F A Q s
I'm so excited to help you get started on your musical journey, but I understand you probably have a few questions. This FAQs page probably has the answers you're looking for, but if you can't find the answer here, or you'd prefer to speak with me directly, I'd love to hear from you!
Instrument and Supplies
What do I need to start lessons?
You will need an acoustic piano, digital piano or keyboard. While an acoustic piano is preferable, if needed you can start lessons with a keyboard. If you choose to do that, keep in mind that it is best as a temporary solution (no more than 2 years). When choosing a piano, look for one that has more than 61 keys (the more the better, and 88 is best), has weighted keys or is touch sensitive. Plan on purchasing a pedal if it doesn't already have one. I am happy to give you recommendations.
Will I need to purchase my music?
Yes. Tuition does not include books. I will handle getting the appropriate music needed when your child is ready and bill it to your invoice. One less thing for you to worry about.
Lessons
Is my child ready for piano?
If your child has the desire to take lessons, then it's worth setting up an introductory lesson with me so I can assess if they are ready or not. There are many factors in determining if a child is ready. How is their attention span? Can they read letters A-G? Numbers 1-4? Can they follow directions? Etc.
How can I support my child in lessons?
I'm so glad you asked! It takes TEAM effort to create a musician. Success in learning to play the piano depends on three important elements. If one part of the triangle is missing, chances for a successful music experience are greatly reduced. As a parent, you can do more than provide your child with lessons. Below are a few helpful tips in establishing successful practice:
How long does it take to learn the piano?
This question is a loaded one because it depends on so many factors such as goals and time spent practicing. The short answer? The more you practice, the better the results. Learning to play the piano or any musical instrument is a life long journey that should be enjoyed. How far you want to take the journey is up to you.
How much practice time is required?
I'm not as big on setting time limits as much as I am for wanting students to accomplish goals in their practice sessions. Attention spans are typically short so telling a child to practice 20 minutes is probably going to result in them watching that clock count down. Instead, I recommend goal-based practicing. I can give you some practice games and resources to help students stay on task and meet their practice goals. Examples of a goal would be to play a particular section in their piece 3 times without any mistakes, or to play their piece up to tempo correctly. Practicing should happen at least 5 days a week for adequate progress.
How many lessons are included each week?
Lessons are held once a week following the yearly studio calendar. Yearly tuition is based on a 12-month period and does not change regardless of the number of lessons per month. Recitals, and ensemble rehearsals if needed, are included in tuition. Summer camps are billed separately and are required if continuing in the fall.
When are studio hours?
The studio is closed Friday through Sunday.
What if we need to miss a lesson?
There are 4 months during the year with a 5th week built in. This 5th week is considered one of 4 lesson slots which serve to make up for the occasional missed lesson. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Your tuition reserves your lesson day and time along with studio benefits. Make up lessons are not an option as I can't teach another student during your scheduled time without replacing the student all together.
What is Music Computer Lab?
Lab is an extension to a student's lesson time but is separate from the actual lesson. It is independent time where students can work on theory, rhythm, ear training, composition, and so on using the Mac, iPad, keyboard, etc.
What is Summer Camp?
Think of camp as a big group lesson. We musically dive in deeper and have a ton of fun!
Do you have recitals?
We have two recitals each year. The Christmas recital is a non-memorized event with traditional Christmas music, music from the Nutcracker Suite, and ensembles. The spring recital is more formal and all music must be memorized 3-4 weeks in advance. Performing from memory gives each student a chance to work hard and polish their music.
Is there a studio registration fee?
A non-refundable $35 studio fee per student (not to exceed $70 per family) is required each September. The studio fee enables the studio to provide students with loaner music, incentives and rewards throughout the year, and defrays substantial costs for ongoing maintenance of the instruments and equipment, as well as a financial gift to our recital venue. If lessons are started in the spring, the fee will be prorated to $20.
Instructor/Studio
What is the introductory lesson?
This is a time to meet each other, share your goals for piano lessons, see the studio and piano lab, enjoy a mini-lesson evaluation, and get answers to any additional questions you might have. The fee is part of your first month's tuition. Should you find a better fit elsewhere, the fee will be prorated.
What days and times are available?
Lessons are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week from 6am to 6pm. Please call to ask about availability. The studio is closed Friday - Sunday.
What ages do you teach?
Typically, ages 7 through adult.
What styles do you teach?
I think it's important to learn many different styles. If there is a particular style you would like to learn, please let me know.
Where are you located?
The studio is in Orcutt, CA. The main cross streets are Clark/Stillwell - close to the 101.
Tuition
How can I pay for lessons?
There are several options for payment. Check (made out to Tammy Prenot), Online BillPay (automatic check payments through your bank), cash, or Credit Card (PayPal).
What if we need to discontinue lessons or take a break?
Because of all the benefits that are included in your tuition, commitment to lessons are monthly based. If you do need to quit, I will need a one-month written and paid notice before the next month begins. One month notice needs to be given by the 1st of the month.
If you want to just take a break for whatever reason, I cannot hold your reserved day/time unless it is paid for. If it is paid for, it will be here waiting for you when you return. If it isn't, I will have to add you to my waiting list and you can follow up with me for an opening when you're ready to return.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due by the first lesson of the month. There is a 10-day grace period to turn in your tuition without penalty. If payment is still late on the 11th of the month, a $10 late fee will be added to your invoice and $1 per day for each day after that until payment is made or the postdated check can be cashed. Tuition late on the 11th with a check turned in on July 14th but postdated for July 22nd will have a $21 late fee added to the next invoice.
Thank you, Jennifer Foxx, for these tips!
Instrument and Supplies
What do I need to start lessons?
You will need an acoustic piano, digital piano or keyboard. While an acoustic piano is preferable, if needed you can start lessons with a keyboard. If you choose to do that, keep in mind that it is best as a temporary solution (no more than 2 years). When choosing a piano, look for one that has more than 61 keys (the more the better, and 88 is best), has weighted keys or is touch sensitive. Plan on purchasing a pedal if it doesn't already have one. I am happy to give you recommendations.
Will I need to purchase my music?
Yes. Tuition does not include books. I will handle getting the appropriate music needed when your child is ready and bill it to your invoice. One less thing for you to worry about.
Lessons
Is my child ready for piano?
If your child has the desire to take lessons, then it's worth setting up an introductory lesson with me so I can assess if they are ready or not. There are many factors in determining if a child is ready. How is their attention span? Can they read letters A-G? Numbers 1-4? Can they follow directions? Etc.
How can I support my child in lessons?
I'm so glad you asked! It takes TEAM effort to create a musician. Success in learning to play the piano depends on three important elements. If one part of the triangle is missing, chances for a successful music experience are greatly reduced. As a parent, you can do more than provide your child with lessons. Below are a few helpful tips in establishing successful practice:
- Establish a daily time and place where your child can practice without distraction. Daily practice (5 days minimum) will yield more results than lengthy, sporadic practice. Using practice games will help with a more focused practice session. Practicing should be checked off in your child's assignment notebook each week (by your child) and initialed by you in the Notes section.
- Read through the assignment so there is no confusion what should be practiced. If you run across something you don't understand, email or call right away. Don't wait until next week. Too much time will be lost when it might have been something simple to explain.
- Give encouragement often. Use friendly reminders to practice. Avoid negative comments. Please don't ever use coming to lessons or practice as a form of punishment. Encourage home concerts for friends and relatives.
- Provide a good instrument at home to practice on. Many students will quit lessons a lot sooner than they might have otherwise if they would have just ad a good instrument to practice on at home. It makes a world of difference.
How long does it take to learn the piano?
This question is a loaded one because it depends on so many factors such as goals and time spent practicing. The short answer? The more you practice, the better the results. Learning to play the piano or any musical instrument is a life long journey that should be enjoyed. How far you want to take the journey is up to you.
How much practice time is required?
I'm not as big on setting time limits as much as I am for wanting students to accomplish goals in their practice sessions. Attention spans are typically short so telling a child to practice 20 minutes is probably going to result in them watching that clock count down. Instead, I recommend goal-based practicing. I can give you some practice games and resources to help students stay on task and meet their practice goals. Examples of a goal would be to play a particular section in their piece 3 times without any mistakes, or to play their piece up to tempo correctly. Practicing should happen at least 5 days a week for adequate progress.
How many lessons are included each week?
Lessons are held once a week following the yearly studio calendar. Yearly tuition is based on a 12-month period and does not change regardless of the number of lessons per month. Recitals, and ensemble rehearsals if needed, are included in tuition. Summer camps are billed separately and are required if continuing in the fall.
When are studio hours?
The studio is closed Friday through Sunday.
What if we need to miss a lesson?
There are 4 months during the year with a 5th week built in. This 5th week is considered one of 4 lesson slots which serve to make up for the occasional missed lesson. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. Your tuition reserves your lesson day and time along with studio benefits. Make up lessons are not an option as I can't teach another student during your scheduled time without replacing the student all together.
What is Music Computer Lab?
Lab is an extension to a student's lesson time but is separate from the actual lesson. It is independent time where students can work on theory, rhythm, ear training, composition, and so on using the Mac, iPad, keyboard, etc.
What is Summer Camp?
Think of camp as a big group lesson. We musically dive in deeper and have a ton of fun!
Do you have recitals?
We have two recitals each year. The Christmas recital is a non-memorized event with traditional Christmas music, music from the Nutcracker Suite, and ensembles. The spring recital is more formal and all music must be memorized 3-4 weeks in advance. Performing from memory gives each student a chance to work hard and polish their music.
Is there a studio registration fee?
A non-refundable $35 studio fee per student (not to exceed $70 per family) is required each September. The studio fee enables the studio to provide students with loaner music, incentives and rewards throughout the year, and defrays substantial costs for ongoing maintenance of the instruments and equipment, as well as a financial gift to our recital venue. If lessons are started in the spring, the fee will be prorated to $20.
Instructor/Studio
What is the introductory lesson?
This is a time to meet each other, share your goals for piano lessons, see the studio and piano lab, enjoy a mini-lesson evaluation, and get answers to any additional questions you might have. The fee is part of your first month's tuition. Should you find a better fit elsewhere, the fee will be prorated.
What days and times are available?
Lessons are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week from 6am to 6pm. Please call to ask about availability. The studio is closed Friday - Sunday.
What ages do you teach?
Typically, ages 7 through adult.
What styles do you teach?
I think it's important to learn many different styles. If there is a particular style you would like to learn, please let me know.
Where are you located?
The studio is in Orcutt, CA. The main cross streets are Clark/Stillwell - close to the 101.
Tuition
How can I pay for lessons?
There are several options for payment. Check (made out to Tammy Prenot), Online BillPay (automatic check payments through your bank), cash, or Credit Card (PayPal).
What if we need to discontinue lessons or take a break?
Because of all the benefits that are included in your tuition, commitment to lessons are monthly based. If you do need to quit, I will need a one-month written and paid notice before the next month begins. One month notice needs to be given by the 1st of the month.
If you want to just take a break for whatever reason, I cannot hold your reserved day/time unless it is paid for. If it is paid for, it will be here waiting for you when you return. If it isn't, I will have to add you to my waiting list and you can follow up with me for an opening when you're ready to return.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due by the first lesson of the month. There is a 10-day grace period to turn in your tuition without penalty. If payment is still late on the 11th of the month, a $10 late fee will be added to your invoice and $1 per day for each day after that until payment is made or the postdated check can be cashed. Tuition late on the 11th with a check turned in on July 14th but postdated for July 22nd will have a $21 late fee added to the next invoice.
Thank you, Jennifer Foxx, for these tips!