small goal is achieved, regardless whether it takes 30 minutes or one hour. HOWEVER, this idea doesn’t work for some students, so it depends on the age, experience, and desire to improve. Younger students should practice 20-30 minutes per day, every day. Older, more advanced students should practice between 1-2 hours per day depending on what they are playing and how serious they are about piano. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Q. Do you teach at your house or do you travel to students’ houses?

A. Both. I live in Fountain Valley, CA (92708). If you are within a 5 mile radius of me, I can come to your house. If you are farther away, I might be able to make a special arrangement or ask that you come to my house.  Contact me for more information.

Q. Can you teach me to play pop songs and non-classical music?

A. Absolutely!

Q. Can you teach me to play classical music?

A. Yes!

Q. Do you enter your students into the MTAC Certificate of Merit or Bach/Baroque Festivals?

A. If you express to me the desire to do either, I will gladly train you and enter you into these programs. Ask me for more details if you are interested.

Q. Which teaching method do you use?

A. All of them. I believe that each student is different and one method simply can not work the same way with each student. Therefore, I find what works best for you and I customize a lesson to your needs. I use several different books for music theory and for repertoire. For students ages 4-5, I use the Kodaly method for solfege and rhythm.

Q. Do you have student recitals?

A. Yes. At least twice per year, not including competitions, talent shows, or festivals that you chose to participate in.

Q. I work in the evenings and can only do lessons in the mornings. Are you available?

A. Yes. Contact me to set up a lesson time.

Q. My child has school and is only free in the evenings for lessons. Are you available?

A. Yes. Contact me to set up a lesson time.

Q. Do you teach on weekends and holidays?

A. I prefer not to teach on weekends and holidays. However, if we have a lesson to make up and no other time during the week works for you, I am glad to set up a time on the weekends to make up for it.

Q. What are your rates?

A. Since every situation is different, depending on location and the length of the lesson, the price will vary slightly. Please contact me for your individual rate.

Sounds like something you might be interested in? Contact me and set up a lesson time. Talk to you soon!