Frequently Asked Questions:
What books do you use?
For beginning children I work through the early Faber Piano Adventures series, and then variously through Hal Leonard's 'Exploring' series, and then often onto Burgmüller's Op.100 Etudes. These are the books which I use the most frequently, and those for which I have created the most supplementary material (posters/worksheets etc.); I also buy these books in bulk, and can provide them for a discounted price. For student learning beyond these books I also have an extensive library of classical scores, as well as several contemporary works: music from Minecraft, and other video games, Disney and Pixar movies, La La Land, and music by Stevie Wonder, ABBA, and other assorted pop artists. For advice on purchasing your own music books (where to shop, which editions to buy, etc.) please don't hesitate to reach out.
Where are your lessons taught?
Throughout the week I teach from within primary and secondary schools during the day, and then privately from my Carindale studio in the evenings.
On the weekends I teach at Forte School of Music in Coorparoo, where I teach private and group lessons. For more information regarding their teaching services please visit their website here.
What are your rates?
All lessons are charged at a rate of $60/hr, and are offered at 30, 45, 60, and 90-minute lengths. (30 minutes for $30, 45 minutes for $45, etc.)
For students younger than 12, or at AMEB Level 1 (Grades Preliminary-4), I typically recommend 1 x 30-minute lesson/week. For students older than 15, or at AMEB Level 2 or higher (Grades 5+), I advise 1 x 60-minute lesson/week. The ideal lesson length varies according to the individual student and their needs however, and all students are welcome to any of the offered lesson lengths.
For all students one lesson per week is advised, with a maximum of two lessons per week, and a minimum of one per fortnight.
How do you do your invoicing?
For all new students, I always begin with a separately-invoiced trial lesson. This allows for students (and parents) to get to know me, experience my teaching style, and have a feel for piano lessons without the commitment of a term-long package.
For continuing school-aged students, lessons are packaged and invoiced quarterly based on the school term (for a typical 10-week term I invoice for 8 lessons). If a student has completed all of their invoiced lessons and wishes to continue having lessons for the remainder of the term or during school holidays, they are more than welcome to, and the charge for these lessons will be added on to the next term's invoice.*
For continuing adult students, lesson packaging and invoicing arrangements are made on an individual basis.
Do you offer makeup lessons?
If for any reason I am unable to teach an invoiced-lesson, a makeup lesson will be provided for that lesson. If for any reason you are unable to attend an invoiced lesson, and you have provided adequate notice, a makeup lesson will be provided for that lesson, for the first two occurrences per invoiced package.* The number of lessons invoiced per term is designed to accommodate these two makeup lessons with ease.
*For extra information regarding complete T&Cs see my Studio Policy (this policy does not need to be signed ahead of a trial lesson).