Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few answers to questions we are sometimes asked.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Don't hesitate to contact us!
How much do piano lessons cost?
Prices for piano lessons are based on the location and duration of the lessons. Please visit our page on Piano Lessons Prices to find the prices relevant to you.
Are there any registration fees, agency fees, or hidden costs?
There are no registration fees or additional costs for lessons of any kind. Students may be expected to purchase sheet music and materials for lessons as needed, and based on their individual course of study and recommendations from their piano teacher. Students are also expected to have access to a suitable piano or digital piano for practise during the week.
Am I tied into a contract? Do I have to commit to a block of piano lessons up front?
No on both counts. Our students start by paying for just one lesson, to meet their teacher before deciding whether to continue on a weekly basis. After the first lesson payments are on a monthly basis, however our students may discontinue lessons at any time by giving 7 days’ notice before their next lesson - we will refund any unused lessons credits in full.
How do I pay for my piano lessons?
We accept payments either by online payment by credit/debit card, bank transfer, and/or PayPal (bank transfers and PayPal payments are only available for certain locations, so please contact us for more details).
Can I cancel or reschedule lessons when I am away on holiday?
Yes. Lessons can be cancelled without charge (or for a refund or lesson credit) by providing at least 7 days’ advance notice. Lessons can be rescheduled to another day/time within the same week by providing at least 24 hours’ advance notice.
Where do the piano lessons take place?
Our piano lessons generally take place in your own home or in one of our piano teachers’ home teaching studios. We also have some teaching studios that are not based in our teachers’ homes. If you have another location in mind, such as your workplace or your own studio space, we are happy to teach you there.
When do piano lessons take place? Do you offer piano lessons in the evenings or on weekends?
We offer piano lessons 7 days of the week, morning through evening. We schedule lesson times around our students’ availabilities. Let us know when you are available, and we will find a day and time that works for you.
Can I take piano lessons on a fortnightly or ad hoc basis?
We firmly believe that weekly lessons are the ideal schedule for learning piano. Our primary concern is for our students’ success, and we ask our students to make a weekly commitment to lessons as much as possible.
How long are the lessons?
We offer half-hour, 45-minute, and hour-long weekly lessons. We recommend hour-long lessons to all adult students and half-hour lessons to children under age 8.
How often are the lessons?
Lessons generally take place once per week.
Do I need to buy a piano?
Yes. We recommend that students have a piano or digital piano at home before beginning lessons. Visit our shop to view some great options. If you are worried about making the investment in purchasing a piano right away, it is possible to rent a piano or to practise at a piano practise studio in the beginning.
Should I buy a real acoustic piano or a digital piano/keyboard?
We always recommend purchasing a real acoustic upright or grand piano if possible. If space or neighbours prohibit this, a digital piano will be suitable. Digital pianos should have the full 88-key keyboard and a weighted action (sometimes called hammer action).
What approach/method do you use for piano lessons?
Our teachers use a student-driven approach. This means that our piano lessons are different for each student, based on the student’s personality, learning style, musical interests, strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations in music. Our teachers also each have their own teaching techniques and methods, which they apply based on the student. To find out more, try a lesson with one of our teachers and speak with them directly about the approach and course of study they would recommend for you.
Do you offer Suzuki piano lessons?
Although this is not our focus, we have a few piano teachers offering piano lessons using the Suzuki method. Please contact us for more information.
Can I take exams?
Yes. Our piano teachers have great approaches and proven track-records for preparing students for exams, and stay up to date with the exam syllabi. Let us know which exam you are interested in taking (ABRSM, Trinity, Jazz, Rockschool, etc) and we will match you with the best possible piano teacher.
How long does it take to learn to play piano?
Learning piano is a life-long process - even our piano teachers are still learning and making new discoveries. The speed of your progress will depend largely on the time you invest in practising during the week between your lessons. Typically it can take up to 6 months or a year to become comfortable on the piano, and to feel ready to perform a short piece for family or friends.
How do I choose a piano teacher?
It’s important to have the right piano teacher for you, and we will work with you to select the best possible piano teacher based on your musical interests, current level and aspirations in music, personality and learning style, location, and availability.
At what age can a child begin piano lessons?
This depends on the child. We have students as young as age 3. For students under age 6, we recommend trying a lesson to have one of our teachers assess whether the student is ready for weekly private piano lessons. If they have difficulty maintaining focus or do not show a keen interest, it may be best to wait a year or two and try again.
Am I too old to learn the piano?
No. We have beginner students of all ages, including some who are spending their retirement discovering the joys of playing piano and music-making. Our piano teachers have wonderful approaches for teaching adult beginners, and we have seen many adult students grow to create beautiful music on the piano.
Can I contact the teacher directly to book a lesson?
We are happy to arrange your first lesson for you, matching you with a teacher who best fits your musical interests, aspirations, learning style, location, and availability. We are not able to provide our teachers’ full names or contact details until you have registered with our school and are ready to go ahead with your first lesson.
Can I purchase piano lessons as a gift?
Yes, piano lessons make a wonderful gift! Visit our shop to purchase a gift voucher, which the recipient may redeem at their convenience.
How do I get started?
The first step is to try a lesson with one of our piano teachers - there is no commitment whatsoever. Visit our Contact Page or Book Now to start your adventure in learning to play the piano.
