Where is the Piano Studio located?
The Studio is located at a private residence in Westfield, Indiana, at 161st/Meridian.
What ages are accepted into the studio?
All ages are welcome. A student may begin lessons once they know numbers, letters, and have attention span to stay at a task for 15 minutes. There is no age limit to learn the piano.
How long are the lessons? When do they take place?
Lessons are taught weekly or biweekly at 30/45/60 minutes duration, as needed, to ensure each student’s progresses. The lessons are scheduled Monday-Friday, 10am-9pm, according to the instructor’s availability.
How is tuition paid?
The tuition is set to monthly payments and is to be paid on the first lesson of each month. For the current lesson fees, check out the Policy page.
How involved does a parents need to be in their child’s learning to play piano process?
The Parent’s role in a student’s piano study is indispensable. Parents are encouraged to sit in the lessons to observe and continue to implement the learned material at home during the practicing.
What methods do the students learn?
The students begin their studies with Russian School of methodology, using Gorin’s “Tales of Musical Journey” method. Upon completion of 2 books at the individual pace, the students progress to classical musical repertoire. Supplementary addition of non-classical materials is encouraged to be studies alongside the classical selections. In addition, students work on sightreading skills and technical skills via etudes, scales, and chords.
Do the students learn Music Theory?
Music Theory is additionally taught in monthly group Music Theory classes. The knowledge learned in the group classes is then reinforced in weekly.
What performing opportunities are offered to piano students?
The studio conducts 2 recitals each year: mandatory Fall Recital and Honors Spring Recital. In addition to the recitals, optional monthly studio classes take place at the studio on Saturdays, where students perform for one another, learn to provide constructive feedback and to be good audience members, as well as enjoy each other’s company, snacks, and activities. Competitive opportunities are offered to interested students upon teacher’s approval.
What kind of instrument do the students need to practice on?
Students must have access to acoustical pianos for daily practicing. Electronic instrument is not a viable option to learn to play piano.
What are the student’s practicing requirements?
Students are expected to practice 5-6 days a week on an acoustic piano for the time duration suggested by the teacher. The length of practicing time may be anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours and beyond, depending on the student’s level of skill and repertoire being prepared.
What are the benefits of studying piano?
The benefits of studying a musical instrument are innumerable, with new studies coming up repeatedly… You may read up a few articles below.
What can I do to help my child to practice well?
The most effective practicing is regular consistent practicing that is part of the student’s daily routine. If practicing in one sitting proves to be too much, break down the practicing into two time slots, focusing on different part of the assignments during those times. (For example, 15 minutes before the school bus in the morning to work on memorizing one piece and sightreading for 5 minutes. Later, 15 minutes after dinner, focusing on playing other pieces without mistakes.)
All students will need parents’ assistance in their practicing at some point. Some students, especially early beginners, will only progress with parents’ attentive observation and guidance during the entire practicing session. Older students will benefit from parents listening through their pieces at the end of their independent practicing session.
Check out the articles below for additional practicing ideas:
When is my child ready for a competition or contest?
A good sign that a student is ready to participate in extra competitions and contests is the student’s love for performing on stage and in front of family and members. Competitive opportunities come in many different “shapes and sizes” to fit individual needs, ranging from single judge evaluations to international stage with a panel of multiple judges. To successfully compete in any given setting, the student must be well prepared. If you are interested in participating in extra competitive opportunities, discuss with your teacher and start working extra to present well.
How do I join the Piano Studio?
Contact the instructor Olga Lukantsov with your availability. An initial interview meeting will be scheduled, during which you can visit the studio, meet the instructor, and discuss the piano study in further details.