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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What type of Music program is offered?

 

I offer piano lessons for children from age 4. I have a diploma in Montessori education so Maria Montessori’s philosophy is incorporated into my teaching through hands-on games. I cater to the children’s interests so if they have a particular song they would like to learn I will be more than willing to find the music for them.

 

 

What age do you start teaching children?

 

I start teaching children at the age of 4 but not all children are ready for lessons. Before beginning lessons I like to meet the student to see if they are ready.

 

 

How do I know when my child is ready to begin piano lessons?

 

  • Can your child count from 1-10 and recognise written numbers?

  • Can your child recite the alphabet and recognise written letters A-G

  • Is your child beginning to differentiate right from left?

  • Is your child able to focus on one activity and/or sit still for atleast 10 minutes at a time?

  • Is your child expressing musicality (humming, singing, dancing, tapping rhythms, etc.)?

  • Is your child showing interest in music or asking about piano lessons?

 

If you can select 3 or more items from the list above your child is ready to begin lessons.

 

 

Where are piano lessons held?

 

Piano lessons are held in my studio in Fisher, ACT.

 

 

When are piano lessons held at Laura’s Piano studio?

 

Lessons are held during the school term. You can see the dates on the website.

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Do you teach during the day or just after school?

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I teach after school, before school and early afternoon to accomodate home schooled students.

 

 

How long are lessons?

 

Piano lessons start at 30 minutes. When the student becomes more advanced they may need 45 or 60 minutes.

 

 

When should my child arrive at their lesson?

 

Please arrive at your lesson no more than 5minutes early. If I am teaching another student please wait in the car or out of sight. If a student waits right outside the window, the student I am teaching gets very distracted.

 

 

Are lessons held on public holidays?

 

No lessons are not held on public holidays. Public holidays are always deducted from the terms fee if any fall within the school term.

 

 

How much do lessons cost?

 

Lessons cost $370 per term for 30minute lessons. If public holidays fall on the lesson day it will be slightly less.

 

 

Do you have a registration fee?

 

Yes a registration fee of $60 needs to be paid before starting lessons. See my policy for more information.

 

 

 

How are lessons paid?

 

Lessons can be paid by cash or by bank transfer (see my studio policy for my bank details).

 

 

Do you require a keyboard or piano to attend lessons?

 

Yes! Without a keyboard/piano your child will not progress. A keyboard/piano is required so your child can practice at home. Keyboards need to have 88 keys with touch sensitive and weighted keys. The keyboard also needs to have a damper pedal. Pianos need to be tuned once a year. Chris Leslie is an excellent piano tuner.

 

 

What does my child need to bring to their lesson?

 

They need to bring all of their books required. They usually require their scale folder, lesson book, assignment sheet book and Dozen a Day.

 

 

How often should my child practice?

 

If you would like your child to progress at playing the piano they need to practice atleast once a day.  For students aged 4 to 6, they should practice 15 minutes a day. For older students they need to practice 30 minutes a day. If a student wishes to do an AMEB exam more practice is required. It is outlined below for the first 3 grades.

 

Preliminary- 30 minutes a day

First Grade- 40 minutes a day

Second Grade- 60 minutes a day

 

 

Do you offer make up lessons if a lesson is missed?

 

No I don't.  Specific times are set aside for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. I will then use that time or other times to plan for the students progress, locate materials etc. Please be assured that your tuition pays for more than the time spent with your child (please see what tuition covers below).There are no refunds for missed lessons. If you have used up your one make up lesson in that term you will not get any more make up lessons.

 

 

What does my tuition cover?

 

  • Time spent with the student

  • Time spent in preparation for the student- trips to the music store, lesson planning, book keeping.

  • Your teachers training and experience

  • Recital costs and preparations

  • Professional organisation memberships- Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enchance their teaching skills.

  • Magazine Subscriptions- magazines to assistant the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.

  • Studio expenses- Printing, computer software, ipad apps, instruments, tunings, repairs, lesson games/materials.

  • Music books and CDs- Materials purchased by the teacher to use during lessons.

  • Self-employment taxes, insurance, superannuation- tuition helps cover the increased living costs of a self employed teacher.

  • Continuing education- Lessons, conferences or classes that keep the teacher current on methods and techniques.

 

 

What happens if the teacher is away?

 

If I am going away I will give plenty of notice and you will not be charged. If I am sick I will let you know and you will not be charged for the lesson.

 

What happens if my child is ill?

 

Students who are ill should not come to piano lessons.

 

 

 

 

 

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© 2015 Laura Plevey's Piano Studio

Located in Canberra, Australia.

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Homeschool children are welcome during the day

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