PIANO LESSONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why take piano lessons?

• Piano study provides an important emotional and creative outlet. The beauty of musical study is that playing an instrument utilizes all parts of the brain simultaneously. While parts of the brain are sorting, analyzing, and thinking conceptually, other parts are processing and expressing emotion, using the imagination, and thinking creatively. The right brain and left brain work together to help children and adults realize their full potential as complete human beings.
• Piano study enhances intellectual development. Musical study strengthens children’s math skills and overall academic potential. Learning music involves fractions, ratios, and thinking about space and time.
• Piano study helps instill discipline and a work ethic. Children learn that progress comes with regular and focused practice. Musical progress leads to greater self esteem as students receive positive feedback from family and peers for their achievements.
• Piano study teaches the benefits of commitment and persistence.  Learning to play an instrument well requires a sustained effort over an extended period of time. Students have more fun as their musical ability improves because music is its own reward!
• Piano study provides a solid musical base. Piano lessons provide an excellent foundation for learning other instruments, singing, composing one’s own music, or understanding music theory. In studying piano, one learns how to synthesize important musical skills such as note reading, rhythm and the ability to count aloud while playing, technique, dynamics, expressiveness, and performance technique. These musical concepts can be applied to other instruments to great advantage!

Who should take piano lessons?

Consider these questions when determining whether your child is ready for piano lessons:

• Has your child asked about lessons or seemed fascinated by the piano?
• Does your child’s musical interest center on piano?
• Does your child have a natural love of learning?
• Does your child like to sing?  Does your child learn and remember melodies easily?
• Are you willing and able to help your child set aside time to practice every day?
• Does your child have the ability to work hard toward accomplishing a goal? Would you like to help your child develop this quality?

What is the best age to begin lessons?

The exact age can vary depending of the mental, physical, emotional, and social maturity of each child. Generally, I think the best age to start is between six and eight years old. By that time, the child has a foundation in reading and language, is able to stay focused and engaged in the lesson for 30 minutes, is able to practice independently outside of the lesson, and has developed the manual dexterity necessary to move the fingers easily and independently.

How are lessons structured?

Beginners usually start with 30 minute lessons, once a week. Lesson time may be increased to 45 minutes as the student advances. Students are expected to practice daily for about the same length of time as their lesson.  Practice time may vary slightly depending on the age and ability of the student.

For more detailed information regarding lesson policy, scheduling, and tuition, please contact the Knight Music Academy at (847) 726-8742 and visit the Knight Music Academy website.