1. Do we need a
piano?
Absolutely! Piano
study requires daily practice so an appropriate piano that is
available for practice in your home is a requirement.
2. What kind of
piano do we need?
We require our
students to have a piano that has 88 weighted keys and a working
pedal. Digital pianos are acceptable. Digital pianos should be
furniture-style with the keyboard integrated within the unit.
Portable touch sensitive electronic keyboards are not permitted. We
do not require our students to have expensive pianos. Purchasing an
acceptable piano can be as easy as looking in the classifieds or going
to the local music store. The staff at PianoWorks is also available
to assist in finding a piano. Upright pianos that are in good
condition and tuned are fine for most of our students.
3. Why is there a
price range for lesson tuition?
PianoWorks has
several teachers with different levels of experience. Our directors
have music degrees and are nationally certified; therefore, their
tuition rates are the highest. We offer lessons with student teachers
for beginners under the directors’ supervision. Tuition is based upon
education and experience.
4. The student
teachers are less expensive. Although my child has had lessons
before, can’t they take from the student teachers?
Our student teachers
are trained to teach students approximately 7-10 years of age who have
had no previous lesson experience. Students with previous lessons
must take from a teacher with a higher level of education and
experience. Teachers outside of PianoWorks use different methods and
approaches, so students who have previously studied with another
teacher need a PianoWorks teacher with more experience to help them
adjust to our studio curriculum.
5. Where do
lessons take place?
Lessons take place
primarily in the home studios of our director and assistant director. Occasionally,
we have limited openings with a traveling student teacher.
6. Does my child
have to play in a recital?
We hold recitals
twice a year in May and in December. Recitals are required for all
students (excluding adults) regardless of level. Recital music is issued
two months before the recital and is geared to the student’s ability.
Memorization of music is not required and we hold rehearsals in lesson
as well as at the recital location prior to recitals. We make every effort for recitals to be positive experiences for all
students.
7. There seem to
be a lot of fees for different programs. Can I just pay for lessons
or only the programs that I choose?
No. PianoWorks has
developed a complete curriculum that we feel provides ongoing
motivation for the students as well as opportunities for continuing
musical education beyond piano study. The fees are necessary to
continue our programs and are therefore mandatory. Fees can be paid
with the first payment or split into monthly payments.
8. If my child is
sick and we need to cancel our lessons, can we schedule a makeup?
As much as we hate
for a student to miss a lesson, we cannot make up lessons that are
cancelled by the student. Our teachers have very busy schedules, and
they set aside the scheduled time for each student every week.
However, if the teacher must miss a lesson, we do require that the
teacher arrange a makeup within the semester.
9. How old does
my child have to be to take lessons?
We do not begin
lessons with students younger than 5. We recommend ages 6-8 as
ideal. Once a child is able to sit and focus for 30 minutes for a
lesson without excessive fidgeting, he or she may be ready to start
lessons. Also, the ability to read is helpful.
10. My child
really just wants to learn to play some songs. Our neighbor plays Fur
Elise. Can’t you just teach him that?
No. PianoWorks
curriculum is based upon teaching the student to effectively play and
understand music, not imitate. We work carefully through
appropriately graded method books to help the student learn basics
while we teach the student how to appropriately approach his or her
music study. Recital pieces and contest pieces add to the method book
curriculum to produce a more well-rounded piano student who can read
and understand music.
11. Does my child
have to learn scales?
We place a lot of
emphasis on our technical training, so scales and finger exercises are
part of our curriculum. Students progress from mastering smaller
versions of scales (pentascales) through a balanced technical program
in order to develop a strong hand and finger position.
12. How do I sign
up for lessons?
Contact the studio by
email.
There is a link to request info on this website. We will then
let you know what availability we have with which teacher.
PianoWorks Music Studio
2200 Heather Ridge Drive|
Flower Mound, TX 75028
e-mail
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