Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - I
How much of a personal commitment will having piano lessons necessitate?Learning to play a musical instrument is both intellectually stimulating and enriching yet it does require a great deal of personal commitment - often more than most beginners initially imagine. To make consistent progress and to ensure your lessons are enjoyable and as rewarding as possible, sufficient preparation is necessary before the weekly lesson. The length of practice necessary varies from pupil to pupil, however, a beginner should reserve at least twenty minutes per day for this task. Parents of young children are likely to have to enthuse pupils to practise to help them gain the most from their lessons.
What is the optimum age in which to start learning the piano? At what age is one considered 'too old' to learn?
Starting piano lessons at a young age can be advantageous for the talented beginner yet it has its
drawbacks for the less able. Learning to co-ordinate the hands and to read the music (and all the
thought-processes that this requires) is a huge challenge for many beginners and, therefore, when progress is slow, young
children get easily frustrated. In my experience, pupils of 10 years and above
seem to be the best candidates to contemplate learning the instrument. However, there is no upper age-limit,
and pupils of senior age prove equally successful as their younger counterparts.
How much scope is there to tailor lessons to my own interests and capabilities?
Beginners tend to follow a common programme to help develop essential performance skills and their understanding of music and, therefore, there is a limited degree of flexibility at this stage. I will discuss a range of strategies with each pupil, taking in to account any previous experiences (perhaps on another instrument), and outline the various publications that are on offer. There will be opportunity to sit examinations, however, this is not compulsory and I understand that not every pupil finds this dimension to learning necessary. When sufficient technical skills have been acquired it is possible to specialise in a particular style of music and, where possible, I will try to form a programme that suits your interests. I will endeavour to embrace a wide variety of styles and genres to offer the greatest rewards to your musicality.
