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These are some of the most frequently asked questions by prospective piano students and their parents. If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to get in touch!
What lesson length do I need?
- 40 minute Mini Musicians group lessons are a great start for 3-5 beginner students.
- 50 minute buddy lessons are suitable for younger students in their first year of piano study.
- 60 minute buddy lessons are the ideal choice for the majority of students.
- 45 minute solo lessons are best for adult beginners.
Where are the piano lessons held?
Lessons are held in my home studio in Kimmage, Dublin 12, South Dublin or your house if you opt for at-home lessons.
Do I need a piano at home?
You definitely need some kind of a practice instrument. Acoustic pianos are always best, but a weighted keyboard can suffice for the beginning stages. For more advice on your first instrument see my piano buying guide.
How much practice is necessary?
This depends on the level and age of the student, and how fast they want to progress. The most important thing is that practice happens every day and that weekly assignments are completed. That said this is how long it will normally take to practice what I assign:
- Young students and beginners: 10-20 minutes a day
- Elementary students: 20-30 minutes a day
- Intermediate students: 30-45 minutes a day
- Advanced students: 45-60 minutes a day
Another handy guideline is that students should practice for three times their age. So a 5 year old would practice for 15 minutes and a 10 year old would practice for 30 minutes a day.
What books do I need and where do I get them?
Books and materials are included in the tuition. You never need to get any books, I’ll do all that for you.
I use lots of different books and methods to suit different learning styles but some of my most commonly used series include Piano Pronto, My First Piano Adventures, Piano Safari and Masterwork Classics. I’m constantly researching new materials and expanding my library so I can find the music that inspires each and every student.
Do you teach adults?
Absolutely! Adults of any level are extremely welcome, please visit the adult piano lessons page for more information.
What’s the youngest age student you will teach?
We teach students as young as three and a half. Visit the lessons for little fingers page for more about how I teach my youngest students.
Do your students get opportunities to perform?
Yes! Getting to share music with others is one of the best parts of learning to play an instrument!
I hold two concerts every year, which all students are welcome to perform in. Shy students are welcome to just come and watch, I’ll never push a student to perform if they don’t want to.
Do your students do exams?
Students are welcome to take exams, but it’s not a requirement. I normally use the Royal Irish Academy of Music exams, but if you wish to use a different exam board for some reason that’s no problem at all.
Do you offer group lessons?
Most students at Colourful Keys take buddy lessons which combine private and partner instruction to get the best of both worlds. For more on the lesson option available click here.
There are also four group workshops every year that all students get to attend and students get the opportunity to participate in 2 concerts each year as well. Click here to learn more about the group workshops at Colourful Keys Piano Studio.
What type of music can I learn?
I teach any and all genre’s of music that a student wants to learn. Nothing is off the menu!
Although some classical music is generally necessary for good progress to be made, you are by no means limited to classical. My students learn pop, jazz, blues, punk, and rock – if the student loves the music that’s all that matters to me.
How can I pay my tuition?
You can pay tuition each month or each semester. Bank transfer payments are the most convenient for most students but you can also pay by cash or cheque if you prefer.
I’m not in Dublin. Can you recommend a teacher near me?
Click here to find a local teacher with a similar fun and creative style.