Questions about lessons
How old does a student have to be?
Young beginners start from age six, when hands and reading are ready for a weekly lesson. Adults of every age take lessons here, and nobody is too old to start.
I played as a child. Can I pick it up again?
Yes. Many of our adult students did. At a placement visit you play what you remember, or nothing at all, and a teacher begins from there.
Do I need a piano at home?
You need something with keys you can practice on every few days. A weighted digital keyboard is a good place to begin. Ask your teacher before you buy or rent, and ask the front desk about a keyboard to borrow.
What is a placement visit?
A short visit with one of our teachers. You play or talk about what you want to play, a teacher listens, and we match you with a teacher and a weekly time. Nobody is graded.
How long is a lesson?
Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes, once a week. Young beginners usually start with 30; adults often choose 45 or 60. Your teacher suggests a length at your placement visit.
Do students have to play in a recital?
No. Every student chooses. The spring recital and the adult evening are open to anyone who wants to play, and to anyone who would rather listen.
Can a parent sit in on a lesson?
Yes. A parent is welcome to sit in on a young student's lessons, and the front room has a bench for waiting.
What happens when a lesson is missed?
A lesson you cancel with a day's notice is made up within the term, and a lesson your teacher cancels always is.
Do you teach students who live outside Brookings?
Yes. Students come from the towns around us. We put a family's lessons back to back where we can, and we move a lesson when the roads close.
How does tuition work?
Lesson length and the teacher's level set it. We give you the figures in writing at your placement visit, and we explain the rest then.
Still wondering?
Send us a message or call the front desk during lesson hours.