We are available for lessons Mondays-Thursdays from 12pm – 9 PM, with occasional drop-in times and makeup lessons when available. The studio is closed from Friday through Sunday.
We include a 5 minute grace period between lessons to allow us to shift from in-person to virtual formats. We also often spend 2-3 minutes meeting with parents to discuss student progress and answer any questions. Musical study is not an assembly line. Lessons may run slightly shorter or longer depending on student engagement and the general flow of lesson.
We recommend 40 min lessons for kids 8 and younger. 45 min or 55 min lessons are typically best for children 8-12, depending on attention and maturity. 55 min lessons are ideal teenage and adult students.
We currently accept Venmo and PayPal. Payment info provided upon booking lesson.
We have extensive experience working with students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels and am able to effectively tailor lessons to each student’s specific needs. The only requirement is that students approach lessons with a good attitude and a desire to learn.
Piano students will need a working, in-tune piano or electric keyboard (we can provide suggestions). Students should be prepared for lesson with sheet music. We recommend they also bring a recorder to document lessons. Your teacher will recommend additional books and materials during lesson.
Parents may sit-in on the first few lessons for young children. However, we then ask parents to not stay physically in the room in order to create greater focus and teacher-student rapport. Parents can always log-in to zoom and watch lessons remotely if they prefer.
Yes! We organize one to two large recitals per year, which allow students to showcase their best work to date. Venues in the past have included halls at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, UC Irvine, local churches, and various local piano halls. We are currently hosting recitals at the beautiful Westerbeck Recital Hall at Pasadena City College. We also offer periodic informal performances, virtual recitals, and workshops/masterclasses throughout the year.
In-person lessons are typically best for students who need the immediacy of face-to-face interaction and who may struggle with distractions in the virtual setting. We can provide more immediate feedback on technique and posture during in-person lessons. We also have the advantage of playing together in real time, which is often difficult in the online setting.
Virtual lessons are often suitable for busy families who prefer the convenience of meeting from home. Virtual lessons also allow us to access many online resources including YouTube, backing tracks, and other online games. Our technological setup in the studio ensures students experience the best quality sound and viewing including an overhead camera for students to observe hand movements. If you can’t decide, we also offer hybrid lessons in which students can meet BOTH in-person and remotely.
Having taught for many years in larger studios, there are benefits & drawbacks of both options. The quality & consistency of teachers in large studios runs the gamut. Many large studios have hire without a background check, reference checks, or teaching observations. Teachers in large studios are often over-booked, underpaid, with a lack of control over their scheduling and environment. Many studios also have a rapid teacher turnaround due to low pay and/ or lack of attachment to the studio. Changing teachers frequently stunts growth and inhibits the development of a meaningful teacher-student alliance. Meanwhile, teachers in a private setting have the freedom to schedule in such a way that allows them to maintain consistently high-quality lessons. It is also easier to develop close, trusting relationships with students and their families in a private, independent studio environment. Developing a strong, consistent and trusting rapport is crucial for progress and growth.
Out studio is on the first floor with three small steps in the front of the house. We can always offer zoom for students who need additional accommodations.
Yes, we are fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the annual flu shot. We are also happy to wear a mask, should clients request.
In-person vocal students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in our studio due to the higher load of aerosolized particles they omit in a small space. Non-vaccinated students are nonetheless welcome to take advantage of virtual sessions.
We ask that students do not attend when sick, as they can compromise the health and safety of other students. If either myself or my students are sick, we can log on virtually for the day’s session.
We require a 24 hour notice if you need to cancel lessons for any reasons. Students who cancel in less than 24 hours forfeit their lesson. A 30 day notice must be provided to permanently cancel lessons.