Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Skip Grades?
Generally, skipping grades is not a good idea as the student will miss large areas of technical work and repertoire. Higher grades mean more difficult technical requirements, which have should be developed as the student progresses through each grade.
If the student wishes to advance quickly then my answer is to work harder. Doing 2 grade levels in a 1 to 1.5 years is not unheard of for the ambitious student.
If the student wishes to advance quickly then my answer is to work harder. Doing 2 grade levels in a 1 to 1.5 years is not unheard of for the ambitious student.
Do I have to do Exams?
I encourage all my students to sit for both practical and theory exams. It gives an independent indication to the student on their progress relative to a set achievement.
There are a number of different Piano exams available - from the tradition AMEB to Piano for Leisure.
Trinity has a Piano, Piano Accompanying, Piano Duet and Piano Six Hands exam series.
There are a number of different Piano exams available - from the tradition AMEB to Piano for Leisure.
Trinity has a Piano, Piano Accompanying, Piano Duet and Piano Six Hands exam series.
How Much Practice should I do?
Most importantly, your practice should be focussed and planned. Plan to work on certain technical issues in a piece rather than just play the piece from beginning to end - you will not fix the problem spots unless they are isolated and fixed.
Be focussed. Switching off while practising is one of the single biggest factors in lack of improvement by students. Students must learn to concentrate while learning anything new.
As a guide, the following are the minimum amount of daily practice for a student:
Preliminary: 20 mins
Grades 1-3: 30-40+ mins
Grades 4-6: 50-60+ mins
Grades 7-8: 90+ mins
Most adults will agree, the older you get the less time you have. This is a difficult concept for the child or teenager to grasp, so it is vital that while the student is young they take the opportunity that their free time allows for, to progress as quickly as possible. This is achievable by working hard, not by skipping grades.
Be focussed. Switching off while practising is one of the single biggest factors in lack of improvement by students. Students must learn to concentrate while learning anything new.
As a guide, the following are the minimum amount of daily practice for a student:
Preliminary: 20 mins
Grades 1-3: 30-40+ mins
Grades 4-6: 50-60+ mins
Grades 7-8: 90+ mins
Most adults will agree, the older you get the less time you have. This is a difficult concept for the child or teenager to grasp, so it is vital that while the student is young they take the opportunity that their free time allows for, to progress as quickly as possible. This is achievable by working hard, not by skipping grades.
Acoustic or a Digital Piano?
Without question, an Acoustic Piano.
If the student is serious about playing the piano, then it should be an Acoustic Piano.
Beginners may only have access to a digital piano and this is sufficient for a few years, but if a student wishes to pursue Piano at the HSC or Graded exam level, then I must insist on an acoustic piano.
If the student is serious about playing the piano, then it should be an Acoustic Piano.
Beginners may only have access to a digital piano and this is sufficient for a few years, but if a student wishes to pursue Piano at the HSC or Graded exam level, then I must insist on an acoustic piano.
Do I have to do Theory Exams?
If the student is doing Graded Piano exams, then yes.
There is a minimum requirement for Grade 5 and above practical exams, and that requirement is to have passed the set level Theory exam.
There is a minimum requirement for Grade 5 and above practical exams, and that requirement is to have passed the set level Theory exam.
My Child Does not seem to be Progressing Fast Enough.
Is your child focussed when they practice?
Is the Child doing the right kinds of practice?
Is the environment suitable for focussed practice?
External and internal factors can affect practice and ultimately progress.
During the lesson, I will discuss with student the most suitable ideas to practice something difficult, and this is noted in their practice diary. Students need to follow this advice, otherwise it will take longer to achieve the desired result.
Consistent practice times and having a daily routine is also important.
Is the Child doing the right kinds of practice?
Is the environment suitable for focussed practice?
External and internal factors can affect practice and ultimately progress.
During the lesson, I will discuss with student the most suitable ideas to practice something difficult, and this is noted in their practice diary. Students need to follow this advice, otherwise it will take longer to achieve the desired result.
Consistent practice times and having a daily routine is also important.
Do I have to do Technical Work?
Yes. Advanced Piano playing requires a solid technique. Students cannot expect to play the exciting music or their favourite Pop songs without at solid scale and arpeggio knowledge and reading ability.
At what age should a child start Lessons?
It really depends on the temperament of the child.
At least a basic reading and counting ability is required as well as a good concentration span.
Other factors such as hand development, finger strength and overall coordination needs to be taken into consideration.
Depending on the child, a 4 year old will take up to 3 years to be at a level to attempt their first exam. Before that, the completion of any of the method books for learning the Piano is important. Generally, most of the levels need to be completed before the student is ready to transition into the demands of AMEB exams.
At least a basic reading and counting ability is required as well as a good concentration span.
Other factors such as hand development, finger strength and overall coordination needs to be taken into consideration.
Depending on the child, a 4 year old will take up to 3 years to be at a level to attempt their first exam. Before that, the completion of any of the method books for learning the Piano is important. Generally, most of the levels need to be completed before the student is ready to transition into the demands of AMEB exams.
At what age should a younger beginner do their first Exam?
Age may be irrelevant as it will be the piano ability of a young child as the deciding factor.
The step to doing the first AMEB exam - Preliminary, is a large one and it could take 3 years to get to the level required.
The AMEB have the P-PLate Piano Series which is designed for the young beginner in mind. The repertoire is achievable for a younger learner and their is a NON-GRADED evaluation available at the exam of each of the 3 levels. The student receives a certificate for their achievement and is a pleasant first experience for a young child in the 'exam' situation. It is a highly recommended first 'exam' for the younger beginner, if doing exams are the main goal for students and parents.
The step to doing the first AMEB exam - Preliminary, is a large one and it could take 3 years to get to the level required.
The AMEB have the P-PLate Piano Series which is designed for the young beginner in mind. The repertoire is achievable for a younger learner and their is a NON-GRADED evaluation available at the exam of each of the 3 levels. The student receives a certificate for their achievement and is a pleasant first experience for a young child in the 'exam' situation. It is a highly recommended first 'exam' for the younger beginner, if doing exams are the main goal for students and parents.