FAQs

  • You need an 88-key acoustic or digital piano that has weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a damper pedal. I teach on both acoustic and digital.

    A keyboard without weighted keys is not adequate for developing good piano technique.

  • You can enroll for one session, skip the sessions that don’t fit your schedule, and come back when you’re ready to play again. You can hop in or hop out of The Studio as needed. If you need to change days or times between sessions, you can do that too.

    Or, you can remain in the studio all year at the same day and time. Please tell me as you fill out the enrollment form.

    Adult students may choose a la carte lessons to accommodate their work schedule.

  • If you plan to remain in the studio throughout the school year, flat-rate tuition is $163 per month for 9 months, September-May.

    If you are signing up for a 6-week package, Tuition is $295 per session, paid when you register.

    There is an annual materials fee of $75, collected with your Fall registration, or when you enter the studio.

  • I teach from my home studio in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State.

    You can come to my home studio, or you can stay in your own home and have online lessons!

  • Have them teach you what they’re learning. Be their biggest cheerleader. Give them space to make mistakes, fail, and try again. Give them a sacred space and a regular time to create sounds at the keys. Listen. Encourage.

  • I provide them - they’re covered with your yearly registration fee. Some of the lesson books I use with advancing musicians are:

    • Piano Safari
    • Faber Piano Adventures
    • Supersonics Piano
    • Wunderkeys
    • Pathways to Artistry
    • RCM Piano

  • You need:

    • a laptop/tablet with a camera (phone screens aren’t large enough)

    • a solid internet connection at your keyboard

    • Zoom (it’s free!) with some sound modifications

  • It really depends on the student’s interest and ability to focus! Usually 6 or 7, but I don’t limit that. I have adult beginner students as well!

    We’ll always have a trial lesson first to see if my teaching style matches your learning style.

  • I get you for one day a week - the other six are up to you! I do my best to show you how to break down a large task into smaller, achievable goals. Rather than checking a box for x amount of time, I’m more interested in how your playing changes between lessons.

    Even if you haven’t practiced, you should still come to your lesson; there’s always something we can do together. However, I will be asking why. Was the assignment unclear? Too challenging? or were there “time vampires” that kept you from the bench?

    Lesson with me aren’t just about learning piano - they’re about learning executive skills like time management, organizing and planning, starting and finishing tasks, and developing the grit needed to persevere even when things get tough.

  • I’m a band and choir geek who randomly breaks out into song if triggered by a keyword mentioned in passing.

    I started piano lessons when I was 5 and quit when I was 16 when extracurriculars became too overwhelming. I understand and recognize burnout. I will advocate for your health and say “let’s take a break" if you’re too overcommitted.

    I have a degree in English Education but never left music behind. I have taught both junior high English and science and directed junior high and adult choirs. I regularly accompany choral groups and play keyboards for local theatre.

    When I became a mom, I began teaching from home while studying piano pedagogy. I became a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music to support my commitment to music education.