Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start on the piano?
You will need regular access to either an acoustic piano (upright or grand piano), or a keyboard/digital piano. A full size keyboard is preferable, and weighted keys and touch sensitivity are a must. Your teacher will assign books to purchase (usually $20-40, which will last for at least a few months). Mostly, you should want to learn and make a commitment to regular practice!
What do I need to start on the flute?
You will need to rent or purchase a student flute. Please get one from a reputable music store! There are very cheap flutes available online, but they are cheaply made and it is frustrating (if not impossible) to learn to play on an instrument that doesn't work well. Renting (rent-to-own) from a music store will cost around $30-45/month, or if you want to purchase a flute I can help you find a good quality student flute. If you rent, I highly recommend the few extra dollars for full insurance coverage.
What is a good age to begin piano lessons?
For most kids, age 7 is a good time to start learning the piano with me. If you want to start earlier, I recommend the Pied Piper Music School, or finding a teacher who regularly starts younger beginners. If you're not sure if your child is ready, and he/she is not begging for lessons- wait. You can certainly start piano lessons as an older child or adult if you don't start earlier. Some kids become interested in music at age 9-12 or as teens, and with regular practice most will see rapid progress. Many adults want a second shot at learning the piano, or to take a chance they didn't have as a child. It's fun to learn piano as an adult! You will just need a healthy dose of patience and humility.
What is a good age to begin flute lessons?
The best age to begin for most kids is 4th-5th grade. Some are ready in the 3rd grade, but the flute is an instrument with a steep learning curve at the beginning. If your child is begging to play the flute at a young age, there are curved flutes such as the Jupiter Waveline that makes it easier for small arms and hands to play.
How do I choose a teacher or tutor for my child?
Ideally you would bring your child to interview with 2-3 teachers before choosing one. If this is not possible, make sure the teacher you choose seems to communicate well with your child, and that your child has a positive feeling about the teacher and lessons.
Do you offer classes or lessons?
I call them lessons because what I offer is 1:1 instruction. However, I refer to them as classes in places on this website as I find many of the parents looking for a music instructor use the search term "classes".
Do you have openings?
Email to see if there are openings. If the schedule is full I can put you on a waitlist and meanwhile refer you to other teachers.
What are your tuition rates?
Beginners of any age generally start with half hour lessons, usually once a week, sometimes twice if schedule allows. 60min weekly lessons are good for those who are more advanced, putting in lots of practice time, or who are working on preparing for a performance or writing their own music.
Monthly tuition* for the 2023-2024 school year:
30 min weekly lessons: $176/month
60 min weekly lessons: $352/month
*Tuition is the same each month, September-June, regardless of the number of lessons in the month. July and August tuition can be prorated for vacations.
Tuition covers your lesson each week, as well as all the preparation time required. I can be reached between lessons by email or phone if you have questions or need clarification. There are no sign-up or additional fees paid to the instructor. The rates include two recitals each year, as well as access to a lending library of sheet music.
Do you teach in-home lessons?
I am fortunate to have a studio conveniently located in a central location so I don't travel to students' houses. If travel to downtown Redmond is not an option, I offer online lessons.
Do you offer online music lessons?
Yes! I moved to all online instruction in 2020 and some students found it worked really well for their schedule and learning style. Currently (almost 3 years later) around 1/3 of students do online lessons. Some learn primarily or exclusively online due to geography or transportation considerations. I use Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom for online lessons, depending on student preference and available technology.
What is your attendance policy?
When you sign up for a regular lesson time, you are paying for that time slot each week. If you have a scheduling conflict, please let me know in advance and if schedule allows you can change your time for the week or double up the following week. If you cancel without sufficient notice, no make-up will be offered. Scheduling is done online, via Fons.
What is the time commitment required?
I recommend a trial period of at least three months of private lessons, after which you can evaluate whether the instrument and teacher are a good fit. Students will need to find time at home for regular practice, ideally 4-5 days a week.
What do parents do during lessons?
Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons, and are encouraged to do so with beginners, younger children, and periodically with children of any age. Some parents take the opportunity to walk on the River Trail or run errands. There are comfortable chairs and wifi in the hallway for parents and other family members who choose to remain at The Music Haven. If kids are learning virtually, parents just need to make sure they get to the meeting. Parents of the youngest virtual students are asked to stay in the room to assist as needed.
Do you put on student recitals or performances?
I schedule two recitals a year in addition to one studio event that is not performance oriented. Recitals prove to be a strong motivation for most students, and they are kept friendly and informal. Memorizing music for performance is not required (but is encouraged independent from performance).
Is there on-site parking?
Yes, the Village Square plaza has a dedicated parking lot, and there is almost always space available. Two-hour free street parking is also available.
Is the building accessible?
Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible elevator up to the second floor, where The Music Haven is located. Unfortunately the building and suite doors are heavy and do not have automatic openers, so please notify me if you would like assistance with the doors or with other accessibility questions.
I'm interested. What's the next step?
Email or call to schedule a no-obligation interview. The interview is a chance for me to meet you (and your child if s/he is the one who will be taking lessons), and to get any questions you have answered. I will also assess if the student seems ready for lessons and if it appears to be a good fit for student/instructor. I look forward to meeting you!