So are these group lessons?
YES! But probably not what most people think of when they hear “group.”
At PianoBuzz, each lesson (for ages 6-17) is 60-minutes long, with a handful of students working side by side but independently for the first 30 minutes of each lesson, then the directly with me for the remaining 30 minutes.
Because of the longer lesson time, I’m able to work with each student one-on-one, helping students learn new piano skills and great songs. We also get to spend a few minutes playing music games together or playing piano as a group during “Ensemble Jams.”
It’s a lot like having the best of both worlds...like taking private lessons with friends!
How much are piano lessons?
For the 2022-23 lesson season (September-May), piano lessons at PianoBuzz Studios are $94 per month. Whether lessons are in-person or online (for out-of-state students), the monthly fee includes one lesson per week (typically) along with an extra bonus lesson each month where we sharpen our piano skills through piano games.
There is also a Registration Fee of $27 (for ages 5-6) and $64 (for ages 6+) which provides just about everything a young musician will need for the year, including printed music, motivational incentives, and for students ages 6 and up, a Premium Membership and full home access to the awesome Piano Marvel program, September through May.
What’s the best age for a child to start taking piano lessons?
Great question! It really depends on the child, as each kiddo is wildly and wonderfully unique.
Some kids as young as 3 years old can experience success at the piano (think “Suzuki Method”), provided Mom or Dad is participating in every lesson and supervising all home practice.
At PianoBuzz, I offer piano lessons beginning at 5 years old. I love introducing these young musicians to the amazing Supersonics Jr. or Perfect Start series.
At this young age, we work one-on-one to begin learning independence at the keyboard, distinguishing right hand from left, finding our way around the keyboard, learning basic note types and rhythms, and beginning to read music on the page.
A majority of my students start taking piano lessons around age 6, 7 or 8 (sometimes a little older). These kids are a little more independent and have a great time learning songs on their own and playing with their lesson friends in Ensemble Jams or music games. They’re really able to dive right into the Piano Marvel program and begin playing great songs right away!
In my experience, there are three basic qualities more important than age when determining whether or not your child is ready for piano lessons:
1. S/he’s really interested in music and the piano, specifically
2. S/he can focus for at least 5 minutes at a time (the longer, the better)
3. S/he can follow directions well (without needing several reminders)
If your child has these qualities, an age-appropriate piano lesson program will definitely get your young musician started on a great path toward musical fun and success!
How can I get my child started?
First, there is a 27-page application that must be completely filled out, preferably in a language other than your own. Then there’s a lengthy background check. And a waiting period.
Once cleared, you will need to meet my dogs' approval.
Kidding. It’s actually very easy to get started!
We simply find a time that works with both our schedules to meet for the first lesson (free lesson, I should add*).
That first lesson will help us figure out if piano lessons at PianoBuzz would be a good fit for your child.
If YES, then we work together to find a convenient lesson time for you and your family, a short registration form and invoice show up in your email inbox, you pay the registration & first month piano fees online (easy peazy), and you’re IN!
Do I have to have a piano at home?
Yes! You will definitely want to have a piano or digital keyboard at home. (Especially If you want to maximize your fun at the keys, and have all those Christmas party sing-alongs;)
Ideally, the keyboard has as close to 88 keys as possible and is touch-sensitive so it can play quietly or loudly depending on how hard you strike the key (very important!).
If you don’t want to spend too much right away, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to look for used keyboards, especially if you expand your search to Champaign, Peoria, Bloomington and St. Louis.
Also, friends and neighbors often seem to have secret stashes of keyboards for some reason; once you put the word out that you’re looking for a keyboard, someone might just give you one!
Do you offer a sibling discount?
You betcha!
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
Absolutely! That's the best way for you to see how it all goes down at PianoBuzz (plus, we can learn a few songs together while you're there;).
How can I use The Piano Marvel program at home?
Great question! Piano Marvel provides an exciting, fresh approach to home practice. All PianoBuzz students ages 6+ are encouraged to use the app at home in one of two ways: with a digital keyboard connected to a compatible electronic device or with an acoustic piano (or non-connected digital keyboard), and the app is used as a sound source.
If the keyboard is connected to the proper electronic device, students are able to receive passing scores on their songs at home, which is an incredibly motivating way to practice!
Click HERE for a short tutorial on how to get setup with Piano Marvel at home.
Do I have to sign a contract for lessons?
There are no contracts at PianoBuzz Studios. All lessons are purchased on a month-by-month basis, and students may discontinue lessons at any time.
How old are you, Miss Debbie (kids like to ask)?
Older than you. (Probably.)