Frequently asked questions

1. How do I sign up for lessons?
Contact the studio through the "Contact" link.  We will email you the registration form to complete and return to us.  We can't wait to get the process started for you!

2. Do we need a piano?
Absolutely! Piano study requires daily practice so an appropriate instrument available in your home is a requirement.

3. 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.

4.  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.

5.  What do you offer adult students?  Adult students are welcome at any ability level and any age.  Resa Carrell works with each adult to develop fundamental skills and music knowledge, using age & level appropriate method books,  then we use that knowledge to facilitate the adult student's musical interests.   Recitals are not required for adult students but a relaxed performance opportunity is offered at our annual Christmas get-together for adult students.  

6. If a student is sick and needs to cancel a lesson, 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.

7. 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.

8. Do students 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.  Additionally, scales, chords, and arpeggios are the building blocks of music so as a student becomes more advanced, much of their musical knowledge and understanding stems from their basic knowledge of scales and chords.

9. My child really just wants to learn to play some songs. Our neighbor plays Fur Elise. Can 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.

10. 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 equal monthly installments.