Here are some of the questions Piano Passion Customers ask most frequently:
A:It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on. Most of our students rent or buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.
Q: I don't have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
A: Yes. Even if you don't have any musical experience you can still rely on the instructor for advice on how to help the child practice. Parents who get involved in their child's lessons often find it rewarding - and it's also helpful to the student. Many parents will occasionally sit in on the child's lesson to get an idea of how the song should go and how they should be playing the instrument.
A: We are located off of 7th and Hawthorne, directly behind the Cajun Queen Restaurant at 2150 Park drive, Charlotte, NC 28105
Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: There is no set amount of time that it takes to learn an instrument, the main reason being that most students learn at a different pace. The real key to learning an instrument is simple - regular practice, and a basic level of playing can be accomplished in only a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they find that the lessons are enjoyable, and they wish to continue their growth and improvement on the instrument.
Q:Aside from a musical instrument, what else do I need for my lessons?
A: Each lesson every student is required to bring a notebook for teacher notes and a 3 ring binder(1”) to hold their handouts and books. On the first day of lessons the teacher will let you know what books/methods level you will need to purchase. The length of time a student will use a particular
method book varies depending on instrument, level, practice, and the teacher’s advice. We have all
of our teacher’s method books for sale at the front desk for your convenience. We can also order any
particular music sheet or book you may need.
Q:Can I sit in on my child’s private music lesson?
A: Ideally we find it is beneficial for the parent to sit in the first month of lessons as it allows them to meet the teacher and understand what will be expected of their child when they are home
practicing. After this time, parents are welcome to remain in the reception area during the student’s
lessons. Experience has shown us that children tend to relax more when mom and dad are not in the
room, thus reducing the pressure on the child which allows their talents to shine.
Q:Can I sit in on my child’s group music class?
A:Ideally we find it is beneficial for the parent to sit in for the first couple of weeks. After that time, we ask that you wait in the reception area. If the parents sit in every week it is too distracting for the
students. When there are too many authority figures present, the children either lose class time
looking for Mom and Dad’s approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. We
encourage parents of young children (Pre-K and K) to wait in our reception area so that if they are
needed they are close by.
Q: How can I contact the teacher if I have a question about my child’s lessons?
A: Parents are welcome to contact the School Office to discuss progress, needs, goals, or any
concerns of your child’s classes. This helps keep your child’s, or other student’s, lessons from being
interrupted or tardy. When necessary, the teacher will ask a parent to attend student’s lesson.
704-299-9161
Q: My 3 year old likes to sing and she seems talented. Can I enroll my 3 year old child in private voice lessons?
A: We recommend private voice lessons to 10 and older children. As the child matures physically,
the changes that happen, such as development of lung capacity, vocal chord changes, etc. will effect
how they progress and learn how to sing properly. Many concepts can be understood at the young
age, but not all can be practiced because the body is not mature enough to handle and cooperate at
such young age. At Piano Passion we have created our Choir Program, Pre-K and K Music
Classes specifically with the young children in mind. This way they still develop their singing talents
but in a less strenuous manner; more appropriate to their age and development. The Choir program is
a great start and by the time the child is age appropriate for private lessons, she/he will have gained
experience and knowledge, important, but not necessary, to get ahead start on their private lessons.
Available Spring Semester!
Q: How much practice should my child do each week?
A: We recommend to practice every day. For beginning students, the teacher usually gives them
repetitions instead of a time amount. For example, do this scale 2 times a day, this song 5 times a
day, etc. The younger children find repetitions easier than a set time amount. Typically though, a
beginning student practices 20 – 30 minutes a day and the practicing goes much better if the parent
supervises. The teacher will make the student and parent aware of specific practice expectations.
Q: What if my child starts lessons and does not like the instrument?
A: They can try another instrument. They are free at any time to switch over to another instrument.
It is better to try something else than to wind up hating music.
Q: What if my child starts lessons and does not like the current teacher?
A: This is one of the biggest advantages of taking lessons at our school. We have several teachers
for each instrument so if a student is not happy with a teacher’s particular style – which is extremely
rare – we have the flexibility to change you to a different teacher. Also, in our school we carefully
hire our faculty members not only for their background and experience but how they relate to a
child. We take the time to match a student with a specific teacher to enable common success.
Q: Our school year goes from September through June. Is it possible to start my child at a different month? A: Yes. We welcome new students any time during the year (The tuition will be prorated).
A: Tuition for each instrument and voice PRIVATE lesson is $22.50 per lesson for 30 minutes.