Your piano lesson questions, answered

Learning the piano is a great way to begin your musical journey. The keyboard is laid out in a very visual, easy-to-understand design and students can begin making music immediately. Sound is produced with a basic technique and the simple pressing of the keys — most other instruments require two actions to create one sound. Lessons are individually tailored, allowing you to learn in a direction and at a speed that suits your needs.

Age is definitely not a limiting factor when taking on the piano. While many students begin at an early age (4 or 5), you can begin learning at any age. Our current students range from 4 to 74, with many beginning their first lessons after the age of 50.

Owning a piano is not essential in the early stages. It is possible to start with only a five-octave keyboard (around $250) to see if a student is interested. An even better option, if possible, is a full-size (88-key) digital piano with weighted key action to give a similar feel to a real piano — these range from around $750 (e.g. the Yamaha P45) up to the stylish Yamaha CLP range, which starts around the $1,800 mark.

Students can begin with as little as 20 minutes per day. Practice requirements are designed around each student's individual needs, so the amount is flexible. Students benefit greatly from a consistent routine — and for younger students, this helps develop a strong sense of commitment and perseverance.

Absolutely. Whether you dabbled at primary school 20 years ago or have years of playing experience and are looking for a new direction, lessons are designed to suit your individual interests and needs. Lessons are conducted in a relaxed, fun and friendly way — without judgment or unreasonable expectations — to help you reach your full potential at your own pace.

Yes. Online lessons are available for students interstate, internationally, or simply on the other side of Melbourne who find it too far to travel. Current students take FaceTime lessons from as far away as Tasmania, Queensland and even the UK. Online lessons are also helpful if a student is unable to attend the occasional weekly lesson in person. They can be undertaken with a laptop, iPad or even a phone (Apple or Samsung).

We would recommend 5–10 lessons to gauge what is involved in taking on an instrument such as the piano.

Yes — we have over 35 years of experience preparing students for every aspect of VCE music. This includes exam preparation in solo performance of contemporary piano, classical piano, electric bass and contemporary guitar. Group performance programs and ensemble playing are also catered for. Students may also need help with aural development, general VCE theory and the analysis aspects of both Year 11 and 12 music.