Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. When should my child, or I, start music lessons?
Everything in music is based on fundamentals. Good posture and hand position are crucial. It’s very important to start lessons with a qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced teacher who will provide a solid foundation of correct posture from the very beginning.
I specialize in developing your children into the most competitive Music students in the greater Houston area. My youngest students started at 3 years old. Both of these girls are still in my class, but now they are holding top chairs in the top orchestras of their local schools. Most of my students stay with me from early childhood through graduation from high school. They are very competitive, holding 1st chairs in different orchestras. Some continue to pursue Music degrees at prestigious universities. My oldest student was 72. She always looked forward to her piano lesson and had a great time. Taking piano and violin lessons after 30 plus years old can really help with focus and memory improvement. Music always brings joy to the soul, so why won’t you learn to play piano or violin for yourself once your children are grown? Give yourself the gift of Music!
2. How many lessons per week should I attend?
It depends how far you want to go! The minimum is one lesson per week. Lesson duration varies from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. The 30 minute lessons are intended for young beginners only. Some students take 45 minute lessons, but most serious students take 60 plus minute lessons and/or take two lessons a week. Some of them are learning to play both piano and violin at my studio.
3. Where should I get instruments?
I don’t have instruments for sale or rent. You’ll need to provide your own instrument, but I can listen to violins that you are considering to purchase elsewhere. There are a lot of music stores where you can purchase new or refurbished pianos as well. I’ll be glad to give you my opinion when you are ready to make a purchase.
4. Are weekend lessons available?
I don’t give regular lessons on weekends. However, I give 3 workshops a year which are on Saturdays. I also teach extra lessons upon request for competition preparation.
5. Why should my child take music lessons?
When your child applies to college, music can make all the difference. I can give several examples of my students, even non-music majors, who were asked detailed questions about their music accomplishments.
Yash was asked questions about violin during his interview to Rice University. Ultimately Yash chose the University of Texas where he studies Biochemistry and is in the Health Science Scholars (HSS) program where only 30 were accepted from around 1,000 applicants from all over the USA. Sadia had similar questions about piano during her interview at University of California, Berkeley where she was accepted and will pursue an engineering degree. Tony recently received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology, but his love of Music never faded. He started his own band and currently performs in Houston.
Jillan is about to graduate with a Business degree from the University of Texas, but he was accepted as a music major to Jacobs School of Music in Indiana University, Northwestern University, and Cleveland Institute of Music. Circumstances may have led him to a non-music major at UT, but he still had great success in music while there. Jillan was Concert Master of both the UT University Orchestra and the Volunteer Chamber Orchestra. He was also a member of the UT Symphony Orchestra which is a Music Major orchestra.
