Getting Started

June 2024: There are no lessons at this time. I do hope to resume teaching in good health, but it will take some time to get there. We have many wonderful teachers in our area. I hope you will seek them out through the Suzuki Association of the Americas, the Austin District Music Teachers Association or the Texas Music Teachers Association.

Please note that, openings for enrollment vary from year to year. There are usually lesson times available on weekdays before 3:30 pm. I try to keep up with new student inquiries, but I do not keep track of a waitlist — I encourage you to find a teacher with more immediate openings. If you are serious about joining the studio, I expect that you will show a desire to observe another student’s lesson on a regular basis, until a lesson time becomes available for you.

Finding the "right fit" is equally important for student, parent, and teacher. The following pages will help you understand my expectations and aid your decision in moving forward with my studio.

Before receiving a lesson time, the following observation minimums are recommended for parent and child together: Age 3 = 8 lessons; Age 4-5 = 6 lessons; Ages 5+ = 4 lessons. Observation should continue until a lesson time becomes available and continue throughout the year.

Observation

Through observation, we are enriching our musical environment as well as developing a desire to be in the studio and to have an opportunity at the piano. The expectation is that you will simply take it all in. Listen to the tone. See how technique is taught. Can you see yourself fulfilling that role? Is it enjoyable to be here?

You do not need to stay for the entire lesson. When children become wiggly or disruptive behavior occurs, slip out quietly. Sometimes children need specific reminders of what respectful, quiet listening means, but this is to be expected and should not upset or deter you from trying again. You may, however, decide you (or your child) have reached your limit - that's OK! It is important to leave pleasantly, otherwise negative feelings will be associated with piano lessons.

When observing, please arrive about 5-10 minutes early just as you would to your own lesson. Get into the routine of removing your shoes, entering quietly and being ready, physically and mentally, to start. Prepare your child before the lesson about being respectful, quiet listeners. Observation is "passive" for students, so don't worry if they don’t seem to be focused on the lesson. Children are always absorbing a lot more information than we think! Feel free to bring a quiet activity bag for your child: books, coloring. Please keep electronic devices put away while in the studio.

On the way home, engage your child in conversation about the lesson. Avoid questions that ask the child to gauge their feelings at this point, especially when they did not get to participate. Avoid "Did you like it? Do you want to start piano?" Instead consider, "Can you hum something you heard today? Did you notice xyz in the lesson? What did you think the student did really well?" Or, simply start humming yourself and talking about what you noticed and liked! Again, it is best not to ask children to take the responsibility of deciding how they feel so early in the process.

Lesson expectations vary based on age. If your child is ages 3-7, read on. If your child is age 8+, read about expectations here.