A. The Instrument - the highest and best quality that you can possibly afford is the biggest determining factor to success.BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATIONS
FOR SUCCESSFUL PIANO LESSONS
1. A standard acoustical piano is best. Experience shows that the higher quality instrument encourages more eagerness to practice and longer practice sessions. Students with high quality instruments usually take lessons longer and play better, easier and faster.
2. A piano will appreciate in value if cared for properly.
a. Have your piano tuned before lessons begin. Plan to tune the piano at least once, preferably twice or more a year.
b. Place piano on an inside wall away from direct sun and out of drafts from windows and heating/cooling vents. Variations in temperature/humidity causes poor intonation.
c. Wash and dry hands thoroughly before playing the piano. Teach respect for the instrument from the beginning.
B. Listening equipment
1. CD Player is the first choice and essential for best progress.
a. A "boom box" or other more sophisticated equipment with good sound/tone and programmability needs to be available to the student at all times.
b. For ease of use and quality of tone, CD players are the best, followed and supported by tape players.
2. Good quality tape recorder(s) with good sound and tone control.
a. Auto reverse or continuous play tape recorder for uninterrupted hours of listening is the first choice.
b. Ask the teacher about variable speed tape recorders that can match the pitch of your piano.
C. Comfort and Security at the instrument is essential.
1. Proper seating in a requirement to begin lessons. The student must be secure and comfortable at the piano at all times. Students need to be at proper level to play correctly and to produce good tone. Dangling feet can cause back pain and shorten practice sessions prematurely.
2. Adjustable benches and footstools come in several styles and colors, unfinished and finished to match your piano. Samples are available in the studio.
D. Supplies
1. The teacher will provide a notebook with pockets at the first lesson.
2. Purchase stars, stickers, stamps etc. for daily practice record keeping and other positive re-enforcement items.
3. Purchase several CD high quality blank 100-minute tapes for music.
4. Purchase several high quality blank VHS tapes for lessons and "Piano Party Performance" recordings.
5. Prepare your camera loaded with film and batteries.
6. Purchase a scrapbook for pictures, programs, awards, etc. related to musical experiences. Make sure to attend each one and make a "big deal" of the child's participation in musical events such as recitals and other performances.