Read Our FAQs
To offer a clear picture of what we offer, we have compiled a list of FAQs. If you have further queries, feel free to contact us.
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Question: We don't have a piano. Can my child take lessons?
Answer: It is extremely difficult to make any progress without regular practice, so a student really needs an instrument at home. You can often find very good bargains online, where someone is moving and can't take their piano, but I strongly advise you to have the instrument checked by a technician before taking it home. Please contact us for further advice on this.
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Question: Can my child practice on a keyboard?
Answer: Yes. A touch-sensitive keyboard is adequate for the first couple of years, but you should have plans to upgrade to either an electronic or acoustic piano by the time the student begins Conservatory Level One material.
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Question: How much is your registration fee?
Answer: The standard registration fee is $20, but for first-time registrations of one child per family, there is an additional cost of $15, because it includes a parent guide, entitled "Music Lessons, a Book for the Parent." This little book, pictured in the photo on the meet the teacher page, is full of helpful hints and suggestions to help you guide your children through various situations that might come up in the daily practice routine.
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Question: How much will it cost to have my child in piano lessons?
Answer: I keep our tuition fees on par with what other Selkirk teachers are charging. This is currently $21.50* per 30 minutes of instruction. Fees are paid monthly, so this translates into a monthly payment of $86 for 30-minute lessons or $120 for 45-minute lessons. The amount you spend on materials will depend upon your child's level, and how quickly he/she progresses. A beginner needs books worth about $50 in September, and usually about $45 more throughout the year. If you do not own a piano or keyboard, you also need to consider the cost of purchasing an instrument, and yearly tuning (approximately $110) if it is an acoustic piano.
*Prices subject to change.
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Question: What if my child loses interest in practicing?
Answer: It is normal for children to experience downtimes, but it is difficult to really know if this is going to be a lasting interest until they have given it a good try. For that reason, it should be assumed that when a student is enrolled for music lessons, the intention is to make it a commitment for the year. The parent guide, mentioned above, gives many tips to help a student retain the initial interest in learning to play. However, if things are not working out, it is important that you speak to me privately about this before discussing the possibility of quitting with the child. Perhaps we can fix whatever is wrong.
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Question: Which Selkirk schools are near your studio?
Answer:
- Robert Smith School – 16 min – 1.2 KM
- École Bonaventure – 12 min – 0.9 KM
- Selkirk Junior High – 12 min – 0.9 KM
- Lord Selkirk Regional Secondary School – 19 min – 1.5 KM
