piano teaching > Information for new Piano students.
lesson times : price : location : cancellations : books : performances & exams : getting a piano : practising
Lessons are offered weekdays between 3:45 and 8:00pm, as well as during the day by appointment after 11am. Most students choose to have one lesson of 30 minutes per week, but more regular and longer lessons are also available. No lessons are held on the weekends.
Lessons are held in four terms with 2 weeks break in between and an extended holiday over Christmas. No lessons are held on public holidays.
Dates for 2008 are as follows:
Term 1: 8 weeks long, (Tues) 29 January – (Thurs) 20 March
Term 2: 12 weeks long, 7 April – 27 June
Term 3: 10 weeks long, 14 July – 19 September
Term 4: 10 weeks long, 6 October – 12 December
Prices for 2008 are - $32.50 for 30 minutes, $48.75 for 45 minutes and $65 for 1 hour.
After the first lesson, payment is in advance for the remaining weeks of the term.
Lessons are held at my studio in Northcote (the city end near North Fitzroy). Nearby is is a train station (3 minute walk), Tram stop (3 minute walk), and there is ample unmetered parking.
24 hours notice must be given in order to cancel or change a lesson time. Up to two changes can be made per term and will be either credited or given as "make-up" lessons.
Students will be required to purchase books from time to time. They should also bring along to every lesson an exercise book (for me to write in) and a scrapbook of blank paper, slightly larger than A4. Both of these items are available at newsagents and supermarkets.
Music Books are all available from Allans (call first to check they are in stock!) and some from Wrights Music.
Allans Music Melbourne
152 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000
E-mail: info.melbourne@allans.com.au
Ph:(03) 9654 8444 Fax:(03) 9654 7868
Allans Music Kew
56 Cotham Road Kew VIC 3101
E-mail: info.kew@allans.com.au
Ph:(03) 9852 7645 Fax:(03) 9852 7354
Wrights Music Pty.Ltd
366 St. Georges Rd,
Nth. Fitzroy. Vic. 3068.
Ph: (03) 9489 0809
email: admin@wrightsmusic.com.au
I follow the needs of the individual student in regard to performance and examinations. If appropriate, examinations are organised through the AMEB - http://www.ameb.unimelb.edu.au, which is a highly respected Australian organisation that offers a range of exams for all levels of piano.
Concerts are available twice a year for kids, and once a year for adults in a casual and supportive environment. Participation is completely optional!
All students must have a piano or good quality keyboard in order to practice.
Keyboards should be at least semi-weighted, have full sized keys, pedals and as many octaves as you can afford (full 7 octave range is best!).
Pianos are available new at a range of places around Melbourne, and second-hand through the Trading Post.
I recommend using Melbourne Piano Sales for second hand pianos. They offer a hire/buy scheme and also have many great quality second hand pianos available in stock.
Melbourne Piano Sales
www.melbournepianosales.com.au
196 Mary Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Ph:(03) 9429 7999 Fax:(03) 9429 7988
I don't have a piano tuner I can happily recommend at present.
Practising is a major part of learning the piano. Be prepared to put in a little time everyday, 5 times a week and development will happen at an enjoyable pace. Beginner students are encouraged to try 15 minutes a day and increase it as they progress. Small regular practises work much better than a long cramming practice the night before a lesson.
Parents need to help their children to develop good practising habits. Much like brushing their teeth, please don't expect them to remember, and unfortunately you will expereince some resistance at times. Sticking to a regular practise routine helps kids to develop discipline and self motivation which are wonderful traits, but often don't come naturally!