faq
how old must my child be to start lessons?
We start at the age of 3 and have done so successfully since 1971, and our young children do much more than silly scarf-waving. Although very young children may not be able to read yet, all children respond to symbols at a very young age. With the right materials presented in the right sequence with the right motivation by the right teachers, very young children can certainly be successful in piano lessons.
what's the difference between conservatory sampler and private lessons?
The conservatory sampler is our award-winning methodology is available in an introductory piano class. The conservatory sampler is a six-week course that meets privately for 30 minutes per week or as a group for one hour per week, with emphasis on the basics of what students need to continue with private lessons. These fast-paced, exciting sessions are offered at any time. No piano is required for this class, but a piano or keyboard is suggested for adults.
Private lessons are a little more serious and progress more quickly than a sampler course. Lessons are 30 minutes per week. We strive to match teachers and students by ability and personality. For this reason, a preliminary meeting is suggested. A piano (acoustic or digital, free-standing with 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a pedal) is greatly recommended to achieve the full benefit.
do you teach adults, or am i too old to learn?
We absolutely teach adults and are proud to say we have a large and active population of adult learners of all ages and levels. In fact, we have literally written the book for adult beginners that guarantees you will be making music during your first lesson. Played in the past, but not for a long time? We’ve got you covered. Really advanced and just need some coaching? We do that, too. Learn more.
do i need a piano to take piano lessons?
That depends on the lessons! For our introductory Conservatory Sampler class, no piano is needed, as we spend ample time in the lesson playing on actual full-sized acoustic pianos. For private lessons, a full-sized acoustic or digital piano (88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a pedal) is required. Small table-top keyboards and other “toys” will be a waste of your time and money within a few short months.
can i watch my child’s lessons?
Of course, it’s your child and you are paying for it. However, a parent who watches every lesson can often be a hindrance to progress by making the child uncomfortable and less able to think independently. We have an open-door policy and will often ask parents to join us to see what is going on (and what they should be hearing at home).
what are the qualifications of your teachers?
The process to become a Certified Conservatory Teacher© starts with a college degree in music, education or a related field; an extensive interview process, and a thorough background check. In addition to their degree, every CCT© undergoes 1-2 months of on-the-job training to master The Conservatory Method©, as well as continual supervision and training from master pedagogues. Each Conservatory Student has a unique plan, and our amazing staff works as a team to successfully execute that plan. As part of the that team, our teachers adhere to the same methodology, and keep careful records of all lessons and all music played to ensure consistent progress and success.
what is the Conservatory Method™?
We teach our students to play the piano by reading music. Our award-winning methodology is based on the art and science of reading music via the logic of music theory. In short, our students do what they do because they understand the “why”, and become amazing music readers by the time our method is complete. Learn more.