Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I practice?

I recommend practicing 4 times a week. If time allows, practicing 5 times a week is an excellent goal. Students should practice for roughly 30 minutes total "per day" but, whenever possible, that 30 minutes should be broken into 15 minute sessions. Studies and personal experience have shown that these "mini" sessions are more enjoyable and promote faster growth.

Can I leave my child at lesson while I stay in my car/run errands?

People 12 and up are fine to stay unattended in my waiting room or in lesson. The building is locked by passcode, so only my students and the students/parents of other music studios are allowed in the building.

Can I have food or drinks in the waiting room?

Drinks are welcome, but I prefer no food in my waiting room.

Do I need a piano/keyboard before starting lessons? What type?

You will need a piano or keyboard within the first 1-2 months of lessons. But, if you don't have one when you start that is okay! A piano or keyboard can be expensive, however, without one at home, it is essentially impossible for a student to progress past the first few lessons. Piano lessons, from any teacher, will not work without a student having the ability to practice outside of lessons.

I am happy to answer any questions about what pianos/keyboards would work well, either in person or over text/email. Pianos breakdown into two categories: keyboards (electronic pianos) and pianos (acoustic pianos). With some caveats listed below, either option will work just fine.

Keyboards need to have weighted keys. "Weighted keys" refers to resistance when pressing a key that allows a person to play both loudly and softly. The "weight" or resistance mimics an acoustic piano, allowing an easy transfer of skills between both keyboards and pianos. Some of the cheapest keyboards do not have weighted keys and these will not work for lessons. Some keyboards only have 61 keys, i.e. they have fewer notes than pianos. These smaller keyboards are just fine for the first 2-3 years of lessons. Any new keyboard with weighted keys and at least 61 keys will be $200+. The advantages of keyboards over pianos are that, with just one purchase, they can have over a decade life span, are easy to move, and never require tuning.

Acoustic pianos, even used, are usually superior to keyboards. You should always check before purchasing that all the keys still function well. Acoustic pianos can be difficult to move and require tuning at least once every 2-3 years. A tune can cost anywhere from $120-300. However, because of the moving difficulty, pianos are often found free or for very cheap on FB marketplace. A used acoustic piano with a new tune could be your cheapest and best sounding option if you have a way to move it.

Your question wasn't answered here?

Please ask in lesson, email ReelMusicStudioOKC@gmail.com, or text 405 778 3425!

Do you teach students under the age of 8?

I generally do not. I will occasionally teach a 7 year old if they are turning 8 soon, or have a family member who plays piano and can help at home. Children 7 and below are in a different stage of brain development than children 8 and up. This means that their needs in music education can be very different. I recommend a Kindermusik class for any student below 8. Kindermusik is a great way for younger kids to experience and enjoy music in short, age appropriate activities. Kindermusik can be a great stepping stone for piano or any other instrument students may learn later in life.