FAQ

1. Do you conduct online lessons?

Yes, I do.  Logistically students only need the following:

• camera (either handphone or tablet) to be placed on top of student’s piano for a top-down view of the piano keys and students’ fingers
• device (preferably with a bigger screen such as a laptop) to refer to teacher’s piano screen
• Zoom app

A 10-minute test-run can be done to test the set-up between student and teacher.

2. We do not have a piano yet, and yet wish to commence lessons for our kid.  What can we do?

A brand new acoustic piano can cost between SGD 3,500 (for a beginner model) to SGD 12,000 (for a high-end exam model).   Understandably, parents may not wish to make such a hefty investment before ascertaining if their child is really interested in learning the instrument.  Parents can start off with a 61-key portable keyboard (eg Yamaha, Casio) which is easily obtainable for around SGD 300 –  SGD 400.  This keyboard can last the child for the initial 1 ~ 2 years of foundation building, during which time the child’s level of interest and aptitude should have become apparent.  If the child shows interest in continuing the pursuit, parents can then upgrade to an acoustic piano.

 3. What’s the earliest age that my child can commence one-on-one piano lessons?

The ideal age is 6 years old, when the child is able to read and recognize words and characters, and their attention span is steady enough to follow and absorb instructions.  Kids younger than 6 years old need a lot of visual and sound stimulation, hence I would recommend that parents enroll their child in group classes tailored especially for young beginners, such as the Junior Music Course conducted by Yamaha.

4. Do you also teach adults?

Yes, I teach adults also.  But as adults have work and family commitments, I will usually discuss with the adult student his or her objective in learning the piano i.e. whether it is for leisure or accreditation, and structure the lessons accordingly.

5. Am I too old to learn the piano?

No, it’s never too late to start learning the piano.   Of all things, age should be the least of your concern when deciding whether to pick up the hobby.  With determination and consistent practice, it is my firm belief that everybody can learn to play and enjoy the piano at varying degrees.  Whilst not all will turn out to be piano teachers or concert pianists,  it is my firm belief that everybody can at least be taught to belt out a tune for personal enjoyment.  If it will encourage you at all, I started learning the piano formally only when I was 25 years old (all the while working full-time as an accountant), and went on to become a teacher.   It is a feat that I remain very proud of, even to this day.  I have never had any regrets following my childhood dream.  🙂

6. Do you teach at home or at students’ place?

I am open to both.  However, the areas that I travel to are predominantly in the East (eg Marine Parade, Siglap, East Coast Road, Bayshore Road, Bedok, etc)

7.  What’s the duration of each lesson?

The usual duration is as follows:

• Beginners (6 years and older) ~ 45 minutes
• Grades 1 to 4 ~ 45 minutes
• Grades 5 to 8 ~ 1 hour

8. What are your charges like?

Charges start from SGD130 for 4 lessons, and progressively go up with each additional grade.  For actual quotation, please give me a call at HP 9826 6274.