Piano Lessons Inquiry

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Studio Information

Frequently Asked Questions & Studio Policies

Everything prospective and current students should know about lessons, scheduling, and studio expectations. Please review before submitting an inquiry.

Steinway & Sons · STEP Certified Selected for the Steinway Teacher Education Program (April 2026), an invitational certification reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence in piano pedagogy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you teach?

I welcome students of all ages and levels, from absolute beginners through advanced and pre-college students, as well as adults returning to the instrument after a break. My studio is built around individualized instruction — lessons are tailored to each student's goals, learning style, and musical interests.

What styles of music do you teach?

I specialize in classical and contemporary repertoire. Students explore standard classical literature alongside film scores, contemporary composers, popular music arrangements, and original work as appropriate to their level. I do not teach jazz; students with jazz interests are happily referred to colleagues who specialize in the idiom.

Where do lessons take place?

Lessons are held at my home studio in Princeton, NJ, Green Street Studio. I am also open to holding lessons remotely for those who cannot commute to the studio.

How long are lessons, and how often do students meet?

I offer 45-minute and 60-minute private lessons. Most students meet weekly; the appropriate length depends on age, level, and practice capacity. We'll determine the right fit during our initial consultation.

What does tuition cost, and how is billing handled?

Tuition is billed monthly. The 60-minute weekly lesson package is $380 per month; the 45-minute weekly lesson package is $285 per month. Tuition is structured around a 44-week studio year and remains the same each month regardless of how many lessons fall within that month.

Payment is due on the 1st of each month and may be made by Venmo, Zelle, or check. A reminder is sent the week prior. Payments not received by the 5th of the month are considered late, and lessons may be paused until tuition is current.

Do students need a piano at home?

Yes. Consistent home practice is essential to progress, so all students must have regular access to an instrument. An acoustic piano is strongly preferred. A high-quality digital keyboard with 88 fully-weighted keys, a sustain pedal, and a stable stand is acceptable, particularly for beginning students. I'm glad to advise on instrument selection.

How much should students practice?

Practice expectations scale with age and level:

  • Young beginners: 10–20 minutes, 5 days per week
  • Intermediate students: 30–45 minutes daily
  • Advanced/pre-college: 60+ minutes daily
  • Adult learners: a sustainable routine we'll develop together

Consistency matters more than duration. I work with each student to build practice habits that fit their life and yield real progress.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes. I host two studio recitals per year — typically in the fall and late spring — giving students of every level a supportive, professional setting in which to perform. Additional group classes are scheduled throughout the teaching year and are open to whoever wishes to participate.

How do new students get started?

Submit the Piano Lessons Inquiry form above, and I'll respond within a few business days to schedule a brief introductory conversation. From there, we'll set up a first lesson and discuss goals, scheduling, and any questions you have about the studio.

Studio Policies

Attendance & punctuality

Lessons begin and end at the scheduled time. Students arriving late will receive the remainder of their scheduled lesson; the full lesson fee applies. Please arrive a few minutes early to settle in and warm up.

Cancellations & make-up lessons

Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours' advance notice. Lessons cancelled with at least 48 hours' notice are eligible for a make-up lesson, scheduled at mutual convenience within four weeks of the original date.

Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice, no-shows, and missed make-up lessons are charged in full and are not eligible for rescheduling. Exceptions may be made at my discretion in cases of sudden illness or family emergency.

Teacher cancellations

In the rare event that I must cancel a lesson, students will be offered a make-up lesson at mutual convenience or a full credit toward the next scheduled lesson.

Holidays & studio closures

The studio observes major federal holidays and a brief winter and summer break. A schedule of closures is shared at the start of each teaching season. No lesson fees are charged for studio-observed breaks.

Practice expectations & progress

Consistent home practice is the foundation of meaningful progress. Students — or, in the case of younger students, parents — are expected to support a regular practice routine and to come prepared to each lesson.

Progress is reviewed openly throughout the year. If a student is consistently unprepared, we'll discuss adjustments together to find a sustainable path forward.

Materials & instrument upkeep

Students are responsible for purchasing their own sheet music, method books, and lesson supplies (notebook, pencil, metronome). I provide recommendations and, where possible, sourcing assistance.

Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once per year; I'm glad to recommend qualified technicians.

Recital participation

Studio recitals are held twice per year. Participation is strongly encouraged, but never required!

Communication

Email is the preferred channel for scheduling, billing, and non-urgent questions, with a response time of one to two business days. For same-day matters (e.g., a sudden cancellation), a brief text message is appropriate.

Discontinuing lessons

Either the family or the teacher may end the lesson relationship at any time. Families wishing to discontinue lessons must provide notice by the 15th of the current month. The final month of tuition will conclude at the end of that month, and the lesson slot will be released to other students.

Privacy & minors

Student information is kept confidential and used only for instructional purposes. Parents and guardians of minor students are welcome to observe lessons and are encouraged to remain on the premises during instruction at the home studio.

Studio policies are subject to periodic review and may be updated as the studio grows. Current students will be notified of any meaningful changes.